She turned the device over in her hand. It was sleek and sophisticated. The kind of phone she would never have bought for herself, whether or not she could have afforded to, which she could not.

“I don’t know what to say.” She certainly couldn’t say she was enjoying life without the hassle of a smartphone. It would have sounded so ungrateful.

“You don’t have to say anything.”

“I was going to get myself a phone soon.” If only to prevent her family panicking or, God forbid, trying to visit in person. “But it wouldn’t have been as fancy as this one. This must have cost a bomb.”

“It’s a gift, Ruby. I bought it for you.”

“But—”

“No buts.”

She hesitated. “This is a bit embarrassing, but the thing is, I’m not sure I can afford the monthly fee. I wasn’t paying the bills for my other phone. My parents were paying for it. Without my income from teaching at the moment, there’s no way I could—”

“Don’t worry. I’ve set you up on a really cheap deal. And I’ve paid up for the first six months.”

“The first six months? It’s too much.” She tried to give the phone back, but he put his hands behind him.

“The first three months were free if you bought the next three, that kind of thing. So, it barely cost me anything. I’m seeing it as a way to support the arts. My first deed as your patron.”

Ruby pressed a finger to the screen so it lit up. The wallpaper was a picture of him, pulling a silly grin.

“You can change that,” said Gregor. Then he looked at her and frowned. “Did I do something wrong?”

Don’t be so proud, she told herself. He can afford it. He’s just trying to be nice.

“No,” she said. “Of course not. It’s very generous of you, Gregor. Thank you. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”

He looked hurt. “Don’t be silly, Ruby. It’s a gift.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to …”

“And look,” he said, unlocking the phone and scrolling to the contacts page, where just one person was listed. “You have my number already.”