Page 54 of The Retreat
Imogen settled herself into the passenger seat, and a thought popped into her head as her seatbelt clicked home. ‘Oh!’ she exclaimed. The thought couldn’t wait. This had to be done now.
Imogen pulled her phone out and fingers danced across the screen. After a moment, she slipped the phone back into her pocket, the corners of her mouth curling into a small, satisfied smile.
‘What was that about?’ Talia asked, shifting in the driver’s seat as she started the engine, easing the car out of the hotel’s gravel driveway and down to the turnoff.
‘Just returning your five grand,’ Imogen replied casually.
Talia put a foot on the brakes, making them both jolt forward. ‘No.’
Imogen laughed softly. ‘You think I could take your money? Now?’
Talia frowned, anxiety flickering in her gaze. ‘Yes. I cost you your job.’
Imogen’s eyes flickered downward briefly before meeting Talia’s again. ‘You did,’ she admitted softly. ‘But it’s fine.’
The words felt fragile in her mouth because she wasn’t sure how fine it was going to be. But holding on to that money felt like a weight neither of them needed. If they were going to make this work, it couldn’t start like that.
‘But how are you going to… What are you going to…’ Talia’s voice wavered, searching for answers in the uncertainty.
Imogen waved a dismissive hand, smiling faintly. She didn’t have the first clue. But she wasn’t worrying about that today. ‘I’ll work it out. But it can’t be with your money. You might need it anyway.’ Realising what she’d implied, she clapped a hand over her mouth. ‘Oh, I didn’t mean to—’
Talia burst out laughing. ‘Refer to my imminent firing?’
Imogen smiled. ‘Well...’
Talia gave her a long look and shrugged. ‘OK, we can talk about the money later.’
‘We most certainly cannot,’ Imogen told her firmly.
Talia pursed her lips but didn’t argue. She got the car going again, and they journeyed on.
Hours slipped by in a warm quiet—a very different kind of quiet than they’d driven up in. It was filled with peace and satisfaction. Imogen reached over a few times to brush a stray strand of hair from Talia’s face, her touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary. Talia smiled every time.
When they finally pulled up outside Imogen’s flat around lunchtime, Imogen got out and Talia followed. ‘You sure you’re not sick of me yet?’ she asked. ‘I wouldn’t take it personally if you wanted some time to yourself.’
Imogen just laughed and grabbed her hand, pulling her into the building. There was a lot that was uncertain. But it wasn’t what was going to happen right that minute.