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'So, I'll be sending my half of the rent to the landlord from tomorrow again, so you're back to just paying your half,' Keira told me, as we sat outside at a small cafe two blocks over from our building. It was absolutely freezing and I was so glad I'd decided to wear tights under my dress.
'Okay, thanks,' I replied, glad to know that I wasn't going to suffer such a huge dent in my bank account from paying both of our bills this month.
'Same for utilities,' she continued, as she nibbled on her toast.
'That's great, I'm glad you're back on track,' I told her. I was trying my best to act like I was enjoying being out for breakfast with her. I was trying to keep my mind focused on our conversation and stop it drifting away. I was trying to pretend like I didn't have a sickening knot in my stomach and that my breakfast was actually tasty and not making me want to vomit.
'Yeah, I'm glad too!' she chirped. 'I love my new job so much.'
There was no mention of all of the money she actually owed me but I didn't have it in me to bring it up. There had been enough confrontation and drama in my life and Keira was the only person going through it with me so I couldn't risk falling out with her too.
'I'm really happy for you, Kei,' I said, forcing on a soft smile.
She smiled back before it turned sympathetic and her head dropped to the side. 'It will be okay, Ava. These things happen and they pass and before you know it, it'll all just be a distant memory that won't even matter anymore.'
'I'm going to lose my job, Kei,' I sighed. 'I don't want to lose it. I like working there. I love being with Kam everyday. I can't afford to lose it!'
'I know, Ava, but maybe this is all just meant to be,' she told me. 'Maybe this had to happen so you actually had no choice but to do exactly what you came to London for.'
'Kei, I don't have the finances to start up a business again,' I whined. 'My father helped me out the first time but that money is gone! I have savings but not enough to start up a business. Those savings are there to help me out for situations like this where I lose my job and have no income!'
'I understand, Ava, but nobody ever became successful by being too scared to just go for it!' Keira cried. 'I know you can do this. I will help you!'
'I don't have the money, Kei,' I repeated, with a soft sigh. 'The little stock I have left is nowhere near enough to start up with. I'm just not in the right headspace to be thinking about starting a business right now.'
'Well, it's either that or try and save your job,' she said, sipping on her coffee. 'Or...start hunting for something new.'
'Honestly, Kei,' I sighed. 'I'm really starting to think that it's time to move back home.'
'What? No!' Keira gasped before she frowned and shook her head at me. 'You are not leaving London, Ava! You will not let that arsehole literally run you out of town!'
