Page 6 of Grand Love

“Miller,” she says after a beat.

I knew it! “Hmmm, that’s what? Your fifth date?”

“I wouldn’t call it a date.”

“No?”

“Nope, more like… like…”

“Sex,” I finish for her.

“Yeah.” She chuckles. “Just really great sex.”

“Good for you, Luce.”

It shouldn’t surprise me that she has already slept with Miller, but it does. She’s different these days—more relaxed.

“You heading out in a minute? You’re going to be late,” she says.

But still a control freak.

“Yes, if I must. What time are you meeting Mason?” I ask.

“Ten. He needs to pop into the office first. I told him I would meet him there.”

“Perfect, the bag is packed and in the bedroom,” I tell her, pulling on my cardigan and picking up my things.

She gives me a tight smile, and I know she wants to say something. “He asked about Joey again on Friday.”

“Right?” I roll my eyes and turn to walk towards the door.

“Nina—”

“Luce. Don’t. Just leave it, please.”

She flicks her wrist, waving me off, and I know she isn’t mad at me. “El will be dropping off tonight. I have to help Jean down in the Mayfair shop.” She turns and starts walking towards my lounge.

“Luce.” She turns to face me. “Thank you.”

She nods her head once; she knows how much I appreciate her. “Get out of here, wench.”

* * *

I started workingat The Earl Marks Hotel a little over a month ago. So far, I have managed to fly under the manager’s radar. Pretty impressive for someone who has no idea what they are doing. I had training—they showed me everything I needed to know to man the main desk. Yet for the life of me, I cannot figure it out. Luckily, I’m never on my own, and when I can, I volunteer to help behind the scenes. It’s only two days a week, but it’s enough to contribute towards my apartment and bills.

I have support from Mason, and he chose from a list of apartments that Charlie and Vinny picked out for us. I had to put my pride aside and allow it, and in hindsight, I’m glad I did. I never would have managed in my one-bedroom apartment with a newborn baby. You couldn’t swing a cat in that place.

We live in an apartment in Pimlico. It’s compact and has two bedrooms but the lounge and kitchen are spacious and allow a safe living space for us both. It wasn’t what I wanted. I always thought I’d have a more homely place away from the busy city when I eventually had children, but that wasn’t an option with the number of people helping us on a daily basis. It worked for me to live close to the city centre, and if that meant swallowing my pride and accepting a little help, then I knew I had to do it. Not just for me, but for my son.

I can cover the majority of my rent with the money I make from my monthly wage which is a relief, but the bills and food, reluctantly, I have to take from the money Mason gives me.

We live frugally, but comfortably.

Vinny is waiting at the curb when I get to the bottom of my building’s steps. He always picks me up to take me to and from work. I start early and finish late. By the time I hit month eight of my pregnancy, I gave up being the hero and just got in the car. It was the easier option.

As much as I know Vinny cares, I also know ferrying me around London isn’t his doing. But to complain and draw attention to it means I have to face him, and I’ve done just fine avoiding him this far.

“’Morning, Vin!” I smile, sliding into the front seat and kissing him on the cheek.

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