“Until me.”
She shrugs. “We’ve all been so happy that he’s finally letting go of the past. He’s making room for other things in his life.”
A kernel of doubt sits in my chest. Alfie told me about the situation after he qualified where his patient hurt themselves. He didn’t pick up on it. And now, for the first time in years, he’s let his guard down and the same thing has happened? Surely he’s not going to look past this as a coincidence.
Is he going to pull away? He left without even saying goodbye, at a dinner which was meant for me. After dropping a giant bomb; he bought me a house without telling me. Surely he’s just getting some air and he hasn’t actually left me here with his friends?
“Is Helen okay?” I lift my hand to my chest, feeling my heart race. She was line-dancing three months ago. She was happy, she was excited about life. There’s no way she’s hurt herself. I can’t believe that she would have taken a turn like this. Alfie must be beside himself with worry.
“I’m not sure. Alfie got the call, and I could hear Caleb talking through the speaker, but I won’t lie to you, Alfie looked concerned. I’m not sure if he’s heading to the hospital now. He just left without saying anything.”
“Shit…okay. I’ll probably head home to see if he’s there.”
“Maybe wait a while. We’ll finish dinner, and you can help me buffer between Katie and Jonesy.”
That actually would be nicer than being home alone.
We descend the stairs quietly, and when we enter the room, Jonesy is holding Katie against his chest, dropping a kiss to the top of her fiery red hair. Lottie coughs politely, and Katie jumps back, swiping at her cheeks as if she’s been crying. Jonesy's soft, calm exterior has been replaced with a scowl reserved for Lottie. Presumably, for breaking up their rare, vulnerable moment.
“It’s normal for a Dinner Club to actually eat dinner, people.” Lottie claps her hands together twice before gliding into the kitchen.
She brings back more wine, topping up everyone's glass.
“Now we’re talking,” Jonesy says, swigging a large gulp from his glass and holding it out to be topped up again.
Katie, by some miracle, cracks a smile at him, and the big bear of a man actually softens. They keep looking at each other,passing secret messages with their eyes, and Lottie rests her head on my shoulder.
“Shall we play a game whilst we wait?”
“I think I’m too tired for a game; what about a movie?” Katie suggests.
“Sounds good to me. I’m just going to try Alfie one more time,” I say.
The three of them share a look, which only further pisses me off. I click on his contact, but after a few rings it goes straight to voicemail. My heart sinks again. I’m worried about Helen, but also Alfie, who I know will take this as a personal failure.
Lottie’s phone rings, and she snaps it up quickly.
“Hello.”
Pause.
“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Pause.
“This is different, and you know it.”
Pause.
What is she saying, and to who? She keeps darting her eyes between me and the others, and I get a suspicion that Alfie is on the phone with her. He wouldn’t speak to me, but he’ll speak to Lottie?
“I’m not doing that for you—"
The person obviously cuts her off as she clamps her mouth shut.
“You’re going to regret this for the rest of your life, and I’m not sure you’ll be able to fix it.”
Another agonizing pause, I can hear the voice getting louder, more frustrated. It’s Alfie, I know it is. Tears brim my eyes, threatening to fall down.
