Page 75 of Just a Number

“Let me talk you through the setup and what’s expected, and then you can have some time to think about it. You won’t have to be there next week.” I listen carefully, eyes wide as Maggie explains everything.

I’m in a complete daze after finishing up the call with Maggie. We left it that I’d take the next day or so to think about her offer and then touch base so she knows if she needs to start looking for someone more local if I don’t accept.

I’m due at the bar for a shift later, so I shoot a text to Tom and Abby asking if I can speak to them if I go in a bit earlier. It’s crazy how quickly they’ve both become friends and people I go to for advice.

I blow out a sigh, running my hand through my already wild hair from all the times I’ve done this exact same thing. I need to get to the bar. Hopefully, talking this through with someone else will help.

When I hung up, the first thing I wanted to do was go and find Mel and explain the craziness of it all, but I can’t do that. It crossed my mind as I was listening to Maggie that this could be exactly what I need. The housing and living expenses are covered. I’d have studio time for my own work and would only be required for apprentice duties for part-time hours. It would mean I could get a part-time job on the side for some income. It’s like all my prayers have been answered. Except for that one that’s tugging on my heart.Mel.

I shake that thought from my brain and head out on my bike to the bar.

When I pull up, Tom and Abby are standing by the back door chatting. It’s hard to miss Abby’s appreciative stare as I climb off the bike and remove my helmet. I raise a brow in her direction and she grimaces.

“Sorry, Alex, it’s just that Mel’s got me reading smut with a motorcycle-riding male character. It’s changing my brain chemistry, I swear.” She grimaces as I chuckle. My ego wonders if Mel read it after meeting me, but I do my best to stuff that smugness back down. I need to focus here.

Tom shakes his head with a tut, resulting in Abby punching his bicep. He frowns while he rubs the spot where she hit him.

“Err, you can quit that disapproval right this second boss, given what your girlfriend writes. Don’t tell me you don’t read it too. Cass told me.” She pokes her tongue out at Tom cheekily.

He throws her one more sideways glance before looking across at me. “You wanted to talk?”

“Err, yeah. I’d appreciate your advice on an opportunity that’s come up.” I pause, realising how daft it is to be speaking with these guys about it. They literally just offered me a permanent position and now I’m here wanting their thoughts on my packing up and leaving.What the fuck am I thinking?

“Is this in the capacity of being your boss and colleague, or as friends?” Abby asks with a hint of curiosity.

“Friends. If that’s okay. My… err… life has been all over the place lately. I could really use some friendly ears, but I don’t want to overstep.” I take a step backwards. “Fuck, sorry, I shouldn’t be speaking to you about this.”

Abby closes the space between us, placing her hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We’re friends, Alex. I’ll be insulted if you backpedal now. Tell us what’s going on. If we can, we’ll help.” She looks across to Tom, who gives a nod of agreement.

“This is off the work record if it needs to be Alex,” he confirms in his low tone.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts. “I made an agreement with Mel to go andsowmy wild oatsand have some freedom.” I pause as a gasp escapes through Abby’s lips, her hand covering her mouth. “If I’m still hung up on her in a year, we can try again.” I close my eyes, absorbing the tightness in my chest. Every time I think about it, it hurts. “And then I got this offer completely out of the blue. It’s an apprentice role to a potter for an artist in residence placement. It would be an amazingexperience. Not only to assist her, but to show my own work alongside hers.” Excitement bubbles in my veins as I say the words. “But, it’s in Glasgow.” I pause, looking between them. Whatever look I see on their faces is encouraging. “She said there’s the opportunity for it to be extended or possibly go on somewhere else afterwards. The initial contract would be for six months.”

“It sounds like an incredible opportunity,” Tom says.

“It is. And I’d be on my way there like a shot if this had come up before Mel, but now…” I trail off.

“If you’ve agreed to take a break anyway, it could be good to get a change of scenery,” Abby chimes in, her lips tilt in a sympathetic smile. “And I’ve always wanted to go to Glasgow. I’ll come and visit you.”

“Yeah, I don’t know why I didn’t say yes. It’s all happening at once and I don’t have a fucking clue what’s the right thing to do.” I lift my chin, staring up at the sky, hoping for the answer to fall from it.

“What does your gut say?” Tom asks quietly.

“My gut feels completely battered right now. I really thought this thing with Mel would work out. I know this opportunity will be great for my creative work. And I guess it will give me the space from Mel. It solves my housing problem. I don’t know why I’m hesitating.”

Abby takes me unawares, reaching up on her tiptoes to smother me with a tight hug. “You have been on a rollercoaster, Alex. It’s no wonder you’re uncertain. But this sounds amazing. Why don’t you work today, sleep on it, and see how you feel tomorrow? I’m happy to meet you for a coffee in the morning if you want to talk again?”

“Yeah, I think that’s worth a shot. Thank you, both of you.”

“Well, if we might not have you much longer, I may as well get you doing all the crappy jobs today. That alright with you, boss?” Abby checks with Tom, who smirks.

“Sure, Abby.”

Oh great, well, at least if they keep me busy, I won’t be in my head about it all.

Fuck, I’m really doing this, I guess,I think to myself a week later.

There’s a crowd outside my mum’s house where I stayed last night. I peer out of the kitchen window to see them all standing around, chattering. There’s Maggie with her car and a moving van and its driver behind her with a small collection of my belongings and pottery equipment now added. Tom and Cassidy are there with Jack, who’s now back from his stint in New York. Abby is standing near Cassidy and the guys, talking to Laura.

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