‘I know that, really, I do.’
* * *
By the time Ava had finished talking, it was late. They had drunk their tea and moved on to, and half-emptied, a bottle of wine before Mary sat back and readied herself to offer her thoughts.
‘Bugger me.’ She shook her head and let out a breath. ‘So this is the opportunity for a new beginning for you both, a second chance against the odds. I mean, I’m not one for a big love story or anything, but . . .’
Ava wondered if that were true and what it meant for her friend.
‘. . . but it sounds like you two were always meant to be together. Some, not me, of course, might say you’re soul mates.So why didn’t you go after him? Why didn’t you follow him when he left earlier and tell him to ignore your crazy ranting friend?’
‘Because, in the moment, staying here and sorting things with my crazy ranting friend felt like the priority. I don’t know what I would have done if you’d gone when I said you should go, but I’m glad you didn’t.’
‘I’m not that easy to get rid of.’
‘Ha, no. But, honestly, I think that’s a good thing.’
The hint of a blush spread across Mary’s cheeks. ‘I know I’ve already said it, but I am sorry for the things I said. I was out of order.’
‘So long as you know I’d never do anything to hurt Gino. I appreciate him as a friend, but that’s all there is between us.’ As Ava said the words, she knew how lucky she was. Mary and Gino were close friends, who had been there for her since the loss of her mum, and she loved them for it. Being an only child could be a lonely place sometimes.
‘I know that. I do. It’s mad. I am only a little older than you and yet working so closely with your mum has kind of made me feel responsible. She used to talk about you and worry about you a lot. I think some of that rubbed off on me. Like I was an apprentice in looking after you as much as the wild animals in our care.’
‘I hope you aren’t suggesting that’s the same thing.’ Ava giggled. ‘Besides, I can look after myself.’
‘So can they. They just need a bit of help, sometimes.’
‘OK, admittedly losing Mum knocked me, and I do appreciate you looking out for me. But I am a Flynn through and through. I can be tough, and I’ve been feeling more like my old self lately. I think that might be why I’ve been behaving differently. I’m remembering who I am. Testing what I want, instead of feeling like I am struggling in the wake of losing Mumand trying to live up to what she might have wanted. Does that make sense?’
‘Yes. It makes complete sense.’ Mary pulled Ava into a hug. As she pulled back, she looked at their empty glasses. ‘I’d top us up, but you’ll need a clear head tomorrow.’
‘Tomorrow? Why, what’s tomorrow?’
‘The day you go and get your man.’
‘What?’
‘You have to speak to him, Ava. Tell him how you feel. I am in no position to give advice. I keep a three-date rule—’
‘You don’t have sex until the third date?’ Ava’s tone was disbelieving.
‘No, I never go on a third date. It stops things getting serious.’
‘So you really aren’t in a position to give advice,’ Ava teased.
‘No. But I do know that relationships live and die on the conversations you should or shouldn’t have had. You have to tell him how you feel.’
‘But Lady Bramlington—’
‘Lady Bramlington has some explaining of her own to do, and you can speak to her about the photograph too. I know it’s been on your mind.’
‘That’s a lot to contend with in one day.’
‘And you’re a Flynn. You’ll take it all in your stride.’
‘I know you’re right. I need to do it, don’t I? Own my feelings and face my fears.’
Mary swallowed. ‘Yes, of course.’
