“Speaking of morons running things…Ivan, you’ve just reminded me of something. Aren’t you on the executive board at the National Gallery?”

Ivan snorted. “Yeah, you could say that. Why? And I’ll pretend you didn’t just insult me because I’m magnanimous like that…and family.”

“Right, cousin.” I rolled my eyes. “My girlfriend studies art conservation at University of London. She’s American and needs a work visa to stay here indefinitely.”

“Wait. Back your arse up. Did you just say your ‘girlfriend’? The elusive Blackstone is off the market? How is this possible, mate?”

I should have known I’d get harassed the moment I opened my mouth. I laughed a little awkwardly. “I hardly know, but yeah, she’s brilliant at restoring paintings and she really loves what she does. And I really don’t want her visa expiring…”

“I hear you, E. I’ll ask. There’s this event coming up at the National actually. The Mallerton Society—”

“Oh yeah, she told me about that. I’m taking her. She been working on one of Mallerton’s paintings actually. I know Brynne can explain it much better than me. I’ll introduce her and you’ll see what I mean.”

“I look forward to meeting the American beauty who snatched your c**k off the one-night-stand circuit.”

“Please don’t tell her that when you meet her or I’ll have to look the other way at all those charming death threats you receive so regularly from your loyal fans.”

He laughed at me. “You know, E, if you want her here indefinitely all you have to do is marry her and she won’t need a work visa.”

My mind went on over-capacity the second he said the words “marry her” and I found myself fumbling for another ciggie from the desk drawer.

“You did not just say that to me, even though I shouldn’t be surprised, you’re such an ignoramus. You of all people endorsing matrimony—that’s the most hilarious thing I’ve heard all year coming from your mouth, or should I say, your idiot arse.”

My cousin laughed some more at my expense. “Just because my marriage was an immense cock-up doesn’t mean yours will be, E.”

We’ve definitely reached the end of this conversation, Ivan. I’m hanging up on you now.” I could still hear him laughing when I pulled the receiver away from my ear.

8

Picking her up from work was something I looked forward to and today was no exception. Everything was good until that text came through on her mobile. Now I was just plain old desperate to get her in my sights.

I pulled into the Rothvale lot, parked and watched the doors where she would exit the building; my conversation with my cousin still niggling at me since we’d spoken, and honestly had infected my imagination with all kinds of madness. Marriage…seriously?! How about an exclusive, committed relationship for starters?

The idea of marrying anyone had never been on my life list. I just didn’t see such a future in my cards and never had. The institution itself held my utmost respect, but in all likelihood a person with my lifestyle and baggage would be, most certainly an epic fail as a husband. There was so much shit in my closet, going so far back, I could hardly separate to a time when I might have turned out normal.

My sister was married, and very happily too, with three beautiful children. Hannah and Freddy were a standard to aspire to I suppose, I’d just never thought to. My sister had done the domestic route and blessed our dad with grandchildren, and basically gotten me off the hook from having to compete. I mean, Hannah did it so well there was no need for me to feel the pressure.

I decided to call her while I waited for Brynne to come out. I grinned when she picked up on the second ring.

“How’s my little brother?”

“Losing his mind with work,” I told her.

“That’s not the only thing you’re losing your mind over, or so I’ve heard.” Hannah could be very smug and annoyingly so when she felt like it.

“So Dad got to you and blabbed already did he?”

“He’s really worried about you. He told me he’d never seen you looking like that, not even when you came home from the war.”

“Hmmm. I shouldn’t have gone over there and said all that stuff to him. I am such a wanker for doing it. I’ll make it up to him somehow. So how are things with my big sis?”

“Good try, E, but I’m not going for it. My brother finally falls in love with someone and you think I am just going to let that juicy tidbit fall away? What do you take me for? We both know who the smartest sibling is here.”

I sighed at my sister. “Not arguing with you on that point, Han.”

“Wow. You really have changed haven’t you?”

“Yeah, I guess I have. I hope it’s for the good. And Dad can stop worrying about me, we’re back together now so I’m no longer the wretched, broken creature he last saw.”

“Have you been reading poetry, Ethan? You sound different.”

“No comment,” I said through her sarcasm. “Listen, I wondered if I could bring her up to your place for a weekend. I think Brynne would love Halborough and I’d rather like to get her out of the city for a few days. Can you and Freddy squeeze us in?”

“For you? For the chance to meet this American who has transformed my aloof, unattached little brother into a sappy, love-sick, drinker of Mexican beers? No problem.”

I laughed. “Good. Let me know the dates, Han. I want all of you to meet her, and your lovely home would be the perfect place to do that. And I miss the kids.”

“They miss their Uncle Ethan. Okay…I’ll check the books and let you know when. It’s starting to get busier with the games coming.”

“You don’t have to tell me that. The whole city’s gone mad and we’re just in June!”

We hung up and I looked out the window waiting for Brynne. I pulled out her mobile from my pocket and brought up the text that had ruined my otherwise peaceful day. Some bloke named Alex Craven from the Victoria & Albert Museum that I would just love to turn into a eunuch: Brynne, Lovely seeing you again today. Brill on the Mallerton too. I’d very much love to take you to dinner and discuss further how we can get you on staff. Didn’t know you modeled but now I’ve seen your pictures I must know more! –Alex

I am sure I cut the side of my tongue from gritting my teeth together. The urge to reply back was something I wanted to do so badly I could taste it next to the tang of blood in my mouth—along the lines of: Sod off, you idiot tosser. She’s taken and her man will cut off your balls if you so much as think about her naked. –Ethan w/ the big knife. Of course I didn’t, but just barely.