Uncle Jack shook his head, his expression firm. “At least for now, stay with them. You’ll need support as you begin your life in a big city like London.”
“Harry, their eldest son, is a professor at your university. He’ll help you.”
I was silent. The name Mitchell took me back to my childhood. They were my late parents’ friends. I remembered meeting Harry, their eldest son, years ago when they visited our home. He was older than me, and back then, he was a troublemaker who always made me cry.
I suppressed a small smile as I recalled how annoying Harry had been. Now, I heard he was a professor at the university I would be attending. The irony was astounding, considering I had once sworn I never wanted to see him again.
“All right, Uncle,” I finally said. “I’ll stay with them for now. But as soon as I’m independent, I’ll move out.”
Uncle Jack smiled in satisfaction and patted my shoulder. “That’s the Irish I know.”
---
That night, Bobby showed up at the restaurant. He stood at the door, wearing the smile that used to warm my heart. But this time, his smile felt like thorns.
“Irish, let’s go home. I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, as if nothing was wrong.