Page 161 of Love ad Lib
Libby
From:Jack Newton
To: Libby Fletcher
Subject: Re: Apologies
Hi Libby,
You are correct, ‘Mr Pussy’ is not mine, however that is a truly splendid name for a cat. None of this is your fault. I’ve just spoken to Henry, and he agrees the blame for everything lies with him, not you.
Please do not refund the money. I don’t want or need it, and apparently most of it has already gone on replacing soft furnishings and patching skirting boards after Mr Pussy put his mark on them. Also, please continue to stay at the flat for as long as you need. I have no intention of returning to the UK any time soon. If you don’t use it, it will only lie empty.
I’ve known Henry all my life, and despite this error of judgement on his part and his hilarious inability to come up with a better name for a cat on the spot, he is the very best of men. I sincerely hope you can forgive him.
My very best wishes,
Jack
Ps - Please stay in the flat, even if just for Mr Pussy who seems to quite like it there. Also, I will be mortally offended if you offer to pay rent, so please don’t.
Pps - I very much hope to meet you one day, although I will need to remain at least twenty feet away from your feline friend at all times.
* * *
Henry: I’m so sorry. I’ve spoken to Jack, and he wants you to stay in the flat. Please can we talk?
Libby: Where is Mr Pussy from? Do I need to take him back somewhere?
Henry: I got him from an ad online. He belonged to an old lady but when she died, her son didn’t want to keep him. Do you want me to rehome him for you?
Libby: No.
Henry: Can I ring you? Please?
Libby: I only want to hear how your grandmother is.
Henry: Okay. I’ll message you in the morning after I’ve seen her.
Henry: I’m so sorry, Libby. For everything.
* * *
The next morningHenry awoke to find his father sitting on the edge of his bed holding a mug of tea.
‘Morning, m’boy.’ Arthur put the mug on the bedside table.
Henry sat and rubbed the sleep off his face.
‘Morning, Dad.’
His father cleared his throat. ‘I’m sorry, son.’
‘What for?’
‘Putting you under pressure to find someone. I’ve just had so much joy from your mothers and you and your brothers and sisters. I wanted you to have the same.’
Henry sighed. ‘I think you were lucky to meet Mom and Mammy so young. Until Libby, I hadn’t met anyone I really connected with.’
