Page 52 of The Best Book Boyfriend
I stand with my hands on my hips and take it all in. I’m really proud of this one.
“You must bring your friend Luke over to let him see it.” She was just as impressed as I was with his antiquing skills. “Bring him for a cuppa tomorrow?”
“I’ll see if he’s free.” I reach for my phone in my back pocket, weirdly grateful for an excuse to text him.
Kara:Just finishing up at Claude’s guesthouse. You fancy a visit tomorrow to see your finds in their new home?
Luke:Pretty busy this weekend. Maybe some other time?
That’s it?I guess he hasn’t remembered my birthday either. Now that I think of it, the only person who has wished me a happy birthday is my mum, with a sprightly text at 6:30am that definitely could have waited. I did not inherit her early-bird genes.
Claude, however, never forgets a thing you tell her. She’s one of those people with Favourite Aunt energy. You feel you’ve known her a lifetime as soon as you meet her. I don’t even know how she knows it’s my birthday today, but when we walk back into the main house, she produces an enormous bouquet, and a box of chocolates I can tell were expensive because I’ve never heard of the brand.
“Now darling, I also got you a little something else that doesn’t come in a gift bag, I’m afraid,” she says, patting my arm. “I hope you won’t mind, but I was talking to my dear friend Beverley about you the other day and she mentioned her son is single and just hates those awful apps.” I have a feeling I’m about to deeply regret telling Claude that I’m doing online dating.
“So I’ve arranged a little date for you to meet him tomorrow.”Oh God no.I don’t need this. My heart really isn’t in it.
“His name is Jonty. He’s thirty-seven, he’s a dental surgeon, and I think you will just have so much in common.” I have to wonder what exactly she thinks it is that we’ll have in common. I’m also wondering why he’s single, and might it be because his name is Jonty? “I’m going to forward you his number and the details. Now, where are my glasses?”
“They’re on your head Claude. And honestly, this is too much. You don’t need to set me up with people.”
“Please darling, you’resucha catch. I simply can’t have you snaffled by someone who’s not good enough for you. Jonty is excellent, very loyal, really beautiful colouring.“ I love how posh people describe people like animals.
We say our goodbyes, and Claude promises she’ll get her photographer friend to do a photoshoot and send me the images for my portfolio. She really takes good care of me, the least I can do is meet her friend’s son.
Hattie and Megan must have sensed I was feeling shitty about my birthday, because they suggested dinner out tonight instead of our usual takeout. We’re going to the fancy Italian place everyone goes to for special occasions, as opposed to the slightly more low budget but still really excellent other Italian place. I’ve only been there twice, once for my parents’ anniversary dinner at the start of the year, and once to celebrate Hattie getting a new job not long after it opened. It will be nice to eat somewhere I never went with Adam.
My book and I take a long soak in the bath all afternoon, followed by one of my favourite activities; slathering myself in cocoa butter and dancing around my bedroom until it all soaks in. After closing the curtains, of course.
We don’t have plans to see each other this weekend, so I ring my mum and dad while I do my hair and make-up. By the time I’m dressed, it’s only 6:30pm, but I’m feeling excited about having a proper night out.
There’s been talk of hitting up a bar after dinner to seduce some guys, no prizes for guessing whose idea that was. But it’s my birthday after all, so instead of being a wimp about it, I make an effort to look hot as fuck.
I opt for a black mini-dress with a scooped neckline and sheer puffball sleeves. It’s warm enough to go without tights, but I throw on some of my nicest matching underwear even though the idea that anyone else will see it tonight is utterly ridiculous. Plus, I don’t want to be too hungover when I meet Jonty tomorrow.
After all my worrying, it has been quite a lovely day, and I’m barely thinking of Adam at all except to thinklook how well I’m doing not thinking about him. I take a good hard stare at myself in the mirror before I head outside and think,here I am.Turning thirty, off to dinner with my beautiful friends, maybe about to meet the great love of my life tomorrow.Yeah right, but let’s pretend.Life is good today.
The taxi Hattie booked for me picked me up on time, and I arrive at the restaurant at 8 o’clock sharp. I’ve worn my highest heels and I’m desperately hoping I don’t roll an ankle as I head inside. I’m the first one here, so the waiter shows me to my seat, a small table for two up near the back of the restaurant. It’s not like Hattie to make a cock-up, I bet she forgot to include herself when she booked.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, we’re actually a booking for three.”
“No problem, Madame,” he says, touching my elbow and guiding me into the seat he’s pulled out for me. “I will bring another chair for you in a moment.”
Madame.That’s what happens when you turn thirty, no moreMissfor me.
The restaurant has had a makeover since I was last here, and it’s really beautiful. Exposed brickwork lines one wall, with little alcoves along the way tiled with mirrors making the place look larger than it is. The lighting is stunning. It’s cosy and intimate but not so dark I can’t read the menu or sneak a glance at what other people have ordered when it comes from the kitchen.
I kill time reading the drinks menu while I wait for the girls to arrive. I already know I want alotof wine tonight, but I’ll wait in case they’re jumping straight to spirits. For all I know, they’re pre-gaming and that’s why they’re late. I check my phone for messages but there’s nothing, so I use the time to reply to a few DMs and comments on my latest Instagram posts.
Ten minutes later, there is still no sign of Hattie and Megan. It’s most unlike them and I’m annoyed they’ve not even been in touch to tell me they’re running late.
I’m just about to dial Hattie, whose phone is always in her hand, when a notification appears in our group chat. Quickly followed by another, then another.
Hattie:We love you so much, but we can’t make dinner.
Megan:Sorry lovely. Hope you have a great night xxx
Hattie:#sorrynotsorry xx
