Me, who was with him through the entire mess. Me, who has wanted this for as long as he has.
‘From what Sammy told me, it was a long shot given his already short sentence length and the serious nature of the crime.’ She exhales into the phone. ‘I’m so sorry. I’ve ruined today for you, and that’s the last thing I meant to do.’
I force a smile so she hears it in my voice. ‘It’s not ruined. I was just a bit surprised is all. It’s great news, obviously. Kevin getting out early is more cause for celebration.’ I barely know what I’m saying.
‘I wish I was there to drink champagne with you. Make sure Bridget steps up in my place, okay?’
‘I doubt she’ll drink that much,’ I tease.
‘Ouch.’ There’s a pause. ‘You’re really okay?’
I nod even though she can’t see me. ‘Of course.’
‘Well, congrats again, my clever, creative little bunny. I’m wearing your earrings, by the way.’
The smile remains on my face. ‘I couldn’t ask for better advertising than that. Speak soon.’
My smile fades the second I end the call. I stare at the flowers. These were the last thing he gave me, all that’s left of us. The jewellery accessories I got for my birthday all those years ago are now long gone, which makes the flowers the only remaining proof I have that he once cared.
Shooting up off the bed, I swipe the jar off the desk and watch it shatter on the tiles between the rug and the wall. I remain there in that spot until I’m certain I’m not going to cry, then head to the laundry for the dustpan and vacuum. When the mess is cleaned up, I go to the kitchen and grab a bottle of sparkling wine from the fridge, then fetch two glasses from the cupboard. I pop the cork as my sister enters the apartment.
‘Looks like I’m home just in time,’ she says, dropping her handbag on the floor. ‘I gather you’ve officially retired from the shoe biz to concentrate on your role as founder, owner, and CEO of Entwined?’
I hand her one of the glasses. ‘Don’t forget CFO, head of sales, marketing director, and production manager.’
She clinks her glass to mine. ‘To all the things.’
I drink. ‘To all the things.’ Then I drink some more.