“So, if you admit she was great, why aren’t you together anymore?”
Primrose was looking at me as if I had some bomb I was about to drop, but really, it was the same story as it had been with the last few women I’d dated. They wanted things to “progress” or to “take our relationship to the next level” or began suggesting we move in together. I was always content to stay in the early, less-intensive phase of relationships, but the women I was with always wanted more. I knew I couldn’t give them more, but I wasn’t the guy to lead them on, either.
“Do you think you ever got over Bridget?” she asked.
I leaned back in my chair. “Bridget and I had something great, and I messed it up. It’s that simple. I couldn’t make it work with her, so why would I think I could with anyone else?” When I’d tried to make things right with Bridget, she’d already moved on to someone more worthy of her. Last time I heard, she was happily married. At least that had been closure.
“It was a long time ago,” Primrose said.
“Yes, but a mistake is a mistake. The important thing is, I’m not repeating it.” My mum always used to say the same to my brother and me—messing up is to be expected. It’s part of life. What’s important is that we learn from the mess.
“So you cut these women loose as soon as they hint at wanting more from you, instead of trying to make it work.”
I didn’t want to talk about this with Primrose. She just wanted me married off to whoever was around. She’d liked every girlfriend of mine she had ever met. And I got it. She wanted to see me happy. But I wasn’t the guy to get married and have a family. Bridget had been the only chance at that kind of life. And if I couldn’t manage it with her, I wouldn’t be able to give any woman what she needed from me. “I think you’re almost there with the earrings. I can’t wait to see one actually made. But let’s progress the others in case these are too on-the-nose once they’re made. When do you think you and Frank will have something for me?”
Primrose sighed and stood up, knowing better than to push the issue. There was nothing more to be discussed between us on the subject of my dating life. “By the end of next week.”
“I really want to get tiara drawings with the Zambian emeralds in place of the Columbian tomorrow. Is that possible?”
“Of course. I can put that change through on the three designs we’re still working on,” she said as she opened the door to leave.
I waited exactly three seconds after Primrose left before I yanked my desk drawer open and pulled out my phone.
Nope. She still hadn’t called. Bloody hell. I was acting like a teenager. And what was the point anyway? We’d just end up dating and eventually come to the end of the road, just like I had with everyone who’d come after Bridget. I probably shouldn’t have even given Hollie my card. Better to imagine what might have been than to disappoint her like all the rest.
Who was I trying to kid? I wouldn’t rest until I saw her again.
I flipped to my messages. Nothing.
Maybe attending all the competition events wouldn’t just be about showing people I didn’t think I was too good for the London jewelry trade. Maybe I’d get to run into Hollie again, and maybe this time I’d convince the new-to-London American to share fondue with me. The next event was a charity luncheon next week, and for the first time in a very long time, I was looking forward to some small talk and warm wine.
Five
Hollie
Everyone had left the office some time ago, leaving me in the dark with just the glow of my monitor lighting the way to understanding the specialty design software. At some point I’d have to master my new company smartphone as well.
I’d been over Sparkle’s designs for the competition again and again. They were . . . nice. I was sure they had qualities I didn’t fully appreciate, but at the same time, to my untrained eye, they seemed kind of . . . dull. I got that a design fit for royalty would have to be conservative. The tiara Dexter’s parents had designed set the bar for an innovative but classic piece, timeless and elegant but forever in style. Sparkle’s entries were definitely on the classic end of the spectrum, and I had yet to be convinced of any innovation. I had some ideas and wanted to see if I could use the computer to bring my design to life instead of relying on my trusty notebook.