Page 42 of Swiping Right (and other disasters)

Kiera checked her reflection. She was wearing her favourite jeans and a pale blue shirt with tiny pink flowers on it. She’d paid close attention to her eye makeup, and couldn’t help smiling at the results. Lunch with Seymour had been rapidly put into the diary, and she had no desire to fight off the happy jitters in her stomach.

This wasn’t like going on a date with someone she’d swiped right on. And really, in spite of what Clodagh and Charlie had said, she didn’t think it was a date anyway. But she had to admit she wanted to look her best for a woman who had become a regular fixture in her life. She plunged her hands into her pockets and jangled her house keys. It was time to go.

By the time she’d reached their agreed meeting place, her mouth was dry. It was a Syrian café in Moseley – a departure from their usual Kings Heath haunt. Close enough to walk, but far enough to be somewhere different.

She was horribly early, as always. But it gave her time to order a coffee and a glass of water, which she swiftly glugged down. The sun was shining, and in a nod to her Barcelona adventures, she was at a small table on the pavement outside. It was a rare occasion that allowed anyone to appreciate sitting outside a café in Birmingham weather, but happily today was one of those days.

Kiera saw Seymour from about fifty metres away, sauntering down Moseley High Street, smiling confidently at everyone she saw. She was dressed in skinny black jeans and a floaty summery yellow shirt, and she looked every inch at one with the sunny warm afternoon. Kiera pretended she hadn’t seen her; she didn’t want to be grinning at her like a loon for the next few minutes while Seymour approached her table. That would be awkward. But that was what she wanted to do. Her fingers pricked with excitement while she took a slow sip from her coffee. By the time she put her cup down and looked up, Seymour was just a few seconds away. She smiled and welcomed her to the table.

“Brilliant, love to enjoy the sun while it’s with us,” said Seymour, sitting down, a silver necklace with a dragonfly pendant catching the light. “Do I need to go to the counter?”

“No, table service!”

“Well, that’s a change for us, isn’t it?” said Seymour. “Lovely to see you. I think you must have caught the sun a bit in Spain. You’re glowing.”

If she hadn’t been glowing before, Kiera certainly was now. “Thanks for suggesting this place,” said Kiera. “The menu looks lovely. It’s good to be out somewhere where you don’t have to run around after customers. A treat for us both, I think.” She immediately regretted her words. Too much, perhaps?

“Definitely,” replied Seymour, inspecting the menu. “I’ve not been here before, but I’ve wanted to try it for ages. I’ll need to take a few minutes to work out what I want.”

“Take your time,” said Kiera, a smile in her voice. There was something easy about the way their conversation flowed, the way it had always flowed. Her cheeks remained flushed, but she took an executive decision not to think too much about that, or what it meant.

Soon a waiter came over. Seymour asked for a fresh peppermint tea, and between them they ordered a selection of mezze dishes.

“This is perfect,” said Seymour, “with this amazing food and the sun shining we could almost be somewhere abroad.”

Kiera told Seymour all about her adventures in Barcelona, the beach at Barceloneta, the magic fountains, the expansive views of the city.

“It sounds amazing, Kiera. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

“Well, thank you for your top tips; they made all the difference, I think.”

Seymour popped her chin onto her hand. “So, how’s the dating?”

“Oh, well, like I said, I’m done with the swiping. I don’t need anyone to complete me,” she said, but couldn’t help wishing she’d phrased the sentiment differently.

“Well, I guess I can’t blame you,” said Seymour, who looked away for a moment. Kiera tried to read her thoughts, and failed.

“And how about you? The girl at the bar?”

Seymour rolled her eyes. “Oh, she is not on the agenda at all. She’s an old, if complicated flame.”

“But you see her still?” Kiera persisted, wondering why she was pushing this conversation into potentially difficult territory. “Sorry, I’m being nosey. You don’t owe me any explanations. I’m just someone who comes in your café.” She put her hands up in front of her in a gesture of apology.

“Well,” said Seymour, her eyebrows raised, “I hope you know you’re more than just one of my customers.” Kiera grinned and gave a brief nod. She felt relieved to hear Seymour say it. They were friends. This was a good thing. She wiped her mouth with a serviette as Seymour continued.

“And as for the girl, well, yes. I do see her occasionally. We’ve sort of been friends after a fashion, but after that night at the bar, I’m not so sure we can stay that way.” She paused. Kiera didn’t know what to say. They both took a sip from their drinks.

“Exes are complicated,” said Kiera, having rehearsed the three simple words in her head a couple of times before saying them. They seemed safe enough.

“That’s for sure,” agreed Seymour, with a frown. “And what of your ex? Any news? Or is she still the invisible woman?”

“Ha,” said Kiera, “touché! Yes, still very much vanished.” She clasped her hands together. “I do sometimes wonder if something might have happened to her. But then, if it had, I’m not sure what I’d do.”

“Yeah, I can imagine. Although it must be so irritating not being able to sort out the house and all that stuff,” said Seymour. Kiera sighed. “Well, this is jolly,” continued Seymour with a laugh. “I’m officially changing the subject.”

“Good plan. Love your necklace, by the way,” said Keira.

“It’s my favourite.” Seymour brought her hand to the dragonfly pendant at her throat. “My brother gave it to me. The one man in my life!” They both laughed.

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