Page 20 of The Last One to See Him

Harper raises her eyebrows. ‘Bit short notice, don’t you think? I’m sure she’s busy, so maybe another time? I’m still getting to know you, aren’t I?’ She smiles, placing her mug on the coffee table. ‘Have you been at work today?’

‘Yes.’ The lie falls easily from Kate’s mouth. She doesn’t work on Fridays; they are her days for therapy with Rowan, and because she works every Saturday, she needs this day off in the week.

The cat prowls into the room, making her way straight to Kate. Harper reaches out to beckon her but Lula arches her back, scurrying to Kate and nestling against her leg. ‘Sorry, she’s a bit wary of strangers,’ Kate explains. ‘She was a rescue cat. Barely alive when someone brought her into the surgery. I knew the second I saw her I had to give her a home.’

‘How lovely,’ Harper says, but her gaze feels heavy. ‘And no need to apologise. I don’t take offence easily.’ She studies Kate. ‘I spoke to your ex-husband yesterday. He was lovely.’

Her words thunder around the room, even though she’s speaking softly.

Kate stares at her. ‘What?’

‘About football. He runs the junior’s team, doesn’t he? I only realised when I noticed his surname. And Ellis isn’t a common name, is it?’

Kate’s mind whirs. Did she mention Ellis’s name to Harper?

‘I’m trying to get Dexter signed up. He told me they were full, but said he’d see what he could do.’

It takes her a moment to process what Harper is telling her. Usually with Ellis it’s very cut and dried – either there’s space or there isn’t. He’s never been known to negotiate. There’s nothing he can do if they’re full to capacity. ‘I thought Dex didn’t like football,’ Kate says, recalling Thomas’s words.

‘Of course he does,’ Harper says. ‘What boy their age doesn’t like football?’

‘It’s a very popular club,’ Kate says.

Harper nods. ‘Yes, that’s what he said.’ She reaches for her mug again. ‘What’s Ellis like?’ she asks. ‘He sounded so…kind.’

‘He’s…he’s a good dad. And you’re right – heiskind. He’s the kind of man who’s always got things under control. Never flustered. Just kind of…calm under pressure, I guess.’ Kate’s not sure why she’s providing Harper with so much detail about Ellis.

‘He sounds like a catch,’ Harper says. ‘Forgive me for asking this, but what happened?’

Despite not wanting to talk about any of this to Harper, Kate’s glad she’s asked; it will help her work this woman out. ‘He had an affair.’

Harper’s eyes widen. ‘Oh. That’s awful. I’m sorry. Wow. That must be really painful.’

‘It was, but…people make mistakes, don’t they? We’re human – we don’t always get it right.’ Kate’s breath catches in her throat. Graham White’s face plasters itself in her head, quickly blending into Jamie’s.

‘Sounds like you’ve forgiven him?’ Harper says.

‘I have. But that doesn’t mean our marriage could ever work. I had to walk away; I’m just not going to be bitter about it. He’s Thomas’s dad, and despite what he did, he’s always been there for me. Still is.’

Harper sips her coffee, studying Kate. ‘That’s very big of you. Not sure I could do the same.’

‘We all have to do what’s right for us, don’t we?’ Kate says, turning away from Harper’s loaded gaze.

‘I would never have forgiven Jamie if he’d had an affair. Never. Oh, I know it’s not healthy and blah, blah, blah, but what goes around comes around, doesn’t it? Justice should always be served.’

Harper’s words turn Kate’s blood cold, and she puts down her cup, unable to trust her hands to continue holding it.

‘But I wouldn’tjustblame him,’ Harper continues. ‘It’s the woman’s fault too. And I’d definitely never forgive her either.’ She studies Kate. ‘You’re very blessed.’ Harper turns away, glancing through the window. ‘And you have a lovely home.’

Before Kate can respond, Thomas and Dexter fly into the room, asking if they can play on the green opposite the house.

‘If Harper doesn’t mind?’ Kate says.

‘How lovely to have all that green space out there.’ Harper stands and peers out of the window. ‘We just have a view of houses.’ She sighs. ‘You’re so lucky, Kate. You have everything.’

‘Except my husband,’ Kate says, without forethought.

‘Well, it seems like you’re dealing with your divorce remarkably well.’

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