Page 72 of Love Me Till Wednesday

‘Glad you enjoyed it,’ Nick said, trying to hide a yawn.

‘You’re still tired. I ought to go and let you catch up on your beauty sleep.’

He looked disappointed. ‘Please stay. There’s still so much we need to talk about.’

‘We could meet again tomorrow?’

‘I’d love that, but I promised my sister I’d go back to Birmingham to talk to Mum.’

‘I thought you went there today?’

‘I did, but we spent the whole time talking about Jim. She’s not very well. We need to sort her out with a carer, so I promised Paula I’d go back with her tomorrow as neither of us has made any progress separately. She’s too stubborn.’

‘I used to like your mum.’

’She liked you. You’re back in her good books now she knows what actually happened.’

A text popped up on Lisa’s phone.

‘Something important?’ Nick asked.

‘Just Pete reminding me that Andy’s chat show starts in five minutes.’

‘Do you want to watch it?’ Nick didn’t sound like he did.

‘God, no. I can’t think of anything worse.’ Lisa had hated watching herself on television when she was young. She certainly didn’t want to do it now.

‘Bladerunner’s on, though.’ Nick grinned.

‘Is it?’ What were the chances of that? Perhaps it was a good omen.

‘Yes, I spotted it on one of the film channels earlier. I was going to watch it if you couldn’t come tonight.’

‘We should watch it for old times sake. ’ she suggested.Is that wise? You know what happened last time you watched it together?

Nick seemed keen on the idea. ‘That works for me,’ he said, grabbing the remote. ‘You’ve got the best view from your sofa.’

‘You better join me then,’ she said.

Nick woke when the TV automatically turned off. He looked at Lisa, who was snoozing on his shoulder.

How long had they been asleep? He looked at his watch. Hours. It was nearly 1 am. He’d nodded off halfway through the film. He remembered Lisa had been gently snoring before then.

She looked so peaceful that Nick didn’t want to wake her. But he was in an uncomfortable position. Perhaps if he tried moving a fraction he could do it without disturbing her.

She began to stir. She opened her eyes and looked at him.

‘Hello, you,’ he said. ‘We fell asleep.’

‘Did we?’ she said, yawning. ‘I guess we must have. What time is it?’

‘One in the morning.’

‘Well, you’ve ruined my reputation now,’ she laughed.

‘In that case, you may as well stay.’

She hesitated. For a moment, he thought she might be about to say yes. ‘Thanks, but I better go home.’

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