Page 134 of Perfume Girl

“Arthur’s taking good care of me.”

“Glad to hear it.”

It was impossible not to sweep my gaze around the room, the memories as sharp and cruel as the day they were made. That fucking chair in the corner was the same. Why the hell had she kept it?

“Thank you for coming to see me,” she said.

“Sorry, work and everything else. I owed you a visit.”

She pulled back a little. “What happened?”

“How do you mean?”

“You look so weary.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Tell me what happened?”

I managed a sad smile. “I met someone I liked but it didn’t work out.”

“Why didn’t I meet her?”

“We weren’t together long.” Which didn’t matter—I’d thrown myself into my first true relationship and I’d been filled with hope, had been soothed in ways I couldn’t define.

I’d fallen hard.

“Did she hurt you?” she asked softly.

“It’s no big deal,” I lied. “Tell me how you’re feeling right now. Should I call the doctor?”

“Goodness, no. He won’t appreciate being called for a headache.”

I brought her hand to my mouth and kissed it. “It’s good to see you.”

And it was…my sweet mother had made many mistakes, but our bond still felt unbreakable.

“How’s Penelope?” she asked.

“Fine. I’m watching over her.”

“You’re a good brother.” Her expression became haunted with sadness. “You are too good for us all, Astor.”

“Don’t, Mom.”

Her deep brown gaze held mine. “We ruined your childhood.”

My thumb caressed her hand to comfort her. “Look how happy I am now.”

Was happy, I corrected myself. I had tasted happiness with Raquel and yet fate had torn us apart.

“I shouldn’t have let you come in here.” My mother’s voice snapped me out of my melancholy and threw me headfirst into grief. “I know it upsets you.”

“Stop,” I said firmly. “That’s all forgotten.”

“You were too young.”

“Mom, please.” I sat up straight. “How are the horses?”