I have a lot of work ahead of me, but if I’m looking at the numbers in front of me correctly… Ishouldbe able to turn a profit right away.
It’s just going to take a little bit of creativity and fundraising.
I can do this.
Grinning, I stand up from my seat and take the stairs down to the kitchen. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to need my energy, so a cup of tea is in order.
I’m halfway down the stairs when my phone buzzes again, but this time, the number on the screen isn’t unfamiliar.
It’s my mother.
My fingers hover over the decline button, but guilt wins out. Sighing, I accept the call.
“Mum?”
“Darling,” she greets, clipped and formal as always. “It’s been too long since I’ve heard from you.”
Two weeks isn’t too long,I think but don’t say. I’d stopped explaining myself years ago, but her voice always manages to stir something restless in me.
“I’ve been busy,” I offer, climbing the last few steps and leaning against the railing. “How are things?”
“Busy, as well. I just had lunch with the Hastings and, naturally, they asked about you. I had to make excuses for why you weren’t at the gala last weekend. You know, Sophie, people notice when you’re absent.”
There it is. The reminder of the life I left behind—the curated image, the endless social events, the suffocating expectations I’d fought so hard to escape.
“I live in California now, Mum,” I say, a hint of steel in my voice. “People are going to have to get used to my absence.”
A pause. Then, “And Julian?”
“Julian’s wonderful.”
And we’re currently entertaining thoughts about one of his oldest friends.
I don’t add that part.
“Well,” she sighs, and I picture her swirling a glass of wine in her hand, peering down at the world from the balcony of her pristine country estate. “I hope you two aren’t gettingtoo comfortable. You’re still young. Don’t get complacent. Opportunities don’t last forever, Sophie. Once this littletravel bugends, I fully expect the two of you to return to London. And I truly hope Julian is happy, so far from his family. It would be a shame if he no longer found your restless energy adorable.”
My jaw clenches. It’s a thinly veiled nudge, one she’s been repeating since I moved abroad. She doesn’t say it outright, but I know what she means.Julian could leave. You could end up alone.She’s been predicting the downfall of my marriage since the day I told her we were moving, and she’s somehow gotten it in her head that I’m at fault for dragging us away from that life.
“I’m not complacent, Mum. I’m building something here. A bookstore, actually.”
The silence that follows is heavy.
“A bookstore?” Her tone is pure disbelief, like I’d just announced I’d run away to join the circus.
“Yes. I’m looking at a space this week,” I say, forcing my voice to stay light. “I’m really excited about it.”
“I see. And will this… bookstore pay the mortgage? Or is that still Julian’s responsibility?”
“Mum.” My voice drops, but the warning is clear.
“I’m just asking, Sophie. You know I want the best for you. You were raised for a certain life?—”
“I know exactly what I was raised for,” I cut in, unable to hide the sharpness in my tone. The sound of the front door opening is a perfect distraction. “Actually, Mum, Julian just got home. I need to go. I’ll call you soon.”
“Give the viscount my regards,” she says, hanging up before I get a chance to gag at her use of his formal title.
Pocketing my phone, I take a deep breath. I won’t let her bring this exciting moment down. I’ve worked too hard to pull away from that life to let her drag the happiness from me.
