Jack laughed to himself. It was like stepping back in time, hearing the banter when they were teenagers. And it was wonderful. Just wonderful.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Ava wasn’t sure how she got through the rest of the day. Half of it was spent wishing she wasn’t at work at all, and the other was thinking about what to do in connection with it. Suddenly everything around her seemed different, as if she didn’t fit at Bateman PR anymore.
She and Nancy had caught up over lunch. Ava had told her everything except her plans about going it alone. The more she thought about those, the more she realised she was glad of the chance to put her plans in motion. Even if it meant putting up with Brendon and working away for a few months.
Georgia was home when she finally got in. Ava felt weary after the Tube journey back, the noise making her ears ring now she was in the silence. Had they always done that and she’d never noticed? Or was it the quiet nature of Sapphire Lake that made her relish a bit of peace and quiet?
Georgia popped her head around the kitchen door as Ava removed her coat and shoes. ‘How was your first day back?’
‘Delightful.’ She rolled her eyes and went to join her daughter. ‘Nancy says hi. Brendon was his usual wonderful self. Honestly, the man is unbelievable at times.’ Ava noticed thetable was set for two, a bottle of wine opened in readiness. ‘Are you expecting someone?’
‘Yes, Uber-eat. I’ve ordered a Thai curry for us. It will be here in a few minutes.’
‘You angel.’ Ava’s shoulders sagged with relief. ‘I don’t think I have the energy to cook.’
‘I wasn’t expecting you to! I can manage by myself, you know.’
‘I do know.’ Ava gave her a hug. ‘I’ve missed you, though.’
‘No you haven’t.’
‘I have!’ Ava sounded wounded. ‘You’re my everything, Georgia.’
‘Which sounds extremely sad, and a lonely place to be.’ The doorbell went, and Georgia rushed to the door. ‘Sit, make yourself comfy as I want to hear all about your day.’
‘Where to start.’ Ava sighed.
The food dished out, wine poured, Ava and Georgia settled into small talk while they ate. When she told her daughter about the promotion, Georgia screwed up her face.
‘Do you really want to work for him for the rest of your life?’
‘I haven’t told you his plans yet.’
Ava continued, and Georgia’s face became more animated. She ended up putting her fork down in disgust at one time.
‘That man,’ she cried. ‘You and Nancy have practically run Bateman PR for the past few years. All he’s done is wine and dine on your good work.’
‘I know but I need the job.’ She paused, wondering whether to let her in on her plans. Then she decided, what the hell. ‘I’m thinking of going it alone.’
Georgia’s eyes widened. Her meal finished, she reached for the wine bottle and pointed to the door. ‘Ithink this calls for comfier seats while you tell me all about it.’
They sat either end of the settee, and ten minutes later, Ava was so excited that she was almost in tears.
‘You should have done this years ago, Mum,’ Georgia told her. ‘You’re so talented. You could have made a fortune.’
‘It wasn’t the right time.’
‘The right time is never, didn’t you tell me that once?’
Ava smiled. She had.
‘I guess I was set in my ways with your dad. He was the breadwinner, he made the decisions. Can you imagine him stepping aside for me to do something for myself? He would have laughed at me.’
It was then she realised it had been the same at work. She’d stuck with Brendon for nine years, scared to move on or do something for herself. And yet once Giles had left, she’d got through their divorce, the sale of their beloved home, and the purchase of a smaller flat that she’d made as homely as possible. All those things added up to someone who was stronger than she’d given herself credit for.
‘Mum,’ Georgia prompted. ‘Where is your heart right now?’
