Yes. It would.
She groaned, climbing from her bed and slipping a hoodie over her shoulders. She loved her place, but sometimes it felt cold and lonely. And now that winter had hit, feelings Talia always tried to avoid resurfaced. She’d always dreamed of a girlfriend, more so when it was cold and miserable outside. The romance of it all appealed to her. But it was the heartbreak she couldn’t deal with. So, she’d guarded her heart a long time ago and pushed away anyone who got close to her.
But Faye didn’t seem to be going away any time soon. And in many ways, Talia was glad about that.
Once she’d prepared her morning coffee, she climbed into an oversized seat in the window and pulled her laptop onto her knee. She searched ‘Faye Holmes,’ smiling when the search engine brought up her website. Maybe she could contact her through this. Would she receive it? Would it go to someone else who took care of that stuff for Faye? Would it vanish into the abyss, Talia’s personal message floating around for anyone to get their hands on?
Well, trying is as good as anything else right now.
Talia typed out a generic message. Something that wouldn’t be read into too much if it got into the wrong hands. She doubted very much that Faye would come across it, but if she did, maybe this weekend wouldn’t be as bad as she thought. She really couldn’t wait until Monday to speak to Faye. The apology had initially been aimed at Talia, but now she found herself wanting to apologise in return. For not being honest from the get-go and for her attitude last night.
She sent the message, placing her open laptop on the small table beside the chair, and watched the sun rise over the skyline of Liverpool.It’s pretty here. I like it.
A chime sounded, and Talia frowned. It would probably be an email to say her own had gotten lost out in the world somewhere. It couldn’t possibly be Faye. She glanced at the screen from the corner of her eye, shocked to find that Faye had actually responded.
Faye: No apology necessary.
Okay, at least Faye had responded. Basic, straight to the point, but a response, nonetheless. Talia didn’t want to bother Faye, but she still felt that she should explain herself.
Talia: It was. I was rude to you last night. You caught me off guard when you booked me. I also owe you a refund.
Faye: The website states no refunds.
Talia rolled her eyes as a slight smile curled on her mouth. Faye had actually looked at the refund policy? She wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign. A client had never requested a refund from Talia before. She was usually on top form.
Talia: You also didn’t get what you paid for, so I’ll refund you from my own pocket.
Faye: Again, not necessary.
Talia: Faye…
Faye: I’m serious. A refund isn’t necessary. And I did get what I paid for. You gave me the opportunity to say what I needed to say.
Talia sunk back in her seat, staring at her laptop. And then another email came through.
Faye: What are you doing up so early? Shouldn’t you be resting after a long shift that ran on into the night?
Talia smiled. Faye cared about her well-being more than anything else. It meant a lot.
Talia: I couldn’t sleep. Enjoying my morning coffee with a beautiful sunrise. Why are you awake? And why are you responding? Don’t you have someone to take care of that for you?
Faye: No, I take care of my own emails. I don’t like them to go missing. And I’m working right now. I have been since five.
Talia: That’s some dedication. I’ll let you be. But before you go, I was wondering if we could catch up before Monday? I’m free all day and night Sunday if you’re available…
Faye: Love to! Dinner is on me. Name the place and I’ll be there.
Talia: How do you feel about Mexican? I stopped by a lovely little place the week I moved here.
Faye: I love Mexican! Reserve us a table at a time that suits you.
Talia blew out a breath. Considering Faye was causing her nothing but sleepless nights, an excitement built in her chest. She’d have to curb that, no doubt about it, but for the first time in several years, Talia felt good about something other than her career.
Talia: I’ll let you know the details. And Faye? I’m really sorry about how I was with you last night. It’s easy for me to put a mask on and be something I’m not when I’m working. But you didn’t deserve that.
Faye: It’s okay. Are you working tonight?
Talia: I am…