92. Chapter 92
ninety-two
W ith the kids in bed, Monroe settled at the table with her laptop and caught up on some work. She’d missed a day, which was fine. She’d logged it as annual leave, but she couldn’t afford to let things pile up.
It would be easier now. The children were heading back to school in the morning, and with Frank awake, Poppy would be coming home at night again. The fear of losing him had eased just enough to let everyone exhale. It wasn’t over, not completely, but the worst of it might be.
It also meant Monroe would be heading back to her own place soon, the little cottage she’d been missing more than she realised. Her sanctuary. Quiet. Familiar. Hers.
Her phone buzzing pulled her from the thought, and she smiled when Chloé’s name and photo appeared on the screen.
A video call.
She answered, “Hello, you.” Monroe smiled, pulling off her glasses. “How’s the world of publishing holding up?”
“Oh, it’s holding.” Chloé sighed.
“You sound tired.” Monroe stood, gathering her glass of wine and a small plate of biscuits, then settled onto the sofa.
“I’ll live. But tomorrow’s an early start, a late finish, and not much of a break in between.”
“That sounds no fun at all.”
“ C’est la vie , huh? The life we choose.” Chloé moved into her kitchen, and Monroe watched with quiet fondness. “How’s everything your end? Any news?”
Monroe’s face lit up. “Yes. Frank’s awake.”
“That’s amazing. I’m so pleased. You’ll be home sooner than I thought.” She grinned into the camera.
Monroe nodded, her smile softening. “Yes,” she said slowly. “The kids go back to school in the morning, and Poppy’s planning to sleep at home tomorrow night, so I’ll go back to mine.”
Chloé poured herself a glass of water and leant against the counter, just a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. “And how do you feel about that?”
“I’m…ready,” Monroe said, then paused. “It’s been intense, hasn’t it? The kids are great, but I will enjoy a little ‘me time’ in between.”
“Your little cottage will be glad to see you,” Chloé said warmly. “You always seem more like yourself there.”
Monroe tilted her head, smiling at the truth of that. “I think I do, too.”
Chloé took a sip of water, then looked directly into the camera. “I miss you, you know.”
“I miss you too,” Monroe said softly.
“I think things here are going to keep me busier than I’d like,” Chloé admitted. Their eyes held a beat too long before Chloé blinked, shifting the mood with a gentle smile. “It won’t be for long, I promise.”
“I know. It’s a difficult time for both of us. These things are sent to test us, right?” Monroe chuckled.
“Too many things,” Chloé said. “I want you to be here. In my arms.”
Monroe reached for her drink, her smile warm. “I want you to be here. In my arms.”
“Aha. A stand-off? Stalemate?” Chloé grinned. “Only one of us can win…”
“Or we both lose. Just for tonight.”
“ Oui . For tonight,” Chloé murmured. “And then…hopefully, you’ll be home. Here. With me.”
Monroe glanced up at the ceiling as footsteps padded across the floorboards above.
“Kids awake?” Chloé asked. “I should probably let you go.”
Monroe shook her head. “It’s fine. Probably one of them just needs the loo.” She smiled. “Stay. Tell me about your day. Fall asleep with me.”
“You’re not in bed.”
“Technicality. I can fix that.”
Chloé’s smile turned lazy. “Mm. Tempting. Though I warn you, my day was painfully dull. You may regret this.”
“I doubt that very much,” Monroe said, rising from the sofa. “Besides, your voice is my favourite lullaby.”
Chloé rolled her eyes, grinning. “Smooth. Very smooth.”
“You love it.”
“I do,” she whispered.