Harriet sighs. “Look, I know you’ve always struggled with what Mum and Dad think, but you need to find a way to get past that. I had to learn to. Remember when they wanted me to go to university? We had a big fight about it.”
“You did?” I ask vacantly. “Why was that, again?”
“They assumed that since you’d gone, I’d go. They couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to.”
“But they were annoyed when I left for uni!”
“I know, I remember,” Harriet says with a laugh. “That’s my point. It doesn’t matter what you do, they’ll always find something to complain about.”
I think back to the last conversation I had with Mum, when she was negative about me meeting someone—hot on the heels of lamenting me staying single. And what about my writing? When I was making strides with that she had complaints, then when she thought I’d given up on it, she wasn’t bloody happy either.
Shit, Harriet is right. It doesn’t matter what I do, they’ll always find something to pick at. I could write a bestseller or marry a prince and there would be something wrong. There always is.
Ugh, I do need to get past this. I need to learn how to do what’s right for me and stop letting Mum’s voice nag in my ear. My parents have been like a ghost, following me around my whole life, casting a shadow over everything. I even let them follow me all the way to New York, for Christ’s sake. But I don’t want them here anymore. I’ve had enough.
“Thanks, Harri,” I say, wiping my nose. For a younger sister, she’s surprisingly wise.
“So you’re coming home?”
Home. The word appears in my mind, glowing and warm, like a marquee sign lit with yellow bulbs. But when I think of my old flat, that tiny town, my parents… I don’t feel that warm glow. The last time I felt like that was when Michael and I returned to the city, after our week at the cabin. And while part of that happiness might have had to do with him, I know that a huge part of it had to do with the city. Things might be shitty right now—my career and my roommate and my love life might have all given up on me—but the city hasn’t, I know that. New York hasn’t given up on me. And somehow, I just know it never will.
“No,” I say, pushing to my feet and gathering my bags. “I’m not. Because that’s not my home anymore. New York is.”
I end the call and stash my phone, turning for the exit. I’m not running away this time, because I’m in the right place. I’m where I’m meant to be, and I just have to find a way to make it work.
First thing’s first—I need to clear the air with Cat.
Actually, first, I need coffee. It’s been a nightmare of a morning and I haven’t had my usual dose of caffeine. No wonder I’m feeling so shit.
I spot a coffee shop across the airport and pivot, dragging my suitcases along.
“Alex!”
The word rises out of the din around me and I glance across the crowded airport concourse. But it’s just travelers, pushing past each other, and I shake my head with a chuckle.
“Alex!”
Okay, hang on. That was definitely my name.
I pause and swivel, looking around again, but I can’t see anyone I know. God, I’m so caffeine-deprived I’m hearing things.
Straightening my shoulders, I turn and continue towards the coffee shop.
“Alex! Wait.” My suitcase is yanked from my hand and I spin around to see a familiar face.
My heart stops.
“Don’t go. Please.” Cat looks at me beseechingly.
Geoff appears beside her, his hands on his hips as he doubles over, trying to catch his breath. “You’re… so… fast…”
A disbelieving laugh shakes out of me at the sight of my two friends. Cat flaps a hand at Geoff to grab my suitcases and, taking my arm, leads me back over to the bench. Geoff bumbles along with my baggage, dumping it at my feet and collapsing beside us.
“I’m so sorry for what I said.” Cat clasps my hands, her expression sincere. “You were right. About everything.”
I glance at Geoff and he shrugs. “I’m sorry. When I saw your note, I had to call her.”
I fix my attention back on Cat. “You spoke to Mel?”
“Yes. I called her last night and she denied everything, so I figured you were lying. Then when Geoff called in a panic this morning, I called Mark, and he told me the truth. When I called Mel back and told her, she finally confessed.”
“I’m sorry for how I told you. I never meant to blurt it out that way and hurt you. I was upset.”
Cat shakes her head. “You did the right thing, telling me. I’m so sorry for not believing you. I’d just had an awful evening with Kyle and I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
“It’s okay.” I pull her into a hug, relief flooding my body. “What happened with Kyle?”
“Ugh, I’ll tell you another time. But that’s over. Now what’s this about you leaving New York?” She looks at me sternly and I let out a long, weary breath.
“I’m not. I thought I should, but—”
“There’s no need to leave just because you broke up with a guy,” Geoff says.
“Well, I also destroyed my career.”
Geoff cocks his head. “What?”
“I got offered that column but Mel told Justin not to give it to me.”
Cat winces. “Yes, I think she was going to make sure you didn’t get it.”
Geoff stares at me wide-eyed. “What a crazy bitch.”
I snort in agreement. “It’s okay, I’m not going to let her stop me. I’ll talk to Justin. I worked hard to prove I’m a good writer, so I’m not just going to walk away.”
Geoff grins. “Good.”
“Besides, I don’t want to leave New York. This is my home, and I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Cat exhales in relief.
