Page 116 of Out of the Shadows
James grins. “We’ve solved the coffee issue, as we’ve bought an all singing, all dancing machine. However, I’m waiting for my HazMat suit to be delivered. I don’t want to take any chances when out and about amongst the locals. Come on, let me show you.” James beckons to Daniel. “The loft extension’s incredible, allowing for 360 degree views over Love’s Harbour and the surrounding countryside. As soon as it’s finished, you and Cosmo must come down, so much better than Elliot and Freddie’s pokey cottage—”
“Oi, our place is not pokey, thank you very much,” Freddie calls after James, as he and Daniel make their way back to the house.
“I’m going to see if Perry needs a hand.” Elliot follows, leaving Freddie and I alone.
“Reckon we should have a top up, don’t you?” Freddie refills our glasses and we take a sip, both of us smiling as our eyes meet.
“What?” I say when Freddie doesn’t drop his gaze.
“You. You’re happy.”
The words are simple, direct, and true. I nod.
“I am.” I dip my head, as my face heats.
“You’ve gone red. Don’t try and hide it.”
I huff and look up into Freddie’s grinning face.
“I guess there’s something to be said for this love malarky after all. I could see it worked for you and Elliot, even for James and Perry—”
“But you never believed in it for yourself. You just had to find the right man to make you believe. And you have. You two look good together.”
You two look good together…
“Fiona said the same thing — a friend,” I explain.
“She’s right. And talking of work, should you really be sleeping with the boss?”
“Hmm, well, it was a bit awkward when we went back to work just after the New Year.” I grimace at the memory. “I could feel everybody watching whenever we were anywhere near each other.”
The conversations that would come to a sudden stop when I walked into the office, or the staff kitchen, or turned a corner in the corridor. The gossiping had died down, though, when it became clear I was getting no special treatment. We’d been headline news, before we became chip paper.
“Daniel, and William Kingsbury, who owns the firm, had a lengthy conversation. As long as there was no partisanship Kingsbury saw no issue. But Daniel’s expertise is immensely valuable to him, so there was never going to be a problem. Besides, Daniel would never do anything to compromise either of us. But it’ll all be academic by the end of next month in any case. His contract will be up and he’s not renewing, despite Kingsbury doing everything he can to change his mind. I’m staying on, though. It’s an exciting, dynamic company now, and that’s pretty much down to Daniel.”
“So what’s next for you both?”
I top up our glasses, giving myself time to answer.
“I’ve just put the house up for rent. There’s already a ton of interest.”
Freddie’s eyes widen. “So you’re officially moving in with him?”
“Yes, I already spend almost all my time at his place, so…” I shrug, wanting to appear cool and nonchalant when inside I’m jumping for joy.
“About bloody time. I was wondering when you were going to pull your finger out and get on with it. Here’s to your new life together. Cheers.”
We tap glasses, and I don’t know who’s smiling the most. Freddie’s right, it is a new life. A new and better life, and the one I never realised I wanted or needed.
At the house, Daniel steps out through the French windows and waves. My heart flips and butterflies beat their wings deep in my stomach.
Daniel, my new and authentic life, who’s waiting for me to join him.
DANIEL
A WEEK LATER
“Daniel, can you help me with my cufflinks? I keep dropping them.”
