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“Damn straight! I’m glad my liver’s behaving itself.” He chuckled. “Here’s to our six-month anniversary—I might have a proper celebratory drink tomorrow.”
“You’ve earned it, sweetie,” said Maggie.
“And…” Riley bounced in her seat. “Mom’s cancer-free.”
Ben leaned forward, his smile out of control. “You got the all clear?!”
“Not in so many words, but there’s no sign of any cancer, so they’re calling it a remission. I’ll still have regular checkups, but they seem optimistic I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.” Maggie smiled.
“Amazing!” Ben sat back, elated. “I’m two for two—that was my second birthday wish, you being well again.”
“Really?” Riley couldn’t stop grinning.
“Well, it worked, and I’m enjoying each day as it comes.” Laughing, Maggie waved her ice cream teasingly at the phone’s camera.
“Blimey.” Ben licked his lips. “What I wouldn’t give to be tucking into that! What did you get, Riles? Peanut butter something? When you visit, I’ll take you to one of those ‘freakshake’ places.”
“Those loaded milkshakes on your Instagram?”
“Yep, with the brownies, Oreos, pretzels—all stuffed in. Don’t show Piper—she’ll get cavities just looking at them.”
“Oh, we are SO going there on my first day!”
“Yeah?” He chuckled.
“I’m serious.”
“I pity the fool that comes between you and your desserts!”
“Well, step aside, Fagan.” Riley couldn’t hold back, the words racing from her lips. “Work might be sending me over there!”
His eyes widened. “Work? Oh my God, for real? How?”
“You know Elstree Studios, the huge production place outside London?”
“Yeah?”
“Well, the BBC is taking someone from here for a six-month placement. It’s an assistant’s position, like I have here, but the idea is that we’d learn more about the company, cultivate new relationships, and then bring that knowledge back home.”
Ben blew out his cheeks. “Jeez, that’s just…if you got it…”
“I know! So, I’ve been working stupid hours, trying to get noticed. I didn’t say anything earlier because everyone’s applying for it and my chances are slim—I didn’t want to get your hopes up.”
Maggie nodded.
“But I’m doing everything I can to be with you, Ben. I even got my passport! It arrived last week, so I’m ready to jet out—if I get it!”
“Oh, Riles!” Ben cleared his throat. “That’s…great. Wow!” He sat back and fidgeted with the strings on his hoodie.
Why is his smile stiff? Isn’t he happy?
“When would you be over?”
“Soon—spring, if it happens. I’ll know this week.”
“That soon, eh? That’s grand! Erm, will they put you up somewhere or…?”
Or? Riley squinted, waiting for him to continue, but he didn’t. This is when you offer for me to stay with YOU, Ben. “I don’t know all the details yet—”
