Page 95 of One Night in Edinburgh

‘He’s not “the one”,’ says Anna. ‘There is no “one”. That’s a false concept created by people who like to sell us books and movies.’

‘Ah, Anna, you’re such a romantic.’ Connor chuckles.

‘Yeah, she’s more of a quickie in the hotel gardens kind of girl,’ I quip feebly through my tears.

‘I am not.’ Anna feigns outrage. ‘There was nothing quick about that hook up.’

‘That is true,’ I concede with a nod. ‘You were with him for quite a while.’

‘And we’re dating now, so that’ll shut you up.’

‘You are?’ My mouth drops open in surprise.

‘Yup. Didn’t want to say anything because you’re having a crappy time of it.’

‘Oh, forget me.’ I wave my hand at her. ‘I can handle others being happy while my own love life is down the pan. It actually gives me some hope if you’ve found someone you like – even if he’s definitely not “the one”.’

‘It’s not that he’s not “the one”.’ She rolls her eyes at me. ‘As I said, it’s the concept that’s flawed.’

‘So… he could be “the one”?’

‘Yes. I mean, no. I’m saying…oh, shut up.’

Anna looks flustered all of a sudden and it dawns on me that she must really like this guy. I’ve never seen her this way about anyone.

‘Think Steph got you there, Anna,’ says Connor.

‘Whatever.’ She makes a face at him. ‘The important thing is that there are lots of great guys around. Steph will discover that once she gets back out there and allows me to manage her online dating.’

‘I’m nowhere near ready for that.’ I shake my head vigorously, repelled by the thought. ‘But I have to admit, you seem to have done a good job for Connor.’

‘Speaking of which, how’s that working out?’ asks Anna.

‘It’s going well.’ Connor grins and the flush I saw earlier this evening returns. ‘It’s kind of cool, us working through things together. He’s so thoughtful and he has these incredibly cute dimples that he hates me pointing out.’

‘Amazing.’ Anna clasps her hands together gleefully. ‘There you are, Steph. Whenever you’re ready, let’s resurrect your dating profile and find you someone better than Jamie.’

‘OK… sure, I guess.’ I give a dejected shrug. ‘But for now, can I just cry and watch people get brutally murdered?’

‘Of course.’ Anna pats my leg sympathetically and powers up Netflix. ‘I’ll make it a particularly gruesome one.’

As she searches for the programme and I continue to snuggle into Connor, my roving thoughts – which are heavy with the awful memories of earlier – are filled with a cavernous sense of loss. I may have agreed to let Anna manage my dating life in the future, but right now I can’t imagine ever wanting to date anyone else, or accepting that there’s no such thing as “the one” – because I’m pretty sure I’ve just lost him.

Chapter 31

Six months later

‘I vote for a round of sambuca shots.’ Anna’s arm shoots in the air like she’s in primary three.

‘Definitely not.’ I frown at her and cancel her vote by drawing an invisible cross in the air. ‘And as it’s my birthday, I get to choose the drink for my birthday toast.’

‘That’s not a rule.’

‘It is since you tried to make me do shots.’

‘I’m suggesting one shot. It’s not like I lined them up on the bar and pulled out a timer.’

‘You might if you thought you’d get away with it.’

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