“Ava? What is it? Is it Milly? Cristiano?” There was silence as Ava mentally tallied all of the information she had kept from her sisters. Not intentionally. But she’d been so wrapped up in her own mess of a life that she hadn’t known what to say. Only Olivia’s email had forced her to make contact.
“No, no. It’s Liv.”
“Liv?”
Sophie felt a prickle of tension in her spine. She eased herself down at the table and took a deep breath. “What about Liv?”
“Didn’t you see the email?”
“No. I haven’t checked my phone all day. I’m sorry. What is it? What did she say?” Relief was an overpowering emotion when she realised that at least Olivia was alive, to be sending emails.
“You and she are as bad as each other,” Ava grumbled angrily. “First you and Alessandro, and now Olivia.”
“What about Olivia?”
“She says she’s getting married to some guy. God, read the email.”
Sophie shook her head. “I don’t know how to while I’m talking to you. What did it say?”
Ava began to read, her voice shaking from shock. “I know I’ve been terrible with emails lately. I’m sorry, but when you read this, you’re going to understand. I’ve met someone. Someone special. Oh boy, I hope you’re both sitting down. Because I’ve just agreed to marry him. And that’s not even the shocking part… ”
Sophie dipped her head forward. “That’s all she said?”
“Yes.”
“But who? She never said anything? What? When? I just … I don’t understand.”
“No. That makes two of us.”
“Alex will be able to help.”
“He can try, but Olivia’s disappeared into thin air. The agency she worked for have no clue. Her home phone’s not ringing. Her mobile’s making a weird blee-blee-bloop noise whenever I call it.”
“No, she wouldn’t do that to us. She’ll be in touch. Soon, too. This is Liv! She’s the glue! Come on, Ava. She’ll be okay.”
“She’s too bloody trusting is what she is. Any guy with a smile and a nice car and she’s sold.”
“She’s not that bad.”
“Yes she is. I’m not saying it to be prickly, but because it’s the truth.”
Sophie pressed her lips together. “I’ll see what Alex can find out.”
“Keep me posted.”
“Sure.”
“Ava?”
“Yeah?”
“Did Milly get the presents I sent?”
There was silence for a slight moment too long. It struck Sophie as odd. But then again, Ava was in a strange mood. Her worry about Olivia was obvious.
“Yeah, she loved them. She’s resting now or I’d put her on to say thanks.”
“I’ll catch her tomorrow.”