Yes, it was. In Vivian’s world, it was adequate compensation and then some. She had fled from Toledo, Ohio, to more glamorous things as soon as she could. She couldn’t imagine that everybody else wouldn’t have done the same. She’d given Jules the kind of present she would have wanted for herself.

It was weirdly sweet. And also pretty messed up.

All she could think to say was, “I…guess she wasn’t.”

“You guess correctly.” Vivian snapped open her black clutch and peered inside. “Anyway, that’s enough sentiment. If you’re insisting on Christmas, then have at it, although I have no idea what it’s supposed to look like.”

Jules just bet she didn’t. “I know what it looks like. Let me take care of it.” It’s what I do best, and you know it.

“Well, Julia, I’m intrigued now.” Vivian raised an eyebrow. “Fine. Impress me. For Christmas.”

“I will.”

They rode in silence then. Jules took another deep breath and looked out the window once more. Now was as good a moment as any to get that passing glimpse of London.

Although, who knew? Vivian might just decide to take her on a personal tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Jules’s parents had gone to London on vacation last year, and they’d raved about both places.

Oh dammit! She’d forgotten to text her parents when she arrived. She’d call them at Vivian’s place instead. They must be worried. They’d also want to know what the deal was here.

Too bad Jules would have no idea what to tell them.

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Jimmy set Jules’s luggage in an out-of-the-way corner of Vivian’s townhouse where it could remain until Jules knew where she’d be staying that night. Normally she’d have found that out before leaving New York, but her usual acumen was out of whack. It hadn’t occurred to her to ask, and Vivian hadn’t bothered to tell.

Jimmy discreetly left. Jules put her coat and Vivian’s stole in a nearby hall closet and turned around to see Vivian standing there in the hallway, looking lost.

Maybe that was because this wasn’t really her house. It didn’t look like anyone’s house. There were no Christmas decorations, no merry holiday music like at John and Nora’s flat. It felt so empty.

Without Jimmy’s eyes on her, Vivian took a step backward that almost looked like a stagger.

Jules’s eyes widened in alarm.

Vivian righted herself and rubbed a hand over her forehead. “Whatever you’re plotting for tonight, give it a rest first. We can both use one.”