Page 54 of Happier Days (Family Life in Somerley #1)
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Ava wasn’t sure how she got through the rest of the day. Half of it was spent wishing she wasn’t at work at all, and the other was thinking about what to do in connection with it. Suddenly everything around her seemed different, as if she didn’t fit at Bateman PR anymore.
She and Nancy had caught up over lunch. Ava had told her everything except her plans about going it alone. The more she thought about those, the more she realised she was glad of the chance to put her plans in motion. Even if it meant putting up with Brendon and working away for a few months.
Georgia was home when she finally got in. Ava felt weary after the Tube journey back, the noise making her ears ring now she was in the silence. Had they always done that and she’d never noticed? Or was it the quiet nature of Sapphire Lake that made her relish a bit of peace and quiet?
Georgia popped her head around the kitchen door as Ava removed her coat and shoes. ‘How was your first day back?’
‘Delightful.’ She rolled her eyes and went to join her daughter. ‘Nancy says hi. Brendon was his usual wonderful self. Honestly, the man is unbelievable at times.’ Ava noticed the table was set for two, a bottle of wine opened in readiness. ‘Are you expecting someone?’
‘Yes, Uber-eat. I’ve ordered a Thai curry for us. It will be here in a few minutes.’
‘You angel.’ Ava’s shoulders sagged with relief. ‘I don’t think I have the energy to cook.’
‘I wasn’t expecting you to! I can manage by myself, you know.’
‘I do know.’ Ava gave her a hug. ‘I’ve missed you, though.’
‘No you haven’t.’
‘I have!’ Ava sounded wounded. ‘You’re my everything, Georgia.’
‘Which sounds extremely sad, and a lonely place to be.’ The doorbell went, and Georgia rushed to the door. ‘Sit, make yourself comfy as I want to hear all about your day.’
‘Where to start.’ Ava sighed.
The food dished out, wine poured, Ava and Georgia settled into small talk while they ate. When she told her daughter about the promotion, Georgia screwed up her face.
‘Do you really want to work for him for the rest of your life?’
‘I haven’t told you his plans yet.’
Ava continued, and Georgia’s face became more animated. She ended up putting her fork down in disgust at one time.
‘That man,’ she cried. ‘You and Nancy have practically run Bateman PR for the past few years. All he’s done is wine and dine on your good work.’
‘I know but I need the job.’ She paused, wondering whether to let her in on her plans. Then she decided, what the hell. ‘I’m thinking of going it alone.’
Georgia’s eyes widened. Her meal finished, she reached for the wine bottle and pointed to the door. ‘ I think this calls for comfier seats while you tell me all about it.’
They sat either end of the settee, and ten minutes later, Ava was so excited that she was almost in tears.
‘You should have done this years ago, Mum,’ Georgia told her. ‘You’re so talented. You could have made a fortune.’
‘It wasn’t the right time.’
‘The right time is never, didn’t you tell me that once?’
Ava smiled. She had.
‘I guess I was set in my ways with your dad. He was the breadwinner, he made the decisions. Can you imagine him stepping aside for me to do something for myself? He would have laughed at me.’
It was then she realised it had been the same at work.
She’d stuck with Brendon for nine years, scared to move on or do something for herself.
And yet once Giles had left, she’d got through their divorce, the sale of their beloved home, and the purchase of a smaller flat that she’d made as homely as possible.
All those things added up to someone who was stronger than she’d given herself credit for.
‘Mum,’ Georgia prompted. ‘Where is your heart right now?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I don’t think it’s here in London. I think you’ve left it behind with Jack in Sapphire Lake.’
Ava laughed. ‘That’s very poetic.’
‘It’s true, though.’
Ava nodded. ‘I fell in love while I was there.’
Georgia grinned, then frowned. ‘So why are you back here?’
‘I’m visiting at the weekend, and then Jack will be here the weekend after.’
‘That’s not what I mean. Why did you come back at all?’
‘Because of my job, and you’re here alone and there are bills to pay and?—’
‘I have enough to pay for everything on my own.’
‘What are you getting at?’
‘How much money do you have left over from when you and Dad split up?’ She held up a hand. ‘I don’t want to know the amount. I just want to know if you’ve got enough to tide you over for six months?’
Ava knew she had. She’d known for a long time but hadn’t dared to think so far ahead.
‘Yes,’ she told her. ‘I’ve got enough. Jack also said he could get me some commissions, especially when everyone finds out I’m doing his covers, and there’s more work for the hotel which I’ve been asked to do.’
Georgia’s eyed widened. ‘Mum, that’s fantastic! Once word gets out, I bet you’ll be inundated. Plus you have contacts from Bateman PR who would probably prefer to work directly with you.’
‘You’re trying to get rid of me again.’
‘No, you’re welcome to come and stay any time you like, as long as you bring Jack with you.’
‘Sounds good to me.’
‘So when are you handing in your notice?’
Ava laughed. ‘One step at a time. But I’ll definitely speak to Jack about it at the weekend.’