Chapter 9 #4
That’s when Emily decided she needed to keep that part of the secret. She didn’t want to put Oliver in anyone’s crosshairs. “No. The package is left under our front mat.”
“Have you thought about getting a doorbell camera?”
Emily chuckled. “It’s not up to us. We asked our landlady and she said that they spy on you and wouldn’t allow it.”
Blair broke the tension with a laugh. “I think she may have it confused with a nanny-cam.”
Emily chuckled. “Indeed.” She shrugged and continued. “We don’t know where he is or if he’ll ever be able to come home.”
Blair’s sense of justice surfaced. “Isn’t there anything your father can do to protect himself, and you and your mum?”
“I cannot answer that question. There are a lot of sketchy details that don’t make sense. I was sixteen at the time. A teenager. We woke up one morning and Pop was gone. The police came to the house looking for him.”
“Did they say why?”
“I don’t think so. I was in my room listening to music.”
“What did your mother tell them?”
“He wasn’t home and they could check the house.”
“And did they?”
Emily nodded.
“Did they ask you any questions? They’re not allowed to do that without your mum’s permission.”
“I kept my headphones on but I turned the music off and pretended I was still listening. They checked his closets and the bathroom. I heard one of them say it didn’t look like he did a runner.”
“But he did.” Blair was thoroughly intrigued with Emily’s story. “And you don’t know where?”
“Correct, barrister,” Emily replied.
“Terribly sorry. I didn’t intend for it to sound like I as interrogating you.”
“No. I was being cheeky.” She sighed. “And that’s what I carry every day.
The grief of not having him around and wondering if I will ever see him again.
” Her eyes welled up. In spite of the tears, she felt a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
“I hope this doesn’t forfeit the invitation for New Year’s Eve. ”
“Not at all.” Blair placed his hand on her forearm. “I’m happy you shared it with me. Sometimes the simple act of communicating your feelings makes them seem less overwhelming. Less burdensome.”
“Thank you.” Emily took in a long breath of air, held it for two seconds and then let it out.
“Seriously, thank you. Thank you for not judging, and for allowing me to spill my family’s tea.
” Emily was aware that there was still one more overwhelming secret, but discussing her missing twin didn’t seem like a good idea at that moment.
She had already divulged a heap of information.
The twin part could wait for another time. Another place.
The waiter brought their dinner to the table and set the plates in front of them. Emily thought the aromas were particularly pleasing and took in another big helping of air.
“So, tell me more about your friends.” Emily decided her part of the conversation was finished. She was mentally exhausted, yet relieved at the same time.
Blair recounted the years he knew Chester Nelson.
They went all the way back to primary school and played on the same cricket team in secondary school.
By the time they were ready for college Chester decided to go to hospitality school in London, and Blair decided to study law and enrolled at Cambridge. “My life hasn’t been thrilling.”
“I think playing cricket at uni and studying to be a solicitor is very interesting.”
“Interesting, yes. Thrilling, no.” Blair took a pull of his pint and held it up for the waiter to note he needed a refill. Blair gestured for two of them.
By the time they finished their meal Emily was stifling yawns. She was surely knackered. “I should be getting back to my flat. I have to pack.”
“When are you leaving?” Blair asked.
“Maybe tomorrow. I want to be sure Mum is in good holiday spirits.”
“You’re a fine daughter.” Blair patted her arm.
“I do my best.” Emily stretched her shoulders back. “Sorry.”
“No need to apologize.” Blair motioned for the check. They finished their pints and meandered out to the street.
Emily threaded her arm through his. It had become a ritual when they walked together. It was nice. Sweet.
When they arrived at her flat, Blair pulled her close and held her for a moment. Emily nuzzled his collar then took a step back. “Thank you for a lovely dinner, the bouquet, the invitation, and for listening. I never told anyone else before.”
“I’m flattered you felt safe enough to tell me.” He gave her a peck on the nose.
Emily stood on her toes and grazed his lips with a soft kiss. Considering she had full lips, it was just the right amount of lip for now.
London
Jessica peered out of the window as the cab passed famous landmarks. “Oh, honey, I do believe I shall be back to visit many times. How long did you say the train is from Oxford to London?”
Ashley, who had been looking out of her window, turned toward her mother. “About an hour.”
“Excellent,” Jessica said thoughtfully, as she was already thinking about her next trip. It would have to wait until her school was out of session. Out. Done. For good. She got a shiver of excitement and smiled to herself.
As they crossed the bridge, the Thames mirrored the sparkling decorations strung along the railings. Street vendors sold roasted chestnuts; their smoky fragrance wafted through the windows of their cab.
Jessica inhaled the aromas of the season. “Ashley, I am truly enjoying this.”
“And you just got here this morning!” Ashley nudged her mother.
When they arrived at Covent Garden, the setting was stunning. Every window was adorned with wreaths, every lamppost wrapped in ribbons and pine.
As promised by the concierge, the market square was transformed—giant ornaments hung above the cobblestones, and a huge Christmas tree stood sentry, crowned in shimmering lights.
Ashley slipped her arm through Jessica’s and together they gazed at the ice-skaters circling the pop-up rink, laughter echoing in the crisp air. It felt, just for a moment, as if London paused to celebrate with them.
They began their stroll, weaving through bustling crowds and twinkling shop fronts; the market was alive with holiday spirit.
They spotted J. Sheekey’s. When they walked into the restaurant the aroma of fried fish filled their noses, but in a good way.
Ashley noted, “I didn’t realize how hungry I am,” as the hostess showed them to a table.