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He grins. “Yep.”
“Who’d have thought it? I didn’t think any girl would ever be able to lure you away from Marise.”
“Oh, I still love her dearly. But Sidnie has better legs.”
I chuckle. I ask him about what he’s working on at KoruTech, and he chats away about the new microprocessor he’s developing while I look out of the window, watching the busy suburbs of Auckland fly by. It suddenly occurs to me that I don’t know where Titus lives—he never got around to giving me his address. Mack is heading toward the CBD, and he passes the Sky Tower, then pulls up in Albert Street, at the base of a brand-new tower block. At the bottom, the sign declares it’s the location of The City of Sails Hotel.
“Oh,” I say, surprised. “He lives in a hotel?”
“It’s mixed-use development. There are twenty-four luxury apartments on the top eleven levels. They have access to the hotel’s services and amenities—the restaurant, gym, that sort of thing.”
“I keep forgetting he’srich as.”
He chuckles. “Nice having a wealthy boyfriend, is it?”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” I say, embarrassed at the term.
“Sorry,” he says sarcastically, “I didn’t think he’d appreciate the term fuck-buddy.”
“Mack!”
“You started it.” He gets out of the car. Mumbling, I follow him.
He hefts my case out of the boot. “You want me to bring it up?”
“A world of no. But thank you for the lift.” I reach up and kiss his cheek. “That was very sweet of you. I know how busy you are.”
“Always time for my favorite niece.” He smirks as I roll my eyes. “I’m guessing you’re coming to Huxley’s ‘welcome-back-Heidi’ party at the club tonight?”
“Do I have to?” I grin at his wry smile. “I’ll see you there.”
I wave goodbye, and he gets back in his car and drives off.
I sit on a bench on the roadside for a moment, needing to catch my breath. Ooh, it’s cold today. I forgot it was midwinter here, and I’m not wearing a jacket. At least it’s not raining, but the sky is the color of dishwater, promising it’ll be wet later.
I was only half joking when I asked Mack if I had to go to the party this evening. Oliver wanted to celebrate my return, and I didn’t have the heart to say it’s the last thing I wanted. I know my parents are going to be there because Mum mentioned it the last time I spoke to her. I really don’t want to go. But I don’t want to let Oliver down.
I blow out a shaky breath. I can get through this.
First I text Titus.It’s me. I told Mack. He was fine about it. So is it okay if I still come to yours?
A message pings up in seconds:Of course! Where are you?
Me:Downstairs.
Him:Floor forty-one. Number two. See you soon!He finishes with a heart emoticon.
I smile.I’ll be up in five.
Next, I ring Chrissie. “Hey!” I say when she answers, “it’s me!”
“Heidi! Are you in Auckland?”
“I am, I landed about half an hour ago. Look, sweetie, I hope it’s okay, but I’m going to be staying somewhere else.” I’m convinced she won’t mind. She shares the flat with her boyfriend, and I’m sure she’d rather be alone with him.
“Aw, that’s a shame! But of course, no worries. Where are you going? Not home?”
“No. Um… I’m going to be staying with Titus.”
