Sounds intriguing! Will have to drive straight there rather than pick you up as I have a meeting. Meet you in The Anchor at 7pm x
The Anchor, five doors along from the cinema, had become a regular haunt for pre- or post-cinema drinks with Stevie. It was a bit of a dive but the staff were friendly and it was convenient. After an invigorating walk down to the seafront, I held my breath as I opened the door and braced myself against the mix of stale beer and old socks.
Looking each way, I recognised a few regulars but no Stevie. Maybe his meeting had run over. I headed to the bar and ordered our usual drinks. The door creaked open and I turned around expecting to greet Stevie. But it wasn’t Stevie. It was…
‘Nick?’ I felt as though my heart was going to leap out of my chest.
He looked just as surprised to see me. ‘Sarah? What are you doing here?’
‘Meeting Stevie for drinks before the cinema. What are you doing here?’
‘Meeting Stevie to discuss some business.’
‘Really?’
Nick nodded. ‘I smell a set-up.’
‘I think you may be right. The cheeky little… not that I’m disappointed to see you, of course.’ I looked deep into his eyes. ‘It’s actually really great to see you.’
Nick held my gaze. ‘And you too.’
I indicated Stevie’s drink. ‘It’s your favourite too. Care to join me?’
We sat in a secluded corner. ‘How’ve you been?’ I asked.
Nick shrugged. ‘It’s not been the greatest start to the year.’
‘I know about Alex. I’m really sorry.’
Tears formed in Nick’s eyes. ‘How?’
‘Lisa ordered flowers for the funeral today, but she got upset and it all came out. It must have been hard on you seeing him like that after all this time.’
‘It was awful. I just keep thinking of all those wasted years. Lisa and I weren’t right for each other and we’d probably have divorced within a year and, when I realised that, I could have got in touch and wished them well. I could have got my friend back but, instead, I held a grudge and I nearly let him die thinking I still hated him.’ Nick rubbed his eyes. ‘Sorry.’
‘Come here.’ I put my arms around him. He clung onto me as he silently sobbed for a friend, husband, and father taken away far too soon.
‘Sorry, Sarah,’ he whispered into my hair. ‘I’ve managed to hold it together so far. I needed to for Lisa.’ He pulled away and I passed him a tissue out of my bag, which he took gratefully. ‘Sorry,’ he said again.
‘Don’t be.’ I wiped at my own tears. ‘I’m crying and I didn’t evenknow him. I can’t imagine what you and Lisa must have gone through. You must be an emotional wreck.’
‘I am.’
‘Don’t punish yourself for the missing years, Nick. Your best friend ran off with your fiancée the day before your wedding. I don’t know anyone who could forgive and forget in those circumstances. Don’t think about the time lost. Remember instead that you spent lots of time with him at the end. He died knowing his best friend had forgiven him.’ Another tear slipped down my cheek at that point and Nick gently wiped it away.
‘What a pair we are,’ he said.
‘Do you want to talk about it?’
Nick took a sip of his drink then shook his head. ‘I don’t think I’m strong enough right now. Do you mind?’
‘Not at all. What do you want to talk about?’
‘You. How’s the shop going?’
‘Couldn’t be better.’ I smiled brightly as a rush of pride hit me. ‘I’ve got a new team who are great. I did my first wedding today and I’ve got a stack of bookings across the year. I won the contract at The Ramparts. Did Skye tell you?’
‘She’s phoned a few times but I’ve been avoiding everyone while I focused on Alex.’ Nick squeezed my hand. ‘I’m so pleased for you. I knew you’d get it.’
