Page 23 of Never Too Late
A smile crept on to my face. My hand shook as I pressed the button. Sash let out a squeal of excitement.
What the hell if!
‘Oh my God! You’re going to live in Paris!’ Sasha sounded even more excited than me. ‘That is so cool!’
‘Come with me!’ I said, taking her hands. Immediately, I let go and shook my head. ‘Sorry. No, I shouldn’t have asked that.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because it’s not fair. You have friends, and a life here. A job.’
‘Mum. It’s only Paris, not the moon. And, right now, my job is being a YouTuber. I can do that anywhere. I mean, just the thought of the content I could make in Paris… Argh!’ She squidged her whole body in excitement.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Mum. I’ve been dying to ask you if I could tag along but I didn’t want to get in your way. I mean, this is something you need to do for you. Ghosts you need to put to rest and all that. Plus, I wouldn’t want to cramp your style.’
‘Oh, darling. Why didn’t you say something?’
‘See above?’
‘I’d be so thrilled if you wanted to come. The apartment has two bedrooms anyway and we can each do our own thing so we’re not in living in the other’s pocket. But only if you’re absolutely sure.’
‘Mum, I’m sure. I’m literally going to start packing the minute I get back.’
‘What about your flat here?’
‘Jenny’s been dropping hints that her sister is looking for a flat share in London. This way, I get to jump before I’m pushed.’
‘You didn’t tell me that was going on.’
She shrugged. ‘No need. Dealt with now anyway.’
I opened my mouth to speak but Sasha carried on.
‘Look, Mum. I know you can do this on your own. You’re amazing. I know you don’t believe that but I do. I know it. And hopefully, this move, even if it’s temporary, will help you see that too.’
‘I’m not taking you if you’re going to keep making me cry,’ I said, pulling Sash in for a hug. ‘Thank you,’ I whispered.
‘Oh my God!’ she squealed as we sat back. ‘We’re going to live in Paris! Are you calling Dad?’ she asked as I picked up my phone from the coffee table.
‘No.’ I pressed the contact name, then speaker. ‘Ashok. This is all his fault.’
‘Isn’t it like three in the morning in India?’
‘He’s in Spain this week, scoping out that new hotel he’s got his eye on.’
‘Evening,’ the accented voice drifted down the line.
‘How’s the hotel?’
‘Good. They’re trying to play hardball, though.’
‘Ah. They don’t realise they’re up against a pro,’ I said, laughter in my voice although I knew my statement to be true.
‘Exactly,’ he replied, amusement lacing his words. ‘But on to more interesting topics. How are you?’
‘I’m fine, thanks. Sash is here too.’
