Page 66 of The Vow We Made
“Did something happen to your hearing in the accident? Wewillpull together and make this work.” Steph interrupts and is hell-bent on making Victoria see she’s fully supported.
Victoria gives her a tight-lipped smile and squeezes her hand back. “You’re the best.”
“I know.”
“You’re also modest.”
“I know that too so don’t waste any more time telling me what I already know. If you two don’t get going, you’ll be late.”
I sweep Victoria up and into my arms then carefully take her out towards our waiting cab while Steph follows behind holding Victoria’s bag and crutches. I hate seeing her struggle down the steps and it’s just a lot quicker for me to carry her. While we descend, Victoria’s gaze is glued to mine and I nearly lose my footing when she flutters her honey eyes at me, but we make it and I ensure we’re fully entwined on the back seat. It’s only been a few days since she agreed to be mine, but already, it feels right. With her arm wrapped around my front and her head against my chest, we’re a natural, comfortable fit. So why is this sheer sense of happiness overshadowed with guilt? Why do I punish myself with a feeling that I have no right to be here, making Victoria happy, when the person she was meant to be with is no longer alive? I didn’t save Andrew Hughes and now I’m sitting in the back of a cab, holding his wife as if she’s always belonged to me. If we’re going to make it, I’ve got blank it out, for now at least. It’s the only way we’re going to make it.
* * *
I already know when something is on her mind. Victoria giggles and talks constantly on an average day, so I’m concerned by her silence on the way home. I can only assume she’s worried about her company and the contract in Scotland. The only way I can help is to hold her and talk through the conversation we had with the doctor.
While we were at the appointment, Steph arranged for Faith to come over and put a plan in place. Now we’re sitting around the kitchen table like Churchill in his war room and the determination from these women to make it work is equally admirable. Victoria’s friends are fiercely loyal and I have no doubt they’ll come up with a solution.
“This contract could make or break me and I refuse to turn it down. I worked so hard to get it and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it work.”
Faith adds a reality check and it’s not one Victoria wants to acknowledge. “I can see how badly you want it, Vickie, but the doctor said it might be another four weeks until the plaster comes off. If that’s the case, you have no chance of working on set yourself, not within the timeframes they want anyway.”
“Shit,” is her response and I don’t help when I give my opinion.
“I’m sorry angel, but there’s no way you’ll be working once it does come off. If you put too much pressure on your ankle too quickly, it will damage it further. The recovery from an injury such as yours is slow and steady.”
“But it doesn’t mean we have to give up.” Faith smiles. “There are ways and means around it and I’ve managed this far without having you around full time, so I’m sure I can carry on.”
Victoria’s face lights up. “If you were willing to take on the head make-up artist role and we hired additional staff to make up the rest of the team, it’s do-able.” Excitement projects through Victoria’s voice and I can see how much this means to her. “In fact, all we need to do—”
Her excitement is suddenly cut down by Faith’s concern. “Running a whole team? I’m not sure I’m ready, Vickie, I’ve never had so much responsibility.”
“But you can do it Faith, you’ve already proved what a savvy businesswoman you are by running the show for me and your talent is far beyond the credit you give yourself. If I can’t do this, you’re the only person who can. I wouldn’t trust anyone else.”
She bites her fingernails and avoids Victoria’s pleading eyes. “I’m not sure.”
“What if I was to go with you?” Steph says. “To the meeting part I mean.” All three of us look at her blankly. “I’m more than qualified.”
“But you’re a photographer.” I try to reason.
“Exactly.” Her eyes widen while she waits for the rest of us to catch up. When we don’t she continues. “And I work with make-up artists and models every day. Obviously, a film set is a little different to a photoshoot but the basics are there. I’ll go with Faith, back her up and we’ll call you for any major decisions.”
“It could work you know,” Faith reassures and Victoria’s expression is one of total relief.
“I mean, if you’re willing—” She smiles my way, waiting for an opinion. This stuff is way over my head. I don’t have any understanding when it comes to the business they’re in. In fact, while they’ve been talking, I’ve been wondering why the hell they thought I should be included in this meeting in the first place. Now Victoria is waiting for an answer, so I do my best to make it sound as if I’ve been following.
“It sounds like a plan.”
Victoria grins. “Oh wow, this might actually happen after all.” Then she thinks again. “But won’t it interfere with your own business?”
Steph shrugs her shoulders. “I’ve finished most of my projects for now, and I’ve booked a couple of weeks out because I knew I had to look after you. I’m positive Faith and I can handle the contract negotiations and if there is a problem, you’re always on the end of a phone.”
“I can’t thank you girls enough.” Victoria beams. “You’ve saved me. Literally.”
“Aiden.” Steph cocks her head and stares my way. Up until this point, I’ve said and done very little to help so I have no idea what she’s got up her sleeve. “I’ll need you to do me a very big favour.”
“Anything Steph. What do you need?”
“You have to move-in.”
