Page 54 of Somewhere Only We Know

‘You’re definitely coming back?’ He brightened. ‘That makes me feel better about staying. Lee doesn’t think you will. He’s taking bets on it.’

‘Is he now?’ I felt my hackles rise. He wishes, I thought to myself. ‘Look, at the risk of being indiscreet, George, that sort of comment from Lee is unprofessional. He’s entitled to his opinion, but at his level of seniority, he should be keeping his thoughts to himself. It’s unsettling for my team, of which you’re an important part, and it’s incorrect.’

George nodded earnestly. ‘I didn’t join in. I keep my head down. There’s a lot to do on Vap-A-Rise at the moment.’

He gave me a nervous look as if not sure whether he’d spoken out of turn and I reassured him that Anna had already told me.

‘I’ll be back, I can’t afford not to work,’ I told him. Although I was missing my job a lot less than I thought I would.

‘You’re good at sales,’ he said a touch wistfully. ‘My goal was to be promoted to sales manager one day, like you. But my heart’s not in it.’

‘Interesting,’ I said, encouragingly. ‘One thing I’ve learned is that you’re allowed to change your goal. It should serve you and no one else. If pursuing it doesn’t make you happy, then it isn’t the right goal. But there are loads of opportunities at ShopSwift and we’d be foolish to let you go.’

George grinned. ‘Thanks, Maggie. Thanks for believing in me.’

‘Okay, now off you go and wow them with your talent, and start believing in yourself.’

‘Thanks, boss.’

No sooner had we ended the call than my phone buzzed with a message from Anna.

And THAT’S why I bloody miss you! That was amazing. Thank you!

I shook my head in amusement.

You heard us talking?!

Yep. I totally eavesdropped that whole conversation. Zero regrets.

He’s a good kid. Let’s not lose him.

Understood. I don’t suppose I could tempt you to cut your sabbatical short? That I do have regrets about.

I hesitated before typing my reply. I glanced back out at Sydney Harbour looking glorious in the sunshine, and thought about the person I needed to contact. I might not be in my twenties anymore, but now was my time to explore my options.

I sent her a photo of the view in lieu of a reply.

WOWZERS. The view from your ShopSwift office can’t compete with that. Go and enjoy yourself!

Now that was an order I could get on board with.

Mum’s Gap Year

Darling Brontë,

I’ve followed your journey to Australia. It took me two flights and twenty-five hours from Nepal, but oh my word was it worth it!

For the last few days I’ve been in full-on tourist mode. I’ve plastered on the sunscreen, packed water and my guidebook into my backpack and set out each morning to explore the city. And for the first time since leaving the UK, I am truly relaxed. It goes without saying that you would have had a ball here. You’d have loved the outdoor lifestyle, and knowing it’s so cold at home this winter makes the sunshine even sweeter.

All the wonderful things I’d heard about Sydney are true. The people are friendly, the weather is always glorious, and I don’t think I’ll ever run out of new places to discover. So far, I’ve taken an early ferry to Manly and had brunch at Fairy Bower beach, stuffed myself on the famous afternoon tea at the Queen Victoria Building, lost track of time in the biggest bookshops I’ve ever been in, and sipped deliciously cold white wine at the Opera Bar watching the sun set over Harbour Bridge. On Sunday I whiled away a happy few hours in the Rocks learning about the early settlers and spent far too much money browsing the market stalls that line the cobbled streets. And the next day, I walked the coast road from Bondi to Coogee. Yesterday, I woke up feeling lonely, so I joined a tour group. Our guide took us to see quirky architecture, street art, galleries and coffee shops, and we ended up at a craft brewery! I’m still a bit lonely. I realise now how much I relied on you to confide in, to share stories with and chat to on WhatsApp throughout the day. I need to expand my circle again, ‘find my tribe’. I’ve had my head in the sand since I lost you, even deserting my book group! I’ve rejoined them now, you’ll be glad to know. We’re reading a T. M. Logan thriller, though I’m only in contact with them via WhatsApp. It’s a start at least, and I’m going to make time to renew connections with people again.

Talking of connections … I’m writing this while on a train. I’ve done a brave thing and made contact with Harry. Your Harry. He’s staying with his uncle in the Blue Mountains, so he’s meeting me at the station in Leura and is going to be my tour guide for a couple of days. I’m so nervous about seeing him again; I feel guilty for not being in touch with him since you’ve been gone. But this is my chance to make it up to him. He’s such a nice boy and clearly loves you very much. In a way he reminds me of your dad and how besotted with each other we were.

Sometimes I miss you so much that it’s all I can do to get out of bed in the morning and face the day. But I know that waking up is a privilege that you’ll never get again, so I try to remember that and make the most of my time on this earth.

Love for always

Mum xxx