He’s seen the online parents' forum, albeit briefly, and it’s clear there’s been a bit of a kerfuffle since Maisie went missing inSt Andrews. He’s happy for her. Really, he is. And he’s especially glad that his small involvement in her website has helped her on this next part of her journey. Scott places his phone face down on the table, slurps up the last of his coffee, and drags the backpack from under his bed.
He’s not running away. He’s self-protecting.
He’s not paralysed by fear. He’s being pragmatic.
Or, alternatively, he’s being very, very stupid indeed.
FRESHMAN PARENTS' ONLINE FORUM: ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
Hi everyone. Just wanted to pop on here to say a massive thank you for all your support and orders. It wasn’t my intention at all to promote my new business through this site (appreciate it’s not actually permitted in the rules; apologies admin :) ). I can’t wait to get started on your orders. I’ll message you all individually, of course, but please bear with me as I get myself established. You guys are the best!! Xx
You’re so welcome. Love your work. Can’t wait to see mine when you get to it.
Delighted to support another Freshman Parent. Best of luck to you.
Good luck with it all xx
XXXXXX
(Admin)
Not technically permitted as per the rules, you’re right. But all the very best, nonetheless. x
Chapter 31
HEATHER
Ittakesamomentfor yesterday’s excitement to penetrate Heather’s waking thoughts, but the moment it does, she finds herself sitting bolt upright in bed, panic running through her veins. When she finally fell asleep last night, there had been over a hundred orders on her website and Scott appeared to be screening her calls. She reaches over to the bedside table, clicks the lamp on and locates her phone. A series of thoughts race through her head:
1) Has she blown it with Scott?
2) Did Georgia get home last night (she was so drunk)?
3) When is Fraser coming for the dog?
4) Has Maisie recovered from her ordeal in the North Sea yesterday?
5) How is she going to honour all these orders whilst meeting the demands of her current employer?
And – the ultimate question of all –
6) Who the hell does she think she is with all these new business ideas?
No doubt her dad, who she’s visiting today with Fraser, will bring her down to earth and point out her limitations. Because Heather can’t do this. Of course she can’t. And she’s a fool to think otherwise.
She unlocks her phone and skims through her most recent communications, her anxiety spiking. She picks the contentious points off one by one:
Georgia’s safe. (Thank you, locations App.)
