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I’d spent the first part of my day cleaning Jonathan Oaks’ penthouses for the very last time. It was oddly emotional. I’d always found the penthouses rather lonely and sterile, but it was the end of an era. I was moving onto something new, and it was both scary and freeing.
The second part of my day was spent calling up my other clients, letting them know I was handing in my notice and arranging to clean in the evenings rather than during the day for the next two weeks. Everyone was surprisingly amenable and encouraging, though they did express their regret I wouldn’t be cleaning for them any longer.
Mr Cole was particularly glum because we’d become something close to friends during my time working for him. He made me promise to come visit him the next time I could manage it, and it lifted my spirits to know he still wanted to keep in touch.
“Oh, and I’m not sure if you’re aware,” he said over the phone. “But Sariah Reynolds called. She said you quit on her in the middle of a party and that we should reconsider availing of your services. Though I suspect there’s more to the story than she let on.”
I blew out a sigh, rubbing at my temple as I replied, “It’s true, I did quit on her in the middle of her husband’s birthday party, but I had good reason.”
“Oh, do tell?” Alan said, intrigued.
“Let’s just say we’ve had our issues for a while. She pushed me to my limit the other night, and I finally decided it was enough,” I replied.
Yes, after the party I’d been all fired up to tell everyone how she treated me, but if I did that, it would only make her more of an enemy, and I’d rather just cut my ties with Mrs Reynolds and be done with it. I knew how spiteful she was, especially if she was calling around about me already. It was incredibly lucky I had the new job lined up because she could’ve destroyed me otherwise.
“Taking the high road, I’m impressed. My gossip loving heart still wants to know the details, but I understand you want to keep it private. And just so you know, I wouldn’t have fired you because of what she said. We’ve been able to rely on you for years without any problems. I once had Sariah turn up at an art opening of mine, and she kicked up a stink about there being dairy in some of the hors d’oeuvres. I can only imagine what it must be like to work for the woman.”
“Well, she’s in my rearview mirror now,” I said with no small amount of relief.
By the time I hung up with Alan, I had just enough energy to eat some noodles for dinner before I collapsed into my bed. I had an early morning at a brand-new job where I would be learning on my feet. I’d just set my alarm and was about to go to sleep when I noticed a voicemail on my phone. Someone must’ve left me a message while I’d been chatting with Alan. It was from Delia.
“Hi, Maggie. I’ve been trying to get through to you, but your phone has been engaged all evening.” An inconvenienced huff followed, then, “I just wanted to let you know I’ve arranged for the kids to see their mother on the twenty-fourth. Vivi said you agreed to bring them, so I take it you changed your mind? Anyway, the visit is scheduled for midday, so you should probably come pick them up around eleven or so. Talk to you then.”
Delia’s message made my heart sink and my anxiety build. I’d been so busy today I was almost able to forget about visiting Mam. Now it was scheduled for Christmas Eve, so I couldn’t even enjoy the run up to the holiday. The whole time I was just going to be dreading what was ahead of me.
Dreading her.
And now I wished I hadn’t listened to that voicemail until the morning because my heart was racing too fast to rest. My mother had a way of making my fight or flight instinct kick in, which meant I got a horribly fitful night’s sleep.
The following morning, I was worse for wear, but I still took extra care getting ready, neatly styling my hair in a sleek ponytail and donning my most office friendly outfit, black trousers and a plain white shirt.
Still, the extra effort couldn’t hide the tired bags under my eyes.
Shay was at the bus stop when I arrived.
“Hi,” I whispered, stepping close to him. It was a frosty morning, and I had to focus on not slipping on the icy path. I pressed a kiss to his cheek, and he slid his arm around my waist, tugging me close. I savoured his warmth as we waited for the bus to arrive. He must’ve sensed my nerves about starting my new job because he held me extra tight, as though his warmth could imbue me with confidence.
