‘Is he your boyfriend?’ Jade asked.
‘Jade!’ Cathy scolded.
‘No. He’s not my boyfriend.’But I wish he was.
‘Are you okay?’ Cathy said. ‘You look a bit peaky.’
I waved my hand dismissively. ‘I’m absolutely fine. Just a bit tired from the whole opening a new business near Christmas thing. I’m just going to make a cuppa. Do either of you want one?’
Drink orders taken, I headed into The Outback where I pulled my phone out my pocket and quickly texted Nick.
??To Nick
Hi. I hear I’ve just missed you. So sorry. Would love to have seen you. Don’t suppose you’re still in town?
I stared at the screen in nervous anticipation while I boiled the kettle, but no reply came.
Two hours later, cashing up complete and the team on their way home, I stood by the counter in the darkened shop and looked at the messages from the three Stevens. I realised I couldn’t face meeting any of them. The only person I really wanted to go out withwas Nick. Maybe I blew it when I told him about Steven that first day in the pub.
I slowly typed in a message for Steven Fox then copied and pasted it into the other two message threads:
Thanks for your suggestion to meet up. Can I take a rain check for after Christmas? I’ve recently moved back here. My best friend from London is coming to stay for the weekend. We haven’t seen each other in ages and we’ve had this booked in for some time so it would be rude of me to cancel. Really sorry. Hope you have a fantastic Christmas. ‘Speak’ soon. Sarah
?? To Clare
Thanks for your advice earlier. Decided not to meet any of them just now. Long story. Don’t suppose you can give that work do a miss and come up tomorrow night instead? Need cheering up xx
?? From Clare
Sorry. Would love to but will get sacked if I miss it. Bunch of very important eejits to entertain. Biggest event in the company calendar. Promise to be up by 11 at the latest on Saturday. See you in the shop. Cheer up or I’ll give you a slap xx
24
Elise Dawson
49 mins
Was intending on having ONE quick glass of bubbly before a night out with the Kayley School team but on my 3rd glass already. Could be a messy night!
Clare O’Connellis at The Dorchester, London…
1 hr
Works Christmas party and prize-giving. Free bar. Nice
Kay Summers
5 hrs
Think I was born to travel the world. Heading to New York tomorrow till 3rd Jan. New Year in New York! So excited
I sighed as I read through my Facebook newsfeed that evening. Mum and Dad were off for Christmas cocktails with the neighbours and Ben was out with his mates in Leeds. It was less than a week till Christmas and everyone had a packed evening of entertainment. Except me, the spinster with cats, all alone like Uncle Alan. The thought made me shudder and I had to reprimand myself: ‘Youhave friends. You’re not alone like him. You’re just on your own tonight and a bit lonely. It’s a different thing.’
I checked Nick’s newsfeed for the umpteenth time but there was still nothing since the comment about going out with ‘the lovely Sarah Peterson’ from before Bob’s leaving do. I sighed again and checked my messages. Nothing there either.
Back on Facebook, I typed in:
Sarah Peterson
