Reader I Married Me by Sophie Tanner

Author:Sophie Tanner [Tanner, Sophie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781409177616
Publisher: Orion
Published: 2018-12-31T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 20

The next day, our befriending visit is still on my mind. I wander around my flat in a daze, wondering where I’ll be living in fifty years’ time. That is, if I’m still alive.

Saffron isn’t in so I sit on the roof terrace in peace, drinking tea and looking out over the back gardens; in one a man is hosing his flower beds, in another two children practise cartwheels.

‘Come and get your swimming costumes on,’ their mother calls through the back door. As they run into the house, one of them sees me watching and waves.

I feel a swoop of alarm to think that I’ll end up like Muriel one day; unable to leave the house unassisted. I look down at my crossed legs and feel ashamed at how often I curse the shape of my calves. I totally take my mobility for granted. In fact, I take a hell of a lot for granted.

I tilt my head back and feel the morning sunshine on my face. Visiting Muriel’s given me a new perspective on my life, which is just as well because I’m meeting Ant for a drink at The Lobster.

I spot Ant immediately, hunched at the corner table, in a T-shirt and boardies. His hair has grown a bit longer and curls at his temples.

‘Hey.’ I walk over and Dora starts wiggling furiously, licking his bare knees.

‘Do you have to take that bloody dog with you everywhere?’ He moves his legs to the side and pushes her away.

‘Yes,’ I say evenly, pulling up a chair opposite him. ‘She’s my spirit animal.’

Ant huffs and rests his elbows on the table. His skin looks sallow and there are dark smudges under his eyes.

‘How’s the sailing course going – found your sea legs yet?’

‘It’s really tough actually, we have to get up so early, even at weekends.’

I suppress a smile; Ant’s always loved his lie-ins. ‘Have you got some time off now then? Where are you staying?’

‘Only two nights. I’m crashing at a mate’s.’ Ant doesn’t meet my eye and I assume he’s staying with his new girlfriend. I bite my tongue; I’m not going to quiz him.

‘Well, at least you’re following your dreams, huh?’ I remind him. ‘I don’t expect you feel so trapped any more.’

Ant glowers at the sugar bowl. ‘You have no idea.’

‘What can I get you, Chloe, my sweet?’ AJ appears at our table in a Hawaiian shirt and yellow shorts. ‘We have a new summer menu of fresh juices, inspired by my Caribbean roots.’

‘Ooh lovely, why don’t you surprise me, AJ.’ I wink at him and he bows with a flourish.

‘Why’re you so perky?’ Ant mutters when AJ’s retreated behind the bar.

‘Why’re you so moody?’ I retort. ‘It’s a lovely day; the sun is shining, the sea is … splashing. What’s not to like?’

‘Jesus, I never thought you were this vindictive. Are you trying to ruin my life?’

‘Ant, you can do what you want with your life; I don’t care any more.’ I drop my breezy tone.

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