‘Why didn’t you tell me you were moving to New York?’
I saw Charlie stiffen and scratch the back of his head. He didn’t reply.
I moved and found some shade. He came and stood near me, but he still didn’t speak.
‘Charlie?’ I prompted, ‘Why didn’t—?’
‘I didn’t know how,’ he broke in, running both hands through his hair, having apparently gone way past the head-scratching stage.
‘How long have you known?’
He looked away and I knew the answer wasn’t going to be good.
‘It was confirmed about six weeks ago.’
‘Six weeks!’
‘I know! Look, I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you.’
‘Not very hard, apparently!’
‘Libby, you don’t understand.’
‘You’re bloody right, I don’t understand! How could you not tell me this? We’re supposed to be friends! Good friends.’
‘We are! That’s what’s made it so bloody difficult! How could I tell you I wouldn’t be able to come and chat to you whenever I wanted, drop round after a crappy day and have you cheer me up just by opening the door and smiling at me?’
‘Don’t! Don’t do that.’
‘Do what?’
‘Make it worse!’
‘I’m just trying to explain!’ He threw his hands in the air. ‘Libby, I didn’t even know you at the beginning of the year and now I can’t remember what life was like without you in it. And I don’t want to. You’re an amazing friend and I knew you’d be upset when I told you I was leaving. I didn’t want to hurt you. I was trying to find a way to tell you.’
‘There have been plenty of times in the last six weeks that you could have told me, Charlie. Times when it was just you and me. But no, you couldn’t do that. You took the coward’s way out and let someone else do it for you!’
‘I never meant for it to come out like this! That’s not fair. You know I wouldn’t do that to you.’
‘You just did, Charlie!’ I yelled at him. ‘You just did!’
We both stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. I realised I had tears streaming and this time I knew the exact reason for them. I was in love with Charlie Richmond, and he’d just broken my heart.
‘You should have told me yourself, Charlie,’ I said, and began walking back to the restaurant. I needed to get my bag. I swiped under my eyes with my fingers and hoped that the worst of the make-up trails had gone. He caught me up in two strides, and we entered the restaurant together.
‘Are you OK?’ Ms Blonde asked.
‘Yes, thanks. I’m sorry to disturb your lunch. It was nice to meet you.’
‘You’re leaving?’ Ms Brunette asked.
‘Yes. Enjoy your stay in London.’ I nodded and left.
Charlie followed me out. I turned and he bumped into me, his arms moving quickly to my waist to steady me.
‘You should go back inside,’ I said, pushing away. ‘I’ve already caused enough disruption and embarrassment.’
‘There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and frankly I’m glad of the disruption. We obviously have something to talk about.’
