“Oh, shut it,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I know it’s too soon for that. I’m not completely mad.”
“Who says it’s too soon?” he counters, surprising me. “I knew I was in love with Matty ten minutes into her speech at that climate conference. I took one look at that gorgeous, nerdy science girl, passionately defending the preservation of habitat for endangered grouse and…that was it. I had to know her. I followed her around the cocktail party afterward like a puppy, wagging my tail until she finally noticed me and let me fetch her another glass of champagne.”
“That’s a sweet story,” I say.
“It’s a true story,” Edward assures me. “And I’ve never regretted going all in, right from the start. Connections like that are too precious, and too rare, to risk letting them slip away. But then, I’ve never been the best at navigating social situations in the typical way. You’re definitely the cool one.”
I exhale a self-conscious laugh. “I don’t know about that. Better at playing at it, maybe, but deep down… Well, I don’tthink I ever realized what a relief it would be to completely drop the mask with someone.”
“Someone who clearly adores you without it,” Edward murmurs. “I’m happy for you, Olly. Truly.”
I glance up, grateful for this rare, vulnerable conversation. Edward and I have always been close, but we’re also British and from a noble family. Sharing our deepest, squishiest feelings isn’t something society encourages for men like us. We do share an “I love you” now and then, but it’s always a little awkward, and we move on quickly. Like at the luncheon.
He’d never told me how much our night cleaning the birds meant to him before. His speech was the first I’d heard of it.
Suddenly, I want to tell him that we should talk more often. Really talk. And I can’t help but feel like Emily is part of this, too. She really is breaking my heart open in strange and wonderful ways.
Before I can find the words to express my thoughts, however, my phone rings.
I reach for it, a little embarrassed at how disappointed I am that it’s not Em.
“Grandmother,” I tell Edward as I silence the ring. “I should step outside and take it. You know how she is. If I don’t answer, she’ll keep calling until I do.”
Edward glances around at our mostly empty corner of the café. “I think you’re fine to take it here. You won’t be disturbing anyone.” I hesitate, and he adds with a nod toward the door, “And if you step outside, you might have trouble hearing. Looks like Father Christmas is strapping back into his pipes.”
Nodding, I agree, “All right, I’ll be quick.” Accepting the call, I say, “Good morning, Grandmother. How are you on this lovely Monday?”
“Oh, Oliver, darling,I’mlovely on this lovely Monday!” she gushes with a giddiness that’s rare for her. At least whenshe’s sober and discussing something other than her dogs and whatever adorable thing they’ve just done. “And I have wonderful news! Well, not wonderful for dear Gretchen. She’s taken a tumble, the poor thing. Princess Fluffy Nugget was mucking about underfoot again, and one thing led to another, and now we’re in the A&E.”
“Oh, no,” I say, frowning. “Is she all right?” A tumble can be a serious thing at Gretchen’s age.
“She’s fine,” Grandmother hurries to assure me. “Just a hairline fracture on her wrist. Her hip is fine, thank God. That’s always the major concern for people of a certain age. But this has solidified a decision she’s been wrestling with for a while now.” Her voice takes on that gushy note again as she adds, “She’s decided it’s time to rehome Nuggy to a younger family, and she’s chosen yours, darling!”
I blink. “What? Grandmother, you know I adore furry things of all?—”
“I know you do, darling,” she cuts in, steamrolling on before I can explain that adopting a dog might be difficult at the moment. “You’ve always been fantastic with animals. But if I’m frank, it’s Emily who Gretchen truly wants for Nuggy. They had such a powerful connection at the Christmas party. We all agreed it’s Fate that brought her into Nugget’s life at the perfect time. But since you and Emily are together, you’ll get to share in the joy, too. Oh, I’m so happy for you both. Can you put Emily on the line? We should discuss how we move forward from here. There will be papers to sign, of course, and Gretchen would love it if Emily would?—”
“Emily’s not here, Grandmother,” I cut in. “She’s still at her pitch meeting for Fletchers. And I know she adored Nuggy, but I can’t, in good conscience?—”
“Oh, that’s right. That’s today. How could I have forgotten?” she asks with a laugh, clearly planning on ignoring my protestsuntil she gets her way. As usual. “Well, she should be done soon, and news that she’s going to be a dog mum will only add to the causes for celebration.”
I roll my eyes at Edward, earning a wince of sympathy from my brother, who can no doubt hear every word. It’s not like Suze is making any effort to keep her voice down. “She might not get the job, Grandmother. But if she does, and if an opportunity to discuss the possibility of?—”
“Oh, pish, of course she’ll get it,” she cuts in. “She’s already got it. It’s in the bag, as they say. The meeting was a formality.”
My stomach tightens as dread creeps in, like a cold breeze through poorly insulated boards. “What do you mean?”
“I placed a call, Oliver. As soon as I heard your American was here to pitch for the gala,” she says, sounding pleased with herself. “Did you think I wouldn’t? You know I’ve been dear friends with James and his family for years. And what are connections for if not to use them? Emily will be planning that gala and likely several more high-profile events before I’m through.”
“Grandmother, you should have spoken to me first,” I say, torn between patience for the quirks of the older generation and the part of me that’s positive Emily will be furious. “This isn’t the way things are done. Not anymore.”
She makes a dismissive sound. “Oh, pish, Olly, of course it is. This is exactly how things are done. Don’t be naïve. And an American in London needs all the help she can get.”
“I have to go,” I say, dread swelling larger as I begin to suspect this might have something to do with the fact that Emily hasn’t texted. “We’ll discuss this later.”
“I just wanted to make it easier for you two to be together,” Grandmother says. “I thought you’d be pleased.”
“This isn’t about me,” I say. “This is about respecting Emily’s boundaries when it comes to work and our relationship anddog ownership and everything else.” Before she can reply, I add firmly, “I’ll call you later. Please tell Gretchen I hope she feels better soon, but that I can’t confirm anything about the dog at this time.”
