Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
PEN
M um places a plate of food next to me.
“You need to eat. You’ve been working all day.”
I continue to stare at my laptop, my brain whirling as it works through the figures in front of me. I hate going through the monthly reports. Give me code any day of the week.
“Thanks,” I say, turning my head as I scoop a forkful of food into my mouth. I hate eating near my computer, but I need to get these finished.
“Oh, wow.” I close my eyes and moan at the taste and texture as it explodes on my tongue. “This is delicious.”
Mum chuckles as I open my eyes. I close my laptop and push it to one side, replacing it with the plate of beef stew.
“I don’t know how you make it taste this good.”
Mum pulls out a chair and sits next to me, picking up her own knife and fork.
“Years of practice. There’s plenty more in the kitchen.”
I take another mouthful, savouring the home-cooked food.
“Thank you,” I say, suddenly realising how hungry I am.
When did I last eat?
“Don’t thank me. It gives me something to do. I’ve never been one to sit around twiddling my thumbs,” she says. “You’ve very kindly ensured I never have to lift another finger, so I shall continue to spend my time doing the things I enjoy. And cooking is one of them.”
I chuckle. “That’s why you volunteer at the local food bank on Wednesday and Friday, help at the children’s hospice on Thursday and spend Monday and Tuesday organising games and events at the local old people’s home.”
“Idle hands and all that, and you can talk! How many charities are you currently supporting? You were teaching at the local secondary school, only a couple of weeks ago.”
“Like mother, like daughter,” I say, grinning.
This woman is my hero, my idol, my best friend. My deadbeat dad disappeared as soon as he saw a positive pregnancy test, leaving Mum, a sixteen-year-old, holding the baby. My grandparents helped out as much as they could, but they weren’t wealthy, so Mum worked two jobs to support us. She gave up her own life to raise me. It’s why, as soon as I made my fortune, I bought her a house. I pay all her bills, ensuring she never has to work or worry about anything again. At fifty-one, she looks ten years younger. Her skin is smooth, and her hair has kept its dark brown colour, with only a few stray grey hairs. She dated during my childhood, but being a single mum was difficult, so none of her relationships lasted. Not that she ever made me feel unwanted or unloved. The total opposite.
“When does Kris’s flight get in?” she asks.
Kristophe Lansdown, my fiancé and soon-to-be husband. In three months, I’ll be moving country and into the next phase of my life.
“His plane lands at six tomorrow morning. His driver will have him here by eight,” I tell her.
Lucky for him, he can shower and get changed on the plane. The beauty of owning his own private jet.
“How long is he staying? You’re meeting up with Kat this week, aren’t you?”
“We were, but unfortunately, work calls. He’ll be heading back straight after the wedding.”
Silence descends, and I sit back.
“Spill,” I say.
She sighs.
“I don’t know. You both lead such busy lives. I’m surprised you have time for one another. He resides in the US. You live here—or at least until the wedding. What happens when you move there? I know you’re setting up an office, but what about friends? Will Kris be taking time off to help you settle in? What happens when you have children?”
I bite down on my smile and take the hand she has resting on the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. She’s always been my protector, my champion. Not to mention a total romantic.
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine. I know a lot of Kris’s friends and colleagues. I’ve met them over the years. Remember, we’ve been working together for a long time.”
She drops her gaze, turning her hand under mine and wrapping her fingers around it.
“I know… I know. But working together and living together are two very different things.” She holds up her hands in surrender. “I just worry. It’s a mother’s prerogative.”
“You need to stop worrying about me. I’m thirty-five. Not exactly a spring chicken. I’ve spent my life…”
“I know—you’ve spent your life building up your business, and as your mother, I could not be prouder. But as your mother, I’m allowed to worry about you.” She pauses, her eyes rising to mine. “I’m just concerned. This is all so quick. It’s…” her voice trails off.
It’s true. Kris and I went from friends to lovers overnight. But we’re both decisive people. When we know what we want, we go for it.
I run my thumb over the back of her hand.
“It’s not like he’s a stranger. I’ve known him for years, both professionally and through the various charity events we’ve both attended. Please don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
Mum’s brows furrow. “Do you?”
My career has eclipsed my social life. I’ve dated over the years, but before Kris, I had never found anyone who actually understood me. They either wanted more than I was willing to give, or it became clear my money was their driving force.
With Kris, he’s man enough to have no issues with dating a powerful woman. He runs his own successful company and is wealthy in his own right. He’s also ten years older than me, handsome, and, like me, ready to settle down. Our timing could not be more perfect.
“Don’t get me wrong, Kris is a wonderful man.”
“He is. And we’re perfect together. We both want the same things in life, and he gets me. He’s good to me, Mum.”
Kris and I built our relationship on mutual trust and respect. As Mum said, we’re extremely busy with our careers. We both have a lot of people relying on us. However, we want someone to come home to. Who understands the demands we’re under and accepts them. Something I never thought I’d find.
“I just worry. You’re giving up so much more than he is. You’re moving halfway around the world. It’s not like you’ve even spent that much time together, not really,” she adds, her eyebrows drawing together.
I shrug. I understand her concern.
“One of us had to make the move and you know I’ve been wanting to set up an office in the US. As for spending time together. We will be doing more than enough of that going forward. We have a lot of common interests.”
She tuts again, making me laugh.
“All those historical romances you read, Mum. The hero and heroine never live together before they get married. It’s not like either of us has a shotgun to our heads.”
She pats my hand and smiles, although it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Ignore me.”
I squeeze her hand again.
I can’t disagree with what she says. I am making the biggest move. Kris’s life won’t change as much as mine, but if we want to have a relationship, we can’t do that on opposite sides of the globe. We have to make sacrifices.
Over the past two years, I’ve watched my friends fall in love with their other halves. Find their person . Gabriel met Leah, and their love developed from their friendship. Caleb and April. Theirs developed from passion and a mutual goal. Seeing them fall in love made me realise it’s possible. With Kris, I can have that. For the first time, I have someone other than Mum supporting me. I’ll be part of a team, a strong partnership.
Tomorrow, Caleb marries April. He was always so cynical, hid behind his playboy exterior. He’s transformed his life. Settled down, both externally and internally. It’s like April brings him a level of calm I’ve never seen before. It’s the same when I look at her. Her prickly demeanour is gone. She flows now. Together, they light up a room.
I’m not comparing myself to Caleb or Gabriel. Kris and I share a stable and solid relationship. He’ll make a fantastic father. He lost his first wife in his early twenties. I know he’s dated since, but like me, his focus has been on work. It’s why he’s such a successful businessman.
“With Kris, what I see is what I get. I love that about him.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything,” she says.
I smile at her. “Yes, you should. If you can’t say it to me, who can? I’ve always relied on you to call me out on my shit .”
“Penelope Dawson, language!”
We both grin, but I can tell from the creases around her eyes she’s concerned. When she catches me looking, she shrugs.
“You’re my baby. I know I’m being silly and selfish. I’m going to miss you.”
She sniffs.
I get up and envelop her in a hug.
“Don’t be a silly goose,” I say. “I’ll always be your daughter, whatever. And you know Kris is renovating a cottage on his estate for you. It will be ready in a couple of months. Then you can join us if you want to, or visit.”
She looks up at me.
Mum is just five foot five as opposed to my six foot. According to her I get my height from my dad.
“It’s just a big move, and I’ve always wanted only the best for you. I know you’ve spent your life building up the business, and now you’ve achieved all you have, you’re looking to settle down.” She sighs again before adding. “I like Kris. You know I do.”
She pats my cheeks as I step away.
I’ve dated plenty of men. Kris is the first to see me as an equal. He’s never wanted to change me. Has always encouraged me to follow my dreams.
“I’ve kind of done the opposite to you. My biological clock is ticking. It’s a good thing Kris and I met. It was fate. For me, it’s kind of now or never. I don’t want to be an old mum. Not when I’ve seen how awesome it is to have a young spritely one.”
Mum laughs aloud at that.
“Spritely, I’m not so sure.”
“I really don’t want you to worry about me,” I say truthfully.
“I can’t help it. I’ll always worry about you. You’re my baby—all six feet of you, and you always will be.”
We hug tightly.
God, I’m going to miss this woman when I leave.