Last of the Magpies: The Thrilling Conclusion to The Magpies (Kindle Single) by Mark Edwards

Author:Mark Edwards
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781542015882
Published: 2019-04-29T22:00:00+00:00

10

Jamie knew that Kirsty wouldn’t agree to meet up with him, or she would say yes but not turn up, so he did something he wasn’t proud of. He hung around outside the hospital where she was a nurse, waiting for her to come out. He knew that when she worked the day shift, she usually finished at six o’clock – and, sure enough, at quarter past she emerged from the staff entrance.

He watched her from a distance. She had changed into her civvies, with a long black coat over the top. Her hair was tied back and she didn’t appear to be wearing any make-up. She looked tired, her head dipped a little, a frown on her face, but she was beautiful. Perfect. Every time he saw her he ached for what he’d lost and burned with shame and regret. His stubbornness, his pride, all the stupid things he’d done. He still loved her. No other woman could ever match up to her. Nothing could plug the gap she’d left in his heart.

Which was why, even though he knew she might be angry with him, despite the awkwardness and embarrassment, this was worth a shot.

He hurried across the road towards her. Because she had been searching in her bag for something – her headphones, which came out in a white tangle – she didn’t see him until he was just a couple of metres in front of her. She looked startled.

‘Jamie. What are you doing here?’

He smiled sheepishly. ‘Do you have time to grab a coffee?’

He knew she would probably need to pick Sasha up from the childminder, and that the chances of her being able or willing to go to a coffee shop with him were slim, but she surprised him by saying, after a beat, ‘Okay.’

There was an independent café across the road. As they went in, and Kirsty went off to grab a table, he noticed her glance at the cakes behind the counter. Kirsty loved carrot cake, so he bought her a huge slice and took it over, along with two coffees.

‘I can’t . . .’ she began, eyeing the cake. Then she picked up the fork. ‘Oh, sod it. But you’ll have to share it with me.’

‘It’s fine. I’m not hungry.’

She seemed to study him. Did he look as dishevelled and jittery as he felt?

‘What time do you have to pick Sasha up?’ Jamie asked.

‘I don’t. She’s staying with my mum and dad tonight. I have a rare night of freedom. I’m planning to have a long bath, watch a few episodes of Friends and go to bed early.’

‘Sounds good.’

He hoped that she couldn’t see he was picturing her in the bath. In bed.

Picturing the things they used to do together.

Suddenly, he was wondering if he should forget mentioning the whole book thing. Just make this a casual, friendly encounter. No pressure; nothing that would upset Kirsty or make her angry.

‘So what’s this all about?’ she asked, putting down her fork. ‘Why did you

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