Page 39 of One Month's Notice

“Goodnight.” She moved past him, her heart heavy, and slipped into the back seat.

As the vehicle pulled away, Nat pressed her forehead against the cool glass, the world outside blurring into streaks of light and shadow. She leaned back against the seat, her gaze fixed on the receding figure of Michael through the rain-spattered window. The world outside morphed into a slideshow of distorted shapes and colours.

A few moments later, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, the screen lighting her damp face to show a message from Michael. His words pierced through the noise in her head.

I’m sorry about Clara. I will have a word with her. And the kiss wasn’t a mistake, not for me. This is terrible timing, but I have to go away for a few days. When I’m back, please, can we talk?

The phone almost slipped from her grasp as a mixture of emotions surged within her. She read and reread the message, each word sinking in, carving out a space amidst the chaos of her thoughts. Despite everything, a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. As the city lights passed by, their reflections danced across her eyes, offering a glimmer of something like hope.

Chapter eighteen

Friday 20th May

Nat sat at the antique oak desk in the corner of her bedroom, everything lit by the soft glow of the evening light as it filtered through the sheer curtains. Her fingers made precise adjustments to the sheets spread out before her. With Michael away for the last week, work had been quieter and she had arrived home on time most days. The space between them had created an opportunity for Nat to focus on finishing the portfolio, and she welcomed the distraction.

Each page bore the mark of her relentless dedication—the only part of her life where she was a true perfectionist. Meticulous sketches and swatches of fabric told the story of the transformation of a decrepit country hotel into a luxury traveller destination. With the tip of her pencil, she shaded in a corner of a drawing, giving depth to the design of an imaginary room she hoped would soon become reality.

She buzzed with a mixture of pride and apprehension. The contract was a big one—potentially career-defining—and while she wanted to believe the designs staring back at her were impressive, doubt crept into the corners of her mind. Was her work truly good enough? Could she stand out against the competition?

There was a soft knock on the door and Lucy peeked her head around the frame, her freshly curled blonde hair hung softly around her face.

“Off for your night out?” Nat got up from the chair to meet her sister-in-law.

“Yep.” Lucy stepped inside the room. Her eyes scanned over the open portfolio. “How’s everything going?”

Nat hesitated, aware that any mention of her self-doubt might cast a shadow over Lucy’s rare escape of a night out. She opted instead for a half-truth that wouldn’t draw Lucy into a conversation that would keep her away from her friends.

“Just putting the final touches on this.” She looked back towards the desk. “It’s shaping up well, and won’t be too long until it’s finished.”

“It looks amazing. You’re really talented and so lucky to have the opportunity to do what you love.”

Nat detected a tinge of sadness in Lucy’s voice.

“Thanks.” Her cheeks warmed with the compliment. She turned her attention to the necklace Lucy was fidgeting with—a delicate silver chain that refused to clasp. “Here, let me help you with that.”

Nat secured the jewellery around Lucy’s neck, fastening the tiny mechanism and adjusting it so it rested neatly in the centre.

“There.” Her hands fell away. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Lucy smiled warmly. “Louis is ready for bed. He’s just playing at the moment, so if you wouldn’t mind settling him down?”

“Of course, you go and have fun!”

Without needing any further encouragement, Lucy turned and left, leaving Nat alone once more with her thoughts and the soft hum of the heating as it came to life. She glanced down at her portfolio. With a deep breath, she closed the cover, tucking her hopes and dreams neatly within its confines, ready to be revealed when the time came.

Stepping outside of her room, Nat called out into the hallway.

“Simon, I’m putting Louis to bed. Can you order some takeaway? I’m starving.”

“Sure!” The muffled reply came from the living room. “Pizza OK?”

Nat paused at the top of the stairs, a frown on her face. “I’m not in the mood for pizza. How about Thai?”

“Thai again?” Simon’s voice carried an amused chuckle. “We just had that last week.”

“Because it’s delicious.” Nat enjoyed nothing more than arguing back with her brother, especially when it was about food. “And if I’m going to comfort eat, it might as well be Pad Thai. With extra peanuts.”

“Fine, fine,” Simon conceded with mock exasperation, but she could hear the smile in his voice. “Your wish is my command.”

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