Page 115 of Royally Redeemed
“Oh did she?” John asked. “Where?”
“Knightsbridge,” Ella said. “It is darling. And fancy as hell. And I have no idea why she is letting me live there, but it will be nice.”
“Posh,” I said. “And close to me. I’d be lying if I wasn’t selfishly hoping she picked that place.”
It was a nice apartment with a shared garden at a pretty exclusive little address. The postcode was impressive, but given Monique’s family, I expected she’d end up somewhere spenny. I was grateful to have Ella only minutes away versus out in Greenwich.
“I am excited. We haven’t lived together in years,” Ella said. “But it will be good. Things are looking up.”
I selfishly hoped it was temporary because she’d soon be living with me. At least, in my mind, that was where we were headed. I didn’t want to say it aloud for fear I would doom us.
“I will have to get you a housewarming gift,” John said.
“Oh, totally unnecessary John,” Ella said. “But I think Mo wants to throw a fabulous party and invite everyone.”
“Would I get an invite to this fabulous party?” I asked.
“You all would. I think I’m obligated to ask you. I just assumed you wouldn’t be all that interested.”
“I am,” I said. “Always. You should tell my Social Secretary to add it to the diary.”
She giggled. “Oh, I hear she’s the worst.”
We boarded the plane home. Ella was smart to board with John. People were convinced something was going on—or they hoped it was. I wished I could spoil it. However, I knew that was a dreadful idea. We piled in and buckled up, saying goodbye to lovely Mexico.
Eloise rested her head on my shoulder as we hit cruising altitude.
“I wish we could have stayed longer. The weather was beautiful,” she said.
“About that,” I said. “I booked us a holiday. Or, rather, John helped me book us a holiday.”
“Duncan, I cannot just go on vacation?—”
“I’m your boss. You can do whatever I tell you!”
She looked annoyed, but I knew she wasn’t.
“Fine. But we need to sort out my job situation when we get back. I need to change positions.”
“Change positions, indeed.”
Ella rolled her eyes.
“I am sorry. It was justright there,Eloise.”
“I love you, but grow up, Duncan.”
I kissed her head. “Never. But you’re coming with me on this trip, darling. In the sun.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“Bali,” I answered.
“You think I’m going to run around in a bikini all day?”
“Ihopeyou do.”
She laughed. “Okay, well, I guess if it’s anorder… I don’t have a choice.”
“Your boss is a real prick, Ella. Sorry.”
She looked up. “He really is the worst. But he’s also the best. I love-hate him a lot. Mostly love him.”
I loved her. I loved this. I loved the banter and her jokes. I loved her dry wit. I loved her grumpy faces and her beautiful smiles. I loved every bit of her. I knew it would grow. Even if it started all wrong, I’d somehow made it right.
