Page 108 of Prelude To You

“Okay, I’ll make the coffee but I’ll probably burn the egg. Like we all know I’m not the cook here.”

I smiled despite my melancholy mood. “I’ll be out in a minute. I’ll make the eggs.”

The two minutes I devoted to shivering under the cold water were spent making the decision to pull myself together. Somehow I didn’t think Miss Leyland would be hugely impressed if, on my first day at work, I was a heartbroken wraith wallowing in my own misery while loitering by the sickbed of a very important man.

And there was literally nothing more crucial right now than keeping that job.

Yet a quiet panic lingered just below my skin. I knew what I had to do, and that was forget that Roman ever entered in my life. The only thing I didn’t know was how I was going to do that. Our night in the penthouse was seared into my body and mind. And for some inexplicable reason it felt like he’d claimed a part of my heart and a chunk of my soul.

I was being overly dramatic, and it was pretty clear I just needed time to adjust to my new reality. There was simply nothing left to do but go on with my life.

It wasn’t a major decision as to what to wear to work. Black leggings and a loose white shirt. And ballet flats. Which already had Miss Leyland’s preapproval. She was all for comfort while reading to an old man in a coma.

It made me wonder what Henry’s story was. Now there was someone who had bigger problems than I did, and for future reference it would be good if I kept that in mind and stopped feeling sorry for myself.

When I got to the front room Meg was sitting at the small dining table, sipping coffee and surfing on her phone.

“You want one egg or two?” I asked.

She looked me up and down. “I’m sorry but why in God’s name are you wearing your old coat when you have a brand-new gorgeous coat at your disposal?”

“One egg or two? And I’m not asking again.”

Meg insisted. “Two. And answer me.”

I kept myself busy frying two eggs and making two slices of toast. “Because when I wear it, all I keep thinking about is why he would buy me a coat for the two minutes I was standing outside if he didn’t care.”

“Well, I thought we established that he does care and that his circumstances are to blame for this bullshit happening.”

“We haven’t established a thing. You think that he’s the victim of his circumstances and I’m the thankless bitch who doesn’t appreciate all his precious gifts.”

Meg stared me down. “Do you hear yourself?”

“Oh whatever, it’s so useless thinking about it. It’s over, it’s done, I just need to get it together.”

“But let me just say this,” Meg chattered on. “You look much better than when you got up. Just wear the coat and take it all the way to fanfuckingtastic. All I’m sayin’.”

I sighed. She was right; it was ridiculous to wear this rag when I had a perfectly new coat, even if I was afraid to wear it. “Fine,” I mumbled and put a plate of eggs and toast in front of her.

“Where’s yours, Isabel?”

“I’m honestly going to throw up if I eat anything right now.”

“I understand, but because I care I want you to eat half a slice of dry toast. Will you do that for me?”

Knowing Meg, she wasn’t going to give up, and when she gave me the piece of toast, I ate it. And it was fine, I didn’t want to throw up.

While Meg devoured her breakfast, I carefully packed the chocolate éclairs and macarons I made yesterday into two confectionary boxes. I promised myself I’d make Nelson his own box of macarons if I got this job. I was still amazed at how he stood up for me, insisting Miss Leyland give me an interview.

When George arrived, Meg helped me carry the confectionary boxes to the Navigator. George was waiting with a big smile, holding the back door open for me.

“Morning ladies,” he said chirpily.

I issued my best smile under the circumstances. “Morning, George.”

Meg went for a high-five. “My man, George.” Then she whispered in his ear, loud enough for me to hear. “Listen, our angel is a little fragile this morning. Look after her for me, okay?”

“Could you likenotright now, Meg?” I begged. But George and Meg continued as if I were invisible.

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