Page 15 of The Life-Changing Magic of Falling in Love

Instead, what comes out is, ‘Soccer? Oh, do you know George?’

As soon as I ask the question, I realise it’s ridiculous. It’s just that today I may have got a little over-excited on account of finding one whole new personal effect nestled within the shelves of Apartment 33C when I was investigating – cleaning. When I was cleaning.

It was another photo of George.

Covered in mud and grinning from ear to ear.

Proof that he isn’t the complete neat freak I thought he was.

I think he must be a kids’ soccer coach or something because he was surrounded by them, all in front of a goal, each of them also grinning from ear to ear.

‘George?’ Zach politely smiles as he waits for me to sit down.

Carlos tries communicating something urgent to me with his eyes as he passes me a menu.

I ignore him and concentrate on Zach. ‘George Northcote? He coaches a kids’ team, I think.’

Zach blinks. ‘No, I don’t think so. I play with some of the guys from work. So…’

‘Sorry. Obviously, you don’t know George.’

Across from me, I see Oz mouth to Carlos, ‘Do we even know George?’ and I don’t need to look at Carlos to know he is about to ask me who the hell George is. ‘Is your ankle painful?’ I quickly ask.

‘Only when I laugh,’ Zach replies, and we all smile.

Chapter Six

EMPTY CHAIRS AND EMPTY TABLES

Ashleigh

It’s about the three-quarter mark of the evening and our desserts have just been set before us when I shout out the word ‘gelatinous’ in triumph. I fist-bump the air in celebration, nearly knocking my wine glass over in the process and everyone looks at my tiramisu with alarm.

Carlos whispers out of the corner of his mouth, ‘Are you having a stroke?’

I look at Zach who looks unsure what to make of my outburst. Concerned for my welfare? Concerned for his welfare? Concerned for the tiramisu? I can’t tell.

Damn.

It was all going so well.

I turn to Carlos whose expression clearly states: Make this better.

‘Sorry,’ I say, taking a huge swig of wine. ‘I don’t usually shout out words randomly like that. And definitely not during sex.’

‘Jesus,’ Carlos whispers.

I literally cannot believe I just said that.

Who does that? That was not making it better.

I take another gulp of wine. ‘It just came to me. The final answer in George’s crossword,’ I explain. ‘Having the consistency of jelly … ten letters … gelatinous, right?’

‘Do you live with George?’ Zach asks.

‘Oh,’ I say. What a bizarre question to ask. I laugh nervously. ‘No. Of course not. What would make you think that?’

‘Maybe because you keep talking about him?’ Oz helpfully supplies.

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