Page 12 of Match Point

‘Fine,’ I relent, resting my fingertips back on my keyboard. ‘I get it. I won’t do anything more to draw attention. I’ll leave after this drink anyway, okay?’

He nods sharply. My fingers still, I stare blankly at my screen. I have no idea what to type into the search engine next. I’m not sure I can bring myself to look through any more holiday sites. As I accept my failure, I close my eyes in despair.

Kieran coughs and then mutters something so quiet, I don’t hear it at first.

‘Sorry?’ I ask, turning to him reluctantly, ready for the next criticism. Maybe I’m shutting my eyes too loudly or perhaps I’m drinking my wine too slowly.

‘What is the crisis?’ he says softly, his brow furrowed.

I blink at him, pressing a hand on my chest. ‘My crisis?’

‘You said you were having a crisis,’ he reminds me impatiently.

I raise my eyebrows at him. ‘Are you asking me if I’m okay?’

I can’t see his eyes behind his dark lenses, but his tense expression is giving me just get on with it vibes.

‘Okay, well, to be honest, I have nowhere to go for the next few weeks,’ I inform him. ‘The roof of the cottage I’d booked in the Lake District has collapsed, so I can’t go there anymore, and I can’t find anywhere else at this late notice.’

He watches me pick up my glass of wine and swill it before taking a large gulp.

‘You’re worried about finding somewhere to go on holiday,’ he says slowly, as though he’s unsure of the problem. ‘There are plenty of places in the UK. You can find somewhere.’

‘Yes, but I have very specific requirements,’ I say defensively, already questioning why I bothered to share my problems with someone so obnoxious. ‘I can’t book just anywhere.’

He takes a drink of his beer and then shoves his hands in his pockets. ‘All right, what are your requirements?’

‘It has to be somewhere in beautiful, tranquil countryside with at least one lake or a body of water, and it needs to preferably be available for four weeks, as I don’t really want to flit about the place, I’d like to feel still and serene on the inside, too. And it can’t be too expensive, and I don’t want to go to a hotel, so it has to be some kind of cottage, flat or house, but one that’s not too big as I’m going on my own.’

He stares at me. I stare back at him.

‘Those are specific requirements,’ he finally admits.

‘Exactly. Which is why, I’m sorry, but unless there’s some kind of miracle and a cottage in Keswick comes available in the next few hours, you’re going to have to stay somewhere else for the tournament.’

‘Sorry?’

‘The flat may no longer be available,’ I clarify, taking another sip of wine. ‘I appreciate that it’s an inconvenience, but surely someone like you can—’

‘I’m not moving,’ he interjects sternly.

I falter. ‘But, you may have to. We may not have a choice.’

‘You don’t have a choice but to rent the flat to me like you agreed to, since I’ve paid for it and we entered into a contract,’ he responds calmly. ‘I’m sorry that your holiday has fallen through, but that’s not my problem.’

I stare at him in disbelief. ‘Are you… are you serious?’

‘I’ve rented that flat fair and square. You’ll need to find alternative accommodation.’

‘But… you’re Kieran O’Sullivan! You could stay anywhere!’

He winces. ‘Please shout my name louder,’ he hisses sarcastically, glowering at me. ‘I’m not sure the people in Australia heard you.’

‘There must be a hundred fancy hotels or mansions you can stay at,’ I argue, ignoring him because his comfort is the least of my priorities right now.

‘I don’t want to stay in a fancy hotel or a mansion,’ he shoots back.

‘Why the hell not?’

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