“Given time, I think you’ll come to appreciate having me around.”
And that’s what I’m worried about.
“I’m very thorough. I never leave a job half done.”
Fuck, I’m half done. The dead brother trick didn’t last long.
“I promise you, Leif, I won’t let you down.”
“Of course she won’t,” Polly says, lifting her glass. “And I think that’s something we can all drink to.”
Fuck.
5
MIMI
After Polly’splanned lunch ambush, when Whit offers me a ride home, I try not to get too excited. I know what the topic of conversation will be.
Spoiler alert: not the fun stuff.
“It’s three houses down from here,” I say, pointing at Aunt Doreen’s house. “You really didn’t need to drive me all the way out here, you know. I have my Oyster travel card. I really enjoy taking the Tube.”
“You enjoy the novelty,” he states. “It won’t last long.”
I give a little giggle. “You are like a dog with a bone.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t tell me you weren’t about to suggest I live too far out to travel into the city every day.”
“As if I’d even presume,” he mutters flatly.
“You totally would if you thought it would work to keep me from the office.”
“Edgeware might as well be Middle-earth,” he huffs as his fancy sports car glides to a stop in the tree-lined residential street. Uniform red-brick terraced houses flank both sides, neatly painted front doors and garden gates showing the inhabitant’s individuality.
“Why are you staying with your aunt, anyway?” Whit’s hand slides from the leather steering wheel, and as he turns in his seat to face me, the heady scent of his cologne blends with that of the expensive leather interior.
“It was a compromise.” I slide my hair behind my ear and duck my gaze. Now is probably not the right time to wrap my hands in his jacket to jerk him closer so I can sink my nose into his collar. “My parents,” I say with a tight shrug. “They didn’t want me to leave.”
“They were against you moving to London?”
“They’re against me going anywhere,” I say, shifting against the warm leather seat.
“You’re twenty-four.” His brows pinch a little, but I don’t expect him to understand.
“I’m aware.” And ready to make up for lost time. The new Mimi has limited time and a limited budget and a mantra to live by: life is short, so get you some. Life. Sex. Eat the cake. Whatever. “After losing Connor, they became fearful, I guess.” They see danger everywhere. I’m only sad I let it get this far.
“I’m sure that’s understandable.”
“So is wanting to live my own life.” My reply is more than a touch defensive.
“And your aunt is… nice?”
“She’s kind of crazy,” I say with a chuckle, glancing toward her house. Aunt Doreen isn’t really my aunt. She’s more of a distant relation. My grandmother’s second cousin or something. When I made my intentions clear to my parents, when I told them I was coming to London before—
Deep breath. In for three, out for four.
