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Christopher’s grandpa leaves me to my thoughts and I take a lap of one of the fields. My phone starts to ring as I approach the buildings. I pull it out of my pocket and see it’s an unknown number.
“Hello,” I say, putting it to my ear.
“Nellie, it’s Mum.” An ugly sense of dread fills my chest.
“What do you want?” I snap.
“I’m just calling to make sure you and Ainsley are okay. I heard about the fire.”
“Why do you care? You’ve been missing for months. I filed a police report which you’ll need to clear up.”
She sighs heavily. “I’ve got myself mixed up in a little trouble and I can’t do that right now.”
“You mean you put us, your family, in danger. The fire wasn’t an accident.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want to hear it.” Tightening my fist, I wrap it into a ball.
“It sounds like you both must be fine.”
“You’re unbelievable. Don’t call again. We’re better off without you.” I hang up before she can reply.
Hate boils under my skin and I take several deep breaths to calm down. She’s so selfish.
Christopher pulls up the drive as I reach the door. He parks up and climbs out of the car. “I’ve dropped Ainsley at school. We have the full day to ourselves.”
“I like the sound of that.” He follows me into the house and we shut the door.
Anger still running through my veins. I want to tell Christopher everything, but I need to start with something less emotional. “Your grandad offered to sponsor me for a share in Sweet Cocktails.” I can’t hide the shock, and already my feelings are simmering away from negativity.
“If he’s investing his money in you, he must have faith that you’re capable.”
It’s a fantastic opportunity, but my true passion is mixology. “I’d like to invent my own cocktails.”
“He’ll listen to a counter-offer if you make a good pitch.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Butterflies swirl in my stomach. I’m starting to believe my dreams can come true. “There’s something else I need to tell you.” I look down at my feet.
He takes my hand. “You can tell me anything.”
“I’ve just had a call from my mum.” I suck on my lip, feeling more sad than anything else.
“Is she okay?”
“I think so. She’s got herself in trouble and hiding away.”
“Do you think we should try and help her?”
My heart swells. Christopher is such a good, kind, sweet guy. “No. She’s got herself into this mess. I’m so sick of her holding a dark cloud over our lives.”
He hugs me. “I can see you’re upset about her call and I want to take away your pain. Just know I’m here for you whatever you want to do.”
“Thank you.” We kiss; it’s soft and gentle, just what I need.
A mischievous look sneaks onto his face. “Enough talk about everyone else. I’ve got you all to myself and I have big plans.”
“I bet you do.” He sweeps me into his arms.
