“Yeah,” I mutter.
Luke shrugs. “It’s a shame. I think she could really use the break—to get away. Get somewhere that isn’t surrounded by him.” He stares at me for a moment, and I realize exactly what he’s trying to tell me. He’s led me to the water and is daring me to take a drink.
“Thanks, mate,” I say, hopping off the table.
Next thing I know, I’m standing in front of her office door, knuckles tapping at the wood frame before I even realize what I’m doing.
She flinches when she hears the knock, like she’s bracing herself for whatever fresh hell Matt might have in store for her today. But then she looks up, sees me, and her face softens into a smile.
“Hey,” she says, voice lighter. “What’s up?”
I step in and shut the door behind me. “You got a minute?”
She gestures toward the chair across from her desk. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine,” I say, sitting down. “Just wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Okay…”
“So… the international break,” I say, my throat suddenly dry. “What are you up to?”
Her mouth curves. “Hiding.”
I laugh, but then I scratch the back of my neck.
“I, uh… I’m going home for the weekend,” I tell her. “To my mum’s. It’s quiet there. No, uh… no journalists. No cameras.”
Hereyes narrow, curious. “Okay?”
God, I’m doing this all wrong. Fucking idiot.
“Well, I was… I was thinking,” I say slowly, trying not to stutter over the words. “Maybe you’d want to come with me?”
She blinks. “To your hometown?”
“Yes.”
“To your mother’s house?”
“Yes.” I nod, my heart pounding like I’ve just run off the pitch. “It’s just a few days’ break. Sitting alone in your flat is no way to relax. You shouldn’t be a prisoner. Get out somewhere. Clear your head. Breathe.”
Her mouth opens, then shuts again.
“No Matt?” she finally asks.
I shake my head. “Absolutely not.”
She bites her bottom lip, then smiles. “Okay. Yeah.”
16
home advantage
HALF THE WORLD AWAY BY OASIS
I’ve triple-checked my bag, repacked it twice, and now I’m sitting on my couch, knees bouncing, just waiting for Oliver to get here. I get up and peek out the window for the hundredth time, hoping it’s not the exact moment he walks up my front steps.
It’s just a weekend. Just a quick little getaway to the countryside. It was a kind gesture to get me away from Matt. To breathe. To reset. It’s just the kindness of a friend.
