Page 74 of Happily Never After
‘You can find out yourself, when she comes over later.’
This draws me up short. I’ve been so focused on the situation with Angus and Finn that I haven’t really given any more thought to the prospect of playing gooseberry to Liv and Donna. Liv must be able to read my expression as she immediately moves to reassure me.
‘It’ll be fine,’ she says. ‘I’m not going to suddenly drop you like a hot brick just because I’m in a new relationship. Trust me.’
‘I just don’t want to get in the way. If you need me to start looking for somewhere else to live?—’
‘Of course I don’t! I’ve really enjoyed having you living with me and the great thing about Donna is she isn’t needy or jealous, so she’s not going to get all funny if I want to spend the occasional evening just with you. In fact, she wasn’t going tocome round tonight, but I persuaded her because I want you two to get to know each other. Is that all right?’
I smile. ‘I should have known you’d be ahead of me on this. I’d love to meet Donna properly, especially as it sounds like she’s already a big part of your life.’
Liv grins. ‘Either that or I was just using her to keep me entertained while you were away. I guess we’ll find out this evening.’
‘I think the expression on your face when you talk about her makes it pretty obvious, Liv.’
‘It’s too early to say she’s the one, but…’
‘You’re hopeful. Wow, I’ve never seen you fall for someone this fast before.’
‘I know, but I can picture us five or ten years from now and it doesn’t frighten me. This is the first time that’s ever happened. With Trevor, even looking a week ahead used to terrify me. Thinking of which, what’s going on with you? Managed to unravel the tangle you found yourself in yet?’
As I begin to fill her in on everything that’s happened since we last spoke, it feels like a weight is lifting from my chest. She listens carefully when I tell her what Cara said and, although she doesn’t exactly come down on Cara’s side, she does agree that I need to make contact with Finn, even if it’s just to discover that he’s not interested, so I can close the door and move on.
‘I need an excuse though,’ I complain. ‘Otherwise it just looks weird.’
‘Simple. You’re just checking in to see if he’s heard anything from the TV people. Then you can tell him you’re home and see what happens.’
‘I guess that might work, although I’m pretty sure he’d have messaged me if he’d heard.’
‘Just do it. Remember the mantra?’
I sigh. ‘It’s always better to regret something you’ve done rather than something you haven’t.’
‘Exactly. Sometimes my own wisdom amazes me. Right, I’ve got to shut up shop. Are you coming to collect Meg with me? She’ll be delighted to see you.’
‘Of course.’
It’s a while before we’re ready to leave. Liv tidies and cleans the kitchen until everything is put away in its place, gleaming immaculately, while I help Bella tidy up the shop.
‘How are your elderly lovers?’ I ask her while we work.
‘Good,’ she enthuses. ‘They’re in here twice a week, regular as clockwork, and I think he’s staying over sometimes.’
‘Based on?’
‘He’s very particular about his appearance. Always clean-shaven with his clothes pressed just so. But he’s looked mildly dishevelled a couple of times recently. I think he’s got as far as staying over, but not as far as planning to stay over.’
‘I’m not following.’
‘Let’s assume he comes down the night before to take her out to dinner or whatever. Planned sleepover would mean he’d bring an overnight bag with a change of clothes. But that carries assumptions about the stage of their relationship that she’s perhaps not ready for. So he comes, theoretically prepared to catch the last train home, only she always invites him to stay. So it feels spontaneous even though they both know what’s going to happen, and it’s less pressure on her. The downside is that he can’t bring overnight stuff, so he’s unshaven and a bit crumpled the next day. I’m currently trying to work out if that’s part of her thing, that she prefers him a bit rough and ready.’
‘Bloody hell, Bella. Are you sure you’re not reading more into this than there is?’
‘I might be, but it keeps me entertained.’
I smile at her. I did enjoy most of the retreat, despite Gina and her attitude, but it’s really nice to be home.
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