Page 88 of The Happiness Blueprint
“Stupid?” He grabs me now, as if wanting to shake sense into me. “You are an incredible woman, Klara Nilsson. You could never be stupid. Your logic makes more sense to me than anything I’ve ever been told, and you notice things no one else does. And I’m going to make it my job to get you to see what I see. Every single day. In London—if that’s where you’ll be.”
“Seriously? You would move here for me?” My face is dead straight.
“Seriously. I was planning to beg your dad for my old job back, but I think I could do with a fresh start. All you have to do is ask. You know I can never refuse yourplease.”
“Then,please, please move to London with me.”
“Consider the task added. The country doesn’t matter to me. For me, all roads lead to Klara.”
“My Viking font,” I say.
“Klara Nilsson, I love you.”
ALEX
Personal Calendar
• NEW TASK:Cancel apartment lease
• NEW TASK:Arrange for the car to be delivered to new owner
• NEW TASK:Cancel all upcoming appointments with Dr. Hadid
Hanna couldn’t be happier when I called to ask her to step up and take over my workload. I discussed it with Klara and then Peter, and we all agreed she was ready to do so permanently as well.
“Anything, as long as you guys are happy.”
“Thanks, Hanna. I’m going to miss you,” I say, not reflecting on the sentiment until later, and I realize I haven’t just got Klara now, I’ve got this huge work family that I didn’t have three months ago, and I know we will stay close no matter where I live.
Alice is already at a table in the far corner of La Bottega by the time we get there, and I push my way through the clusters of wooden tables and matching chairs, Klara following after.
“Sorry, I’m borderline late,” Klara announces and plonks her backpack rather than herself onto the chair, taking her jacket off and fishing out her tech from the small side pocket.
“I ordered you a latte,” Alice says, pushing a cup toward Klara. “Not sure yet what you drink, Alex, but I’m guessing I’ll find out soon.”
“No problem. I’ll grab something myself.”
After knowing me for four days, she’s not fully won over yet. I get up and walk over to the counter. La Bottega is a swanky deli slash coffee shop with an equal focus on Italian pesticide-free wine and vegan cake, where a small cappuccino sets you back £4.80. You’d think with those prices, a hedge-fund manager runs it, but it’s a bearded Essex boy named Steve.
“Black coffee,” Alice remarks when I return. “Traditional, efficient and to the point.”
“Pretty accurate.”
“Black-coffee drinkers are also more likely to be psychopaths.”
Klara shoots her a look and gets one in return.
“Alice, about the room,” Klara starts, shifting forward on the chair. “I know the lease states single occupancy, but as of last week I am no longer single. I’d very much like to still occupy it. I’m not going to tell you that he won’t take up much space since we both know how tall he is, but he has very few annoying habits and tends to bring home croissants regularly.”
“Oh my gosh. I thought you were going to tell me you were moving out! I thought I’d have to start looking for a new roommate and only see you fortnightly for brunch.”
“Not if you’ll have us,” Klara says.
“Thank you,” I add, and Alice smiles back at me. Since I won’t be stealing Klara from her presently, I’m that much closer to winning her over already.
Klara suddenly sits very quietly.
“Alex, I’ve just forwarded you an email,” she says. “Just look at it. Follow the link because I can’t.”
