“Genuine.”
I sigh. I can’t help but picture his expression when he saw Walsh in my office.
“Have you called him?”
I shake my head.
“You should have. You shouldn’t have just let him leave like that.”
Of course, I told my sister everything. I don’t want to burden her with my problems – she already has enough of her own – but when I got home after class, I was in a terrible mood. Mila noticed right away that something was up.
“You should’ve asked him to go with you tonight.”
That was my intention, but with everything that’s happened over the past few days, it completely slipped my mind. And today… I shake my head without realising, as if trying to erase the memory of him leaving forever, a little ahead of schedule.
“If you like, I can go with you. I’d be happy to.”
“It doesn’t matter. I can go on my own. I’ll have a drink or two and…”
“Maybe three.”
“Maybe three. I’ll chat to a few colleagues, join in with the Secret Santa, then head home.”
Mila hands me the shirt.
“Thanks. You didn’t have to.”
“Do you really think I’d have let you walk around looking like that?” she nods at me. “As if your long face isn’t enough.”
“I’m going to get dressed.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”
“Thanks for the offer, but I can handle this.”
“I know that.”
“What about you? What will you do while I’m gone?”
“Bore myself to death reading one of your huge books.”
“I picked up the latest Sophie Kinsella on the way home. It’s still in the bag.”
“See? I iron your shirts, you plan my evenings.”
“Happy to be of service.”
“You always are.” Mila moves over and hugs me. “I just wish I could help you sometimes, too.”
WHEN I OPENthe door to the street, I find Eric outside, leaning against his car, parked a few metres away along the pavement.
“You? What are you doing here?”
He pushes himself away, one hand in his pocket, the other pushing a rebellious lock of hair from his face.
“Your sister told me about this event.”
“Mila called you?”
