Page 176 of The Sun Sister

‘Electra, you know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.’ Tommy’s lips made a smile, but I could see sadness in his eyes.

‘Listen, if there is anything –anything– I can ever do for you, Tommy, please just say the word, okay?’

‘Okay, thanks. And by the way, I really dig your new haircut.’

‘Thanks, Tommy.’

As I rode up in the elevator, I decided that I’d attend all my AA meetings in Chelsea from now on. The last thing I wanted was to lose Tommy as a friend, and I knew it would embarrass him if he ever found out I’d heard his confession.

Sitting down on the couch in the living room, I saw I had a missed call from Miles on my cell, so I called him back.

‘Hi, everything okay with Vanessa?’ I asked him.

‘Ida called earlier – Vanessa’s settling in okay.’

‘Great. And how are you?’

‘I’m okay. It’s kinda weird being back at work and not being able to talk to anyone about all the crazy shit that I –we– have been through recently.’

‘I know, right? I did my first photoshoot today and it was odd being so...present, without all the stuff I used to take to mask it.’

‘Yeah, listen, I gotta go. I have a client calling any moment and I’m playing catch-up here at the office right now.’

Miles ended the call and I stood up and wandered outside onto the terrace. I leant over the glass railing and looked down on New York; for the first time since I’d arrived home, I felt low. Perhaps it was because the weekend was yawning out in front of me. Normally, I’d be in transit to somewhere, which suited me fine, because weekends were the time when successful people left the city to head to their country homes and spend quality time with their family and friends.

‘Hi, Electra,’ said Mariam behind me. ‘There’s some lentil soup that I made earlier and some salad in the refrigerator for your dinner tonight.’

‘Thanks.’

‘Oh, and did you call back that therapist Fi recommended?’

‘Yup.’

‘And?’

‘After Fi, she just doesn’t sound right.’

‘I understand, Electra, but you do have to find someone here in Manhattan. That’s the third one you’ve contacted who you’ve said is a no. Maybe you should just go and meet one of them? See how they are?’

‘Maybe, but I just don’t want to risk choosing the wrong person and them screwing up my head, you know? I’m in a good place right now, Mariam. And I have plenty of people to talk to if I need them.’

‘Okay. I don’t want to be a nag; it’s only because I care, Electra.’

‘I know, and you’ve been amazing, Mariam.’

‘Is there anything else you need before I go?’

‘No. You get home now and see your family.’

‘If you’re sure, because—’

‘I am. I’ve gotta learn to live without a babysitter sometime, don’t I?’

‘If you need me, day or night, just call. Promise?’

‘I promise. Please, Mariam, go home!’

‘I will. Thanks, Electra, bye.’