Page 106 of The Spark

She was on the other side of the city, alone in a postcode she didn’t know.

‘Stay on the phone,’ I said. ‘I’m coming to get you.’

I slipped on a pair of trainers, grabbed my wallet, gripped the phone, and ran.

I flagged down a taxi on Earlham Road and went to find her.

We didn’t speak for the whole journey home. I just held her hand, while she stared out of the window.

Back at the house, I sat her down on the sofa and made us both tea. I found a blanket and draped it over her, pressed the mug into her hands, took a seat next to her.

‘Talk to me,’ I said.

She drew a deep, shuddering breath. ‘I can’t remember his name.’

‘Did he hurt you?’

She shook her head. ‘But I could tell that he... wanted to.’

‘Tell me what happened.’

She let out a breath. ‘We got talking. In the club. He asked me back to his. But when we got there I realised...’ She started crying again.

I squeezed her hand. ‘It’s okay. I’m here. I’m here.’

‘He was married. There were wedding photos, and her stuff everywhere, and he said, “You don’t mind, do you?” And I told him I did mind, and to call me a cab, and he... He lost it. He was grabbing me, shouting at me...’

I felt a silent tear of fury slip down my cheek. ‘I’m so sorry, Lar.’

She looked at me, tear-stained. ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’

‘Nothing,’ I said firmly. ‘Nothing is wrong with you. You’re allowed to say no. To change your mind. To have principles.’

‘But I keep meeting guys and sleeping with them, and it never means anything.’

‘So what? That’s what your twenties are for.’

‘Why haven’t I settled down like you?’

‘Because... that’s not what you want. And anyway, you haven’t met your person yet.’

She laughed softly, but it sounded hollow. ‘Reckon he’s out there, do you?’

‘Yeah. I do. And you’ll meet him when you’re ready.’

‘Yeah,’ she said, eventually. ‘Maybe.’

‘Lar.’ I swallowed. ‘Can I say something?’

‘Is it going to annoy me?’

‘Probably.’

She smiled faintly.

‘You’re so much better than some arsehole who wants you for one night. Okay? I mean it. You... You deserve someone who knows your worth and who never forgets it.’

She didn’t reply.

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