Chapter 11
I hear his car drive off. I’m standing in the rain as fat drops slide down my hair and face, making me even more miserable if that were possible.
I don’t think I could feel any worse. Part of me wants to run inside, pack up my belongings and go home, with my tail between my legs.
But then I see the fisherwoman look at me and raise a hand.
She may be checking I’m okay. With all the effort I can muster, I raise a hand back, also checking with her that she’s okay in the rain.
But I bet she doesn’t feel as wretched as I do.
I feel stupid, falling for his charm in the first place.
But another part of me wants to stand tall, not be driven out by a stupid move and a shark taking advantage of me.
I want to stand up to him for all the other women who’ve been made to feel foolish, when really we should feel strong, with the scars we wear, the families we’ve raised and our bravery in finding ourselves. I turn and walk into the mill.
I go to the back of the big room, to my computer on the work surface, keen to connect with my old life.
I message Annie and tell her how stupid I’ve been.
It’s just seconds before I get a reply, telling me he sounds like an idiot, and to move on.
Life’s too short. And she’s right. I may have made a fool of myself, but there are far worse things and so much more to look forward to.
I open my inbox and see an email from the mayor’s office, titled ‘visa application’. My heart quickens.
I open it and stare at the screen.
‘ DECLINED .’