Biscuits and Bunting by S.A. Meade

Author:S.A. Meade [Meade, S.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing
Published: 2012-05-23T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Neil had left a couple of pairs of jeans, a handful of jumpers and a toothbrush at the house. I hated being reminded of our few weeks together. There was something cathartic about shoving them into a bin bag and sending a terse text message.

‘Your things in bin bag on porch. Please collect ASAP’.

I dropped the bag onto the front porch, just out of reach of the cold winter drizzle. The Green was shrouded by mist that muted the growl of cars as they passed through the village. The lights of the pub gleamed through the gloom and I was almost tempted to wander across the wet grass for a pint. Instead, I locked the door and retreated to the warmth of the living room with a book and a bottle of lager.

I was well into the second chapter when someone pounded on the front door.

Neil’s car sat on the kerb, so it didn’t take a rocket scientist to work out who was intent on knocking my door off its hinges. For a moment I considered ignoring it, but there was a small, perverse part of me that wanted to see him, wanted to be hurt just that little bit more.

I unbolted the door and found Neil clutching the bin bag. “Why?”

“Because I don’t want your stuff cluttering up my house if you have no intention of coming back.”

“Who says I don’t intend to come back?”

“I do. When you phone me, cancel your visit, tell me your ex is back, say you’ll phone back and you don’t, I’d say it’s a fair bet we’re done.”

“Can I come in?” He shivered and his breath rose in clouds, caught in the porch light.

I stepped back.

Neil tossed the bag at the foot of the stairs. “I’m sorry. I should’ve phoned.”

“Yes, and you shouldn’t have sent your ex to my place so he could throw a tantrum. Not exactly great for business.”

“That wasn’t my doing. He wanted to see you for himself. I didn’t know he’d gone until he came back clutching his balls and bitching about how you wanted him to pay on the spot.”

“Well, he saw me and obviously wasn’t impressed. I hope I’ll be spared the pleasure of his company in future.”

“I’m sorry. He has…problems.”

“You think? He’s a fucking maniac.”

“It’s complicated and it’s difficult.” Neil leaned against the wall, his hands behind his back. “Simon’s a coke addict. When he’s cut off from his candy he’s a bit unstable. The less attention I draw to you the better. I don’t trust him. I don’t trust his temper.”

“Are you saying he’d try to hurt me again?”

“Yes.” He pushed himself away from the wall and stood before me. “I’ve been there myself. I used to be an addict. I know what it’s like when you can’t get the stuff.”

“You’re not still…?”

“No. I gave it up a long time ago. I have no interest in taking it up again.” Neil touched my face, trailing his fingers over my cheek. “I just need to stay away.

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