Page 131 of Shout Out To My Ex

‘Hello, darling,’ says my husband when he answers the phone. I’d expected voicemail, as Tristan is often tied up in meetingsduring the day – I’d even prepared a witty message to leave – but this is way better.

‘Hi! So, I have news.’

‘About your case? All sorted?’

‘Mostly, just… I have to work on Saturday.’

‘Ahh, the day of the big intervention.’

‘Yep. My client is appearing onHello Britainand I need to be there to support her.’

‘Ah, I see.’

‘I suppose we could do the Shaz thing next weekend. Or not at all. I’m still not sure how I feel about it.’

‘Darling, you know how Jass can be when her mind is set.’

‘Mmm, true. Hey, can you pretend thatyouhad something come up on Saturday? A work thing?’

‘You meanlieto one of my closest friends?’

‘Yep.’

He chuckles. ‘Er, no.’

‘Please.’ He chuckles again and I exhale a loud sigh. ‘Okay, I’ll call Jass.’

‘I must dash, but good luck!’

I make the next callhopingfor voicemail.

‘You’ve just caught me,’ says Jass, not even offering a hello. ‘What’s up?’

‘So, you know the plan for Saturday?’

‘Yes. Boxes and bubble wrap purchased and van booked. I figure once we’ve moved her clothes and personal items over to Lauren’s, she can organise the big move on her own – like a proper grown-up.’

‘Yeah, um…’

‘Was there something else? I’ve got three minutes – less if I pop to the loo before my next meeting.’

‘Yeah, I can’t do Saturday – something’s come up and I need to work.’

She’s silent but I wait it out.

‘Well, we’re free tonight. You two?’ she asks.

‘You want to do ittonight?’ I’m not sure I’m mentally prepared to show up at my bestie’s unannounced and insist she move to another flat. Plus, it’s already been a massive day. I was looking forward to a bubble bath and one of Tristan’s yummy dinners.

‘We’ve got things on tomorrow night and Friday, so…’ Jacinda says.

‘What about next weekend?’ I ask hopefully.

‘Poppy,’ she says, conveying all the reasons that next weekend won’t do in just two syllables – namely that the sooner we do this, the sooner Shaz will settle into Lauren’s, meaning she’ll be completely moved when Lauren returns from Finland.

‘Tonight works,’ I say, not even knowing if Shaz is going to be home. Minor detail.

‘Excellent. I’ll make the re-arrangements and we’ll meet you outside at six-thirty. Bollocks, no time for the loo. Will just have to hold it. Byeee.’

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