Page 58 of A Night with Damien Spur

‘Yes. I met a lovely man.’

‘Did you?’ Nicholas swallowed hard. ‘What does he do?’

‘Taste the wine.’ She proffered a glass. ‘It’s from his vineyard, a family business, very successful. Do you like it?’

He swilled it round his mouth and paused.

‘Very refined. Rich and plummy. But… a little too tannic.’

Change tack, Nicholas. Let her feel as if you’re happy for her. That you don’t mind if she’s found another man. She’ll want you more.

‘I’m pleased for you, Sophie. I love you so much. You deserve so much more than I can give you. I can understand you wanting to move on. But I hope that we can still be friends. Platonically speaking.’

‘Are you serious?’

‘Yes. Why not?’

Sophie, don’t do it.But she couldn’t stop.

‘Look, Nicholas, stop messing about. You know that we’ll never be platonic! I’ll give you one last chance. Do you want to be with me? Or shall I go to France?’

‘How can I just up sticks and go? I need to work things out in my head. Maybe once the kids have left home.’

‘Don’t start that again. I won’t have any more excuses.This time you have to make up your mind. I’ll give you two weeks.’

Nicholas went back to Bournemouth. He thought and thought about leaving. He weighed up the pros and cons. Imagined himself sitting in bed with Sophie after they’d made love. Drinking a glass of wine and listening to Mozart. And in the morning, before he went to work, she’d make him breakfast. Scrambled egg with sausage, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes, French toast with maple syrup, and she’d squeeze him fresh orange juice, and make him fresh coffee with hot milk.

And in the evening, he’d take her out to dinner once a week and the rest of the time she’d cook gourmet meals or they’d be invited to dinner parties with her snazzy friends and they would return the compliment.

Then, just as quickly, he pushed it out of his mind. It wasn’t going to work. How could he leave his family? Nobody would speak to him again. He’d be known as the jerk of Bournemouth.

Divorce was out of the question. Kids, dogs, wife… a comfortable house, an easy life.

It didn’t take him long. He didn’t wait two weeks. Some flowers and a little note arrived at Sophie’s door.

I can’t do it. Forgive me.

Horatio had won his Sophie by default.

Chapter 14

Happy birthday,said the Voice.Forty-three! Did you ever believe you’d live that long? Poor guy. So screwed up!

It was true. Damien had wondered how he’d managed to carry on. So many years of pushing the boundaries almost without limitations.

He examined his face in the mirror.

You’re quite extraordinary,said the Voice.For all your shenanigans,youstill look great. But we both know that if you continue to lead your dysfunctional life, sooner or later you’ll land up in the snakepit.

‘It’s my birthday – can’t you leave me alone for once?’

Such a shame about Sophie. Just the kind of woman who would put you straight,said the Voice.

‘What do you mean by such a shame?’

Oh, don’t be delusional. She’s fond of you. But it’s bro time for her.

‘Okay, just let it go.’ Damien sighed. ‘Can’t you make me feel good for a change? Say something positive.’

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