Page 115 of A Night with Damien Spur

The meeting was over. Damien scouted the room for his new challenge, but she had left.

No point. She’s a no-hoper. Don’t get involved with someone as lost as you are. If I were you, I would steer clear of women till you get yourself sorted out, said the Voice.

‘If you were me? Who else are you if not me? Anyway, probably right not to get involved.’

Ah, that’s a good sign. So we have started to agree on things, the Voice said.Ameeting of two minds.

Chapter 37

And each night Damien meditated, letting his mind float like driftwood down a river, ready to greet his dreams with a clear, light head.

One night, he was enjoying himself in Nananoonoo Land, lying on a beach with a silky dark-haired beauty, who was massaging his back with suntan oil, when Elizabeth rang.

He pulled himself out of his sleep state and snatched the phone from the bedside table.

‘Hello, Damien,’ she said, all friendly. Silence. ‘Hello… hello… Can you hear me?’

‘Yes, I can hear you,’ he replied.

‘How are you?’

He glanced at his alarm clock. ‘It’s one o’clock in the morning… a bit late for a chat.’

‘Or early… depending which way you look at it… I hearyou’re back in the saddle again. Don’t think I haven’t been keeping tabs on you.’

‘You sound a bit tipsy, Elizabeth.’

‘Not at all. Just thought I’d call you… Obviously not a good idea. You’re making me feel awkward.’

‘Look, maybe we could speak later? I’ve an early morning meeting,’ he said in a weary voice.

‘There was a time when you’d have been delighted to hear from me, night or day.’

‘Elizabeth…’ Damien sighed. A shaft of moonlight peeped through the curtain, throwing a silvery light on his pale, solemn face.

What did she want, this woman who had caused him such pain, burnt him out? Should he cut her off? Maybe not… That would encourage her. Challenge her to win him back. No, he wasn’t going to jump again.

‘So, what’s up?’ he said.

‘Well… it’s Javier.’

‘Yes?’

‘He’s left me.’

He laughed. ‘I didn’t know it was that serious.’

‘Thank you for diminishing our relationship.’

‘Just assumed you were hot lovers,’ he replied. ‘Come on, Elizabeth, you can’t expect me to play the sympathetic confidant.’

‘Of course not. Anyway… I just want to say I’m sorry.’

‘For what?’ Damien rolled over and switched on the bedside light. He lay back in bed and shielded his eyes.

‘I was a terrible bitch to you.’ Her voice sounded different, kinder.

‘True.’

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