Page 70 of Take a Moment

‘That’s rough. Your mum and sister must miss you now there’s a similar geographical split between you.’

I’m ready to gloss over the messed-up relationship I have with them, but there’s something about Matt that makes me want to open up to him. He’s such a good listener.

‘I actually haven’t spoken to either of them since I moved away. They didn’t agree with me leaving.’

‘Gosh. Sorry to hear that. Why were they so against it?’

Shit. I haven’t thought this through. As much as I’m happy to open up around most things, I’m most definitely not ready to tell him about my medical situation. My breathing starts to strain and I realise it’s not just because I want to avoid the truth. My body – as if cruelly forcing me to share my deepest, darkest secret – is going into full protest. My muscles burn in response to the invisible force that seems to be pushing against me, and we’re only halfway up the incline at best.

‘I, err… they’re both just…’

‘You don’t need to tell me if it’s too difficult.’

‘No, it’s not… that. They’re…’

Matt stops and places a gentle hand on my shoulder to halt me. ‘Hey, are you OK? You’re struggling, and you’re sweating.’

‘Not a good look, then?’ I attempt a joke to avoid the scrutiny.

‘You’re still gorgeous. Obviously. But I’m concerned. It’s not your knee, is it? I forgot you’d had a running injury.’

Relief at being handed a ready-made excuse floods me like a burst dam. ‘Yeah, sorry, that’s it. Thought I’d be all right, but the hill’s obviously aggravating it.’

‘Right. Well, there’s only one solution for this.’

Before I know it, Matt has scooped me up and set off up the hill again. This immediately transports me back several months to the time Dom did the same in the stairwell to our apartments. Back when I was so reluctant to take any help at all – ever. But here, now, in Matt’s arms, with my fabricated injury, I feel much more comfortable.

‘OK?’ he asks, as I cling to his neck.

‘Shouldn’t it be me asking you? You’re the one engaged in some kind of Iron Man contest while I dangle gracefully – I hope – in front of you. Sorry about this.’

‘I’m pretty fit. I can handle it.’

‘I can see that. Do you hire yourself out? I could get used to this.’

‘I’m happy to carry you around anytime.’ Matt grins at me, then gently lowers my feet to the ground. I realise we’ve reached the top. ‘There’s another incline a bit further round the trail but it’s much more gradual and my service will be readily available – for a cost.’

‘What’s that?’ I raise an eyebrow.

‘Another kiss.’

‘That makes me feel slightly pimped out, but happy to oblige.’ I reach up, put my arms round his neck and plant a sensual kiss on his lips.

‘So… coffee?’ he asks as we pull apart.

‘Amazing. Oh, and there’s a nice clearing here we can sit in.’ I pat the ground with my foot. ‘It’s dry enough. Must not have had the same rain we had yesterday.’

Matt pulls a blanket from his rucksack and gestures for me to sit on it as he pours coffee from a flask into two picnic cups. I watch him, feeling a nagging guilt that I’ve just lied to him. He’s so open and trusting. It’s already as if I’ve known him for much longer. How long can I really pretend for? Or is that a premature concern? If I decide to get back together with Dom, then it won’t matter anyway.

Chapter 24

Matt drops me back at my apartment later that afternoon. As I unlock my front door and step inside, I’m dizzy with teenage hormones and utter exhaustion. I take off my trainers and jacket and go straight to my bedroom, where I climb under the covers and allow myself a little indulgence as I relive my date with Matt – and those incredible kisses. Those eyes, his strength in carrying me up that hill, the playful banter that came so easily. We were drawn to each other like Instagrammers to a selfie hotspot.

But it doesn’t take long for reality to come knocking. Matt’s as addictive as salt and vinegar crisps. No question. But what about Dom? I’m due to meet him in a few hours and I’ve no idea what I’m going to say. The two situations couldn’t be more different. Dom and I are comfortable, familiar, warming; like bread and butter pudding. With Matt, it’s more electric, exciting; exotic fruit salad. They’re both delicious in their own way. On the face of it, comfortable and familiar gets trumped by excitement, but that initial rush never lasts. What kind of relationship would Matt and I settle into, if we even lasted long enough to find out? Then there’s my health. Dom knows about it and still wants me. Would Matt be the same?

As I’m running these thoughts through my head, I can feel myself drifting off to sleep and I don’t even try to fight it.

By 6:30 p.m., after waking up groggy and woolly-headed, I’m showered and changed, and feeling more refreshed. But the nagging feeling of not knowing what to say to Dom is still hanging over me – a slightly sick feeling in my gut. Just as I’m zipping my lipstick and eyeliner into the inside pocket of my handbag, there’s a knock at my door. I pad through to the hallway, peer through the peephole and unlock the door.

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