If We're Not Married by Thirty by Anna Bell

Author:Anna Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bonnier Publishing Fiction

Chapter Sixteen

OMG, I had a day off and watched a boxset of Frasier and now I totally get why you used to bang on about it. I don’t know if it knocks Friends off the top spot, but it’s pretty close. The writing and the timing of the lines – genius! You realise that now you’ve got to watch Friends, right? I’ve looked it up and it’s on Netflix – so there’s no excuse!

Email; Lydia to Danny, January 2016

I run around the basement frantically looking for my keys. How can I have lost them in my studio flat? It really isn’t big enough to lose anything in.

I rifle through the pile of washing that I pulled out of my suitcase when I arrived home last night. I’d been so optimistic to think that I’d put a wash on when in reality I’d phoned Danny instead. I shove the clothes into the washing machine, quickly feeling for the keys as I go.

I can’t be late for work today, not when I’m handing in my notice. I’ve got my game plan all worked out: arrive early with doughnuts for everyone, slip in the news that I got engaged and hand over my letter of resignation to my boss. With any luck I’ll have it all over by 9.30 a.m.

I start to retrace my steps, pulling up sofa cushions and opening the fridge. I’ve always found the little studio to be cosy, but since I’ve got back I’ve realised how small it actually is. The little apartment in Spain, with its separate rooms and its roof terrace, had the illusion of space, and Danny’s house, whilst small, is still split over three stories. I put my hands on my hips and look around the room. I can’t imagine what Danny’s going to make of it.

I’ve really got to tell him where I live or else when he arrives in thirty-six hours it’s going to be one hell of a shock. I should have been honest with him from the start and then I wouldn’t be in this mess.

I hear a thud, thud, thud, on the floor above and realise it’s Olivia heading towards the kitchen. I’ve got to get out of here quickly. If she catches me, she won’t let me leave until she’s got her present from Spain, and then I really will be late for work. Plus, I’ve got to nip to the post office to send my birth certificate special delivery to Danny so he can give it to the registrar tomorrow. Where are my bloody keys?

I suddenly remember that I was desperate for the loo when I got back last night and I’m relieved when I see my keys on the floor in the corner of the bathroom.

I scoop them up, grab my bag and hurry out the door before Olivia’s present radar starts going wild.

*

‘Happy New Year,’ I say walking into the little office at the back of the large hangar where we hold our events. I put a tray of Krispy Kreme doughnuts onto the table that we use for meetings and open the box.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.