Page 113 of Praising Haru

“You’re in love with him,” Hayley says.

“He’s an amazing guy. Everything I’ve ever wanted.” And more.

“I’m so happy for you.”

“It’s still new and—”

Hayley holds her hand up.

I snap my mouth shut.

“My dad is a romantic. He always said to me that when I met the right person, I’d know.” Hayley presses her hand over her heart. “He said I’d feel it in my heart and soul and, less romantically, in my bones. I haven’t met that person yet, but it’s clear as day you have. I’m here to tell you that you can have the guy and your dream career, just maybe not in the way you originally envisaged.”

“Thanks, Hayley.”

“You have to keep me updated on how the freelancing thing goes and on your relationship with Kyle. I want all the gossip.”

I laugh. “You’ll be the first to know everything.” Except for the kinky stuff.

We spend the next hour making a list of small fashion companies for me to contact, and then I go to my next interview. I need to keep my options open. I’m not one hundred per cent sure freelancing is for me. Will I have enough self-control to sit and work from home every day, or would working alongside other designers fit me better? Will freelancing be too big a financial risk? How would I even know what to charge so I’m competitive but not selling myself short? Why should anyone take a risk on me when I’m an unknown in the industry? I haven’t made a name for myself, and my reference from my last job isn’t worth much at all.

Going into an interview with my head whirling with thoughts isn’t sensible, but I do my best to be polite, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the company’s brand. I get the same positive vibe as I did from the first interview and another promise that they’ll be in touch.

I text Kyle and Hayley to let them know I’m done, that it went well as far as I could tell, and that I’m heading home.

I get to King’s Cross in time to catch my train. I put earbuds in and listen to my audiobook during the two-hour journey.

Kyle

Hey, gorgeous, how are you feeling?

Okay. Tired.

It’s been a long day.

I’d be tempted to try to nap if I wasn’t certain I’d end up missing my stop. The train isn’t terminating at Leeds.

I’ll be there to meet you when your train arrives.

Thank you, Sir.

I’m looking forward to holding you in my arms and kissing you. If you’re a good boy, I might suck your pretty dick and tongue your perfect hole tonight. Would you like that?

I adjust my jeans. Thankfully, no one is sitting beside me.

Please don’t make me hard on public transport.

LOL. Sorry, gorgeous. Have you heard from either fashion house yet?

No. And I doubt I will today or even tomorrow.

It won’t take them long to get back to you. I predict two job offers in your immediate future.

I love that he’s my personal cheerleader.

We trade texts for the rest of my journey home. Kyle is well behaved and doesn’t message anything that might give me an erection. The train slows down as it approaches Leeds Station. I peer out the window, having to crane my neck slightly to see the Platform building. Two gigantic owls grace the side of the building, with gold geometric shapes behind them. The larger of the two owls is stretching its talons towards a lightbulb while a pale moon hangs behind it. I have no clue what the lightbulb has to do with owls, but I adore the mural nonetheless. Seeing it means I’m home.

Home.