‘I’ll change it. Starting next month.’
She sounded determined, but the look on her face was one of resignation. He had no idea what she was talking about.
‘I’ve been offered a job,’ she explained.
He stopped punting and looked at her in delight. ‘Wow! You have? What is it? Why didn’t you say?’
‘Because it’s not great. Only assistant, not full agent, and the money’s not much. I was going to keep looking, but—’
‘Don’t take it.’
She looked at him in quiet exasperation. ‘I think, in light of what we’ve just discussed, I should.’
‘No, please. There’s no rush. It was just that I was thinking . . . you’re smart, you obviously want to do something with your life, and it must be so frustrating hanging around . . . when you’re not out, that is.’ He was aware he was now ignoring the notion she was taking advantage of living in his flat.
Cherry sat up and took his hands. ‘I really think I should. At least as a stopgap. I’ve got another idea . . . I wasn’t going to tell you yet, not until I’ve got it all worked out, but I’ve been thinking of setting up a company. But until then, if I take this job, I could afford to pay you a thousand a month. I know it’s not much—’
He put a finger to her lips, embarrassed for putting her on the spot. Ashamed too, because, strictly speaking, he didn’t pay for his apartment either – it had been bought by his father. And here she was offering up what would be half – probably more than half – of her salary from a job she was too bright for and didn’t want.
‘I don’t want to hear another word about it. More to the point, what’s this company?’
She paused. ‘You sure?’
‘Yes. Now come on, spill.’
‘Well, it’s early days, but with my knowledge of property . . . I still think there’s money to be made in renovation.’
‘I’ll invest in you.’
‘Really?’
‘Of course.’
She smiled politely. Daniel started punting again. A silence fell between them.
He felt he should make amends. ‘What are you thinking?’
‘What if it . . . you know, the whole money thing comes between us?’
‘Why should it? OK, OK, I know it just did, a bit, but now we know we can deal with it.’ He looked at her and knew what she was thinking.
‘It’s not just us, though, is it. She thinks that’s why I’m with you.’
‘That’s got nothing to do with us.’
‘It has, though. I’m never going to be as rich as you – you know that. We’ll always be different. You’ll always end up paying more than me if we stay living at your lifestyle. Sometimes it’s a struggle to keep up, to not mind. I do have pride, you know.’ Upset, Cherry looked towards the bank.
Daniel stopped punting and sat down in the boat. ‘It’s OK . . .’
‘I wish I could buy this, buy that, but I can’t. That’s just the way it is. If it bothers you, you must say so.’
‘I’m sorry, Cherry.’
She turned to him then and gave a small smile. Allowed him to take her hands. ‘Of course, we could always move to Croydon.’
He laughed. ‘Wouldn’t bother me.’
She grimaced. ‘Would me.’
And he laughed again.
‘I’m afraid of what she’ll do,’ she said quietly, ‘afraid I’ll lose you.’
She sounded so fragile, and as if she were on the verge of defeat, and he felt a sudden fierce urge to fight for her. And a fear. He realized he’d let something toxic in, into what was theirs, their space, their love, and he was angry at himself for letting his mother’s words influence him so much. He’d never been so happy, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d drive her away. And then he knew he couldn’t go on for months with his mum’s constant disapproval, her dissuasive arguments. It was like pulling a tooth – the more you thought about it, the worse it seemed. Better for his mother for it to be over. One short, sharp tug.
‘Marry me.’
Her look of shock made him laugh. Then he realized in a flash of panic she might say no. He went onto one knee, the boat rocking precariously, and took her hand as she giggled and yelped, ‘You’ll tip us in!’
‘Will you?’
She laughed again and a joy radiated over her face. ‘Yes!’
FORTY-FOUR
Saturday 3 October