‘When robins appear, loved ones are near,’ said Edward.
‘Isn’t that about the dead?’ she asked.
‘Yes, I think so,’ he answered and they stood and watched the bird for a while until, with a shake, it flew away.
‘Any dead relatives you’re expecting a message from?’ she asked with a laugh.
‘Nope, I mean my parents are still alive, so maybe a grandparent? What about you?’
‘Are your parents still around? That’s nice. Do they see the children?’
Edward shrugged. ‘They live in Spain. It’s been hard to see them lately with everything going on. And Amber, well she didn’t like them very much so yes, it was difficult to connect with them the way they wanted.’
‘A shame for Flora not to know them well,’ she said. ‘And Myles.’
They turned and walked towards the house.
‘Yes, Myles was always welcomed and cared for by my parents but Amber drove a wedge in there.’
‘That’s hard,’ she said.
‘I feel like you’re avoiding me and it’s not just about Myles and your family.’
‘No, not at all,’ she lied.
She would fly away with the robin before she admitted to him that she had once held a candle for him.
‘I worry and when I worry I can’t write,’ he said.
Eve looked at him as they walked. ‘You have to learn to push through that feeling. Writing should be an escape.’
‘I never have learned how to separate very well,’ he said. ‘Perhaps I have a boundary issue with my publishers and editors.’
Eve wanted to roll her eyes. ‘No doubt,’ she said as they got to the house. Eve kicked the snow off her boots and opened the door.
‘The only advice I can give you is to never shit where you eat,’ she said with a sweet smile and she walked inside.
‘What do you mean?’ He seemed confused.
‘I mean, don’t get into a personal relationship with your publisher or editor, because it will never end well. You will find you have crossed more boundaries than Genghis Khan and all that is left is destruction and drama.’
Edward frowned. ‘I’m lost. What are you talking about, Eve?’
‘You, me – it’s not going to happen,’ she said.
Edward seemed shocked. ‘I didn’t think it was. I thought we were friendly, that’s all. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression or if I made you feel uncomfortable.’
Now Eve felt stupid and presumptuous. ‘I mean, sure, I just… I guess, being here.’ She stumbled over her words.
‘Did you think I was making a move on you or something?’
‘It does happen,’ she said.
Edward stopped walking. ‘I have simply enjoyed having another adult here who I can talk writing with and who seems to care about everyone here. It’s just lovely, Eve, and I and the children are so grateful for your company.’
His sincerity was real and Eve felt silly for assuming his need for connection was more than that.
‘I’m sorry for assuming your intentions were anything other than friendly.’ She laughed. ‘Intentions – I sound like Elizabeth Bennet.’
