Page 45 of The Good Boy

“Yeah, but it’s not, though, is it?” Kelly says.

“What?” I ask, aghast.

“You forget that I’ve known you all your life. You used to be leader of the pack. You were voted most likely to be famous for being a fashion designer in Year eleven. You had a glow of confidence about you. And an imagination that could conjure up these drawings and designs out of thin air that took our breath away. Remember when you made your own dress for your Christmas dance, in your first term at college? Crazy green beautiful gown. And you wanted that wanker Aiden to dress to match you, and he refused, so you designed an outfit for Miles, and it was crazy but together you looked amazing. We all came to wave you off, and that dress was rad.”

To be honest I try not to think about that night. I’m afraid that if I think about it too hard, I’ll see the exact moment I made a wrong turn and never found the way back.

“None of us could believe how clever you were. You were going places. And then Aiden fucked it all up. Don’t get me wrong. He was a grade A wanker. The way he treated you and... what you went through, darling, that was so hard. But you are the one that let it stop you in your tracks. And you never got moving again. So no, love. This isn’t how you are meant to be. It’s how you want to be and it’s a waste.”

“Shit,” I say. “Tell me what you really think.”

“I did, for a long time, but it never did any good. Maybe now. Maybe because it’s for Rory, you might just listen.”

“That girl everyone keeps talking about, she wasn’t real. Back then I thought life would be like it was on the telly. I didn’t know better until I did. Life isn’t always about massive achievements, fame, and success, you know. Sometimes it’s about just getting through.”

“Fuck off, no, it isn’t,” Kelly says. “We all have our different purposes in life. Some people are astronauts, some people are beauticians, some people are nuns and that. If you find what’s right for you, you’re happy, right? Genie, you were special. You have a talent that no one else does. I still think of all those drawings and designs that must be stuck in your head, and how great it would be to see you creating that stuff again. It made you happy. And you happy is like a comet streaking through the sky, lighting up the dark.”

“Really?” I ask her.

“Yeah, really.” She smiles. “So, don’t totally discount the life’s purpose thing, okay? At least think about it, yeah?”

“I’ll try,” I say. Kelly drops her chin, and sighs forlornly.

“Now could you help me with my life’s purpose? Or at least the love of my life.”

“What’s up, Kels?” I ask

She searches her pockets for a pack of cigarettes.

“Dave is what’s up,” she says. “He’s been cheating on me, Genie. I know he has. He came in tonight and it was the same as it’s been for weeks. Barely even looks at me, he’s so ashamed. And he stinks of some bloody cheap body spray. So I asked him, I said,Are you seeing another woman, Dave? And he said to mind my own business, Genie. I told him, Our marriageismy business, Dave. And he said, I’m going to the pub, and walked out. Can you believe the front of him?”

“So, he didn’t actually admit to cheating?” I ask.

“It was written all over his face!” Kelly says. “I don’t know what to do about it, Genie. I love him, the bloody git. I thought we were so tight. And now... he’s like a stranger.”

“It is a bit iffy,” I say. “But you know it might not be another woman. Maybe he’s got a gambling addiction or... was abducted by aliens.”

“What are you talking about?” Kelly asks me. “This is Dave we are talking about. Not Dr. bloody Who.”

“No, fair. Have you thought about talking to his mates?”

“No,” Kelly says. “But I’ve decided. We’re following him. Tomorrow. After he finishes work.”

“We?” My eyes widen.

“I need you to come with me to make it seem like I am not some crazy bitch who is completely off her rocker.”

“Kelly! You drive a hot-pink Nissan Micra withKel’s Mobile Beautyemblazoned in hologram glitter lettering on the side. I’m pretty sure he’s going to know it’s you.”

“That’s why we’re going in your car,” Kelly says. “I bought us wigs.”

“My car that Dave did the MOT on?” I ask. “Last week?”

“Look, I don’t know what else to do,” Kelly wails. “I have to know, Genie. I have to! I can’t bear this uncertainty. It’s not fair to me or the kids.”

“Okay, fine. Tomorrow after work. I’ll pick you up from yourplace and we’ll go and follow Dave, but when he sees us, which he will, you will just have to try and talk to him about it, okay? Like adults.”

“I did try, but okay,” Kelly says, rifling in her handbag. She brings out two wigs that for some reason she has brought to the party. “Do you want to be blond or ginger?”

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