‘Yeah. He just kept on kissing me. Andother stuff. And it kept me up late.’
‘Wow, that sounds terrible.’
‘Well, yes, I’m tired now.’ She does a stage yawn, and then says, her tone cheeky, ‘It wasgoodthough.’
‘It was?’
‘Well… I thought it was.’
I laugh. ‘Me too. I thought it was amazing.’ I can’t think of another time in my life when I would have had a one-night stand with someone (who I previously disliked) and then admit to them what a great night it was for me.
Maybe… maybe it wasn’t a one-night stand.
I mean, we’re here in the car together and I’m lovingbeingwith her, and she seemed pretty happy to get a lift even though just getting the train would have been more straightforward and probably quicker.
I’d really like to see her again.
I’d really like to go on an actual date with her, I realise.
I’m not going to mention that now, though. I’m going to enjoy this journey, just chatting, just the two of us, with no threat of Sonja popping out of a bush or a camera zooming in on us.
‘It’ssucha relief to be away from Sonja,’ Freya says.
‘Wow, it’s like you read my mind. I was just thinking that.’
‘Yeah, Iam, obviously, psychic. But also I think maybeanyonein our position would be ecstatic to get away from there.’
I laugh. ‘Very true.’
We chat idly and the journey passes very quickly. Too quickly.
Freya suggests that I drop her near her house, because she lives on a one-way street and it’s several extra minutes of driving to get right to her front door.
I insist on taking her to her front door.
‘Obviously it’s incredibly arduous having to spend another few minutes with you,’ I say, ‘but I’m willing to take that hit in recognition of the fact that you’ve had a tiring weekend. Plus it’s raining really heavily. And I have no plans for this evening. So I’m genuinely really happy to. Unless you actively don’twantme to?’
‘If you’re sure I would actually be very grateful. I’mtired. And not totally up for getting soaking wet right now.’
‘Very sure.’
Freya’s house is a very well-kept-looking terraced cottage painted in a pale shade of green.
‘This is lovely,’ I say, as I manoeuvre into the space outside.
‘Thank you.’ She turns to look at me and says, ‘Would you like to come in for coffee?’
‘I…’ Yes. I would. Ireallywould. But only if she does actually want me to.
‘It’s been a long journey,’ she says. ‘You might want a little break. But also you might want to get back. I’d love to make you a coffee. It’s the least I can do. But also I totally understand if you have other things to do this evening.’
‘I’d love a coffee.’
‘Great!’ Her voice has gone a little squeaky. I’m feeling a little… something, I’m not sure what… myself.
‘The rain’s died down a bit so maybe we should take our chances now.’ I get out of the car and walk round to the boot to get her case out.
Her house is as inviting inside as outside. There’s a little hall area, with the stairs ahead, and a loo and what looks like a small study behind that, and to the right an open-plan kitchen/ living room. It’s all painted in neutral colours, with wooden floors and lime green, purple and bright pink velvet furniture and nice paintings on the walls.
