It's a Wonderful Life by Julia Williams

Author:Julia Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007464517
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2016-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Lou

‘Let’s get out of here,’ I hiss, glancing around my office reception to make sure none of my colleagues are around. I am beyond embarrassed. Why on earth is Jo here? How is she here? And causing such a scene as well.

I smile awkwardly at Gina, our receptionist, and mouth an apology before escorting a snivelling Jo out of the building.

I don’t know what she’s expecting, but I am not going to tell her everything is OK and we’re going to be best buddies again. I am not.

We walk for a bit in silence as I furiously work out what I should say or do.

‘Don’t be mad at me, Lou Lou,’ she says in that wheedling tone that I’ve always detested.

‘Why shouldn’t I?’ I say. ‘You ditched me, remember? You don’t get to turn up at my work causing a scene. That’s my right. And I’d be a damned sight more dignified about it than you.’ (Not strictly true, I stood outside her workplace more times than I care to mention in the early days after our split, but I never had the nerve to go in. I do have some pride.) ‘And please don’t call me Lou Lou.’ Lou Lou was her endearment for me early on in our relationship when the world seemed bright and our future happiness assured.

‘I’m sorry,’ says Jo, eventually. ‘I shouldn’t have come. I just didn’t know where else to go.’

‘How did you find out where I was?’

‘I phoned your mum,’ she says.

Oof. That will make for an interesting dinner conversation.

‘Look, I know you probably don’t want to, but could we go for a drink? I could really use a friend right now.’

A friend? I look at my watch, prevaricating. I haven’t actually got plans this evening. I’m still angry with Jo, but part of me is pleased to be with her. After all these months, I am actually in her presence. I look at her, feeling sick when I realise that she’s still as gorgeous as ever, and despite my attempts to bury my feelings for her, they’re just as strong as before. I can feel myself weakening.

‘One can’t hurt,’ she says, ‘for old time’s sake?’

‘OK’ I give in. I’m curious, with a little flare of hope that I’m trying to suppress. Could she possibly want me back? I can’t allow myself to let that flare burn any brighter, I need to protect myself – but it’s there nonetheless.

‘So why are you here?’ I say when we’ve found a seat in the closest bar. I order her a glass of Soave and a red wine for myself.

‘You remembered,’ she says, looking gratified.

‘Of course I remembered. I remember everything about you, how your favourite colour is blue, how when you were thirteen you broke your arm, and that’s why you decided to be a nurse. We were in love, remember?’

‘Were?’ says Jo.

‘Unless you’re here to tell me you’ve changed your mind, I think our relationship is firmly in the past.’ I am trying so hard to be firm, but part of me wants to give in right now.

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