‘I know.’ Her eyes were full of hurt and bewilderment. ‘I’vegone over everything I did and said tonight, trying to figure out what I didwrong. But I just can’t think.’ She shrugged helplessly.
‘That’s because you didn’t doanythingwrong,’ I toldher firmly, glancing at her overnight bag. ‘Now, how about you get changed andput some comfy clothes on and I’ll make a cuppa? Or would you like somethingstronger? A glass of wine?’
‘Actually, if you don’t mind, I’m just going to head home,’she said, sounding exhausted. ‘Darren might go back to the house...’
‘All the more reason to stay here, I should have thought.’My tone was abrupt. I was furious at Darren for having ruined Rachel’s birthdayso selfishly.
But she gave me a sad little smile and got to her feet,picking up her bag. ‘Thanks, Kenzie. I feel much better.’
‘Are you sure you won’t stay?’
‘No. I’d... better get back.’
‘Phone me tomorrow?’ I hugged her at the door, feelinganxious. ‘Or later tonight? I’ll be up for a while yet.’
I watched her walk away, an uncomfortable feeling inside me.This was clearly a side to Darren that Rachel hadn’t glimpsed before. Maybe hewas prone to dark moods. Perhaps something had happened earlier and he’d takenout his anger on Rachel. But that was still no excuse for treating her the wayhe did.
Was there a rational explanation for Darren’s behaviourtonight?
I hoped to goodness there was, for Rachel’s sake...
*****
The next morning, when I called Rachel to make sure shewas all right, Darren answered her phone.
I was so taken aback, I stumbled over my words.
But Darren sounded as smooth as ever. ‘Rachel’s in theshower, Kenzie. But I’ll get her to call you when she’s out, okay?’
‘Oh. Okay.’
‘Have a great day!’
I ended the call, feeling stunned. So Darren had gone backto Rachel’s last night. He must have apologised for his behaviour because she’dended up letting him stay the night. He was talking to me just then as ifnothing had happened...
I wondered if Rachel’s story would be a different one. Butwhen she phoned later, she sounded back to her usual cheery self.
‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine.’ She laughed. ‘Sorry about last night. I was sucha drama queen.’
‘You were very upset.’
She sighed. ‘I shouldn’t have left the restaurant. Darrenwent back there after I left. We must have just missed each other. He wanted toapologise.’
‘Right.’
‘He turned up at the house shortly after I left yours, andhe said he felt terrible for ruining my night. He’s taking me out on Saturdayto make up for it, so I was wondering if you could have Poppy for asleep-over?’
‘Yes... yes, of course. I’d love to.’
I came off the phone feeling bemused. Rachel had brushed offlast night as if it had been just a silly misunderstanding. But I’d seen howupset she was. She’d been far quicker to forgive Darren thanIwouldhave been.
But it was never a good idea to criticise a friend’spartner.
I decided that maybe I was just being super-protective of mybest friend. Rachel had always been more practical and straight-talking thanme. She never put up with bullshit.
I had to trust that she knew what she was doing...
