Athens. Greece. My first time in Greece would be to witness my ex-boyfriend, who I have no feelings for, but totally have feelings for, marry someone else.
I guessed we would end up in Greece together after all. Just not together.
‘Will, you’re scaring me.’
‘Why?’
‘You’ve gone pale,’ Alice says. ‘And you’re not blinking, and you’re whispering Athens to yourself like you’ve been possessed.’
‘Sorry.’ A couple of rapid blinks later, and I sit up again, leaning against the wall.
Melodramatic Will strikes again.
I light another Nag Champa.
‘What would Romy and Michele do?’
Romy announces her intention of inventing Post-it notes.
‘Lie?’ I ask.
‘No.’
‘Ask for a business woman lunch?’
‘Reinvent themselves,’ Alice says. ‘Prove to Ollie how over him you really are.’
‘But I’m not.’ The words escape me before I can stop them, but Alice doesn’t show any surprise. ‘I’m not, Alice. I never have been.’
Alice holds my hand, giving me a sad, soft nod. ‘He doesn’t have to know that, does he?’
She’s right. Why does Ollie still have a hold on me? Why am I letting his decision to let me go influence every waking moment of my life? I have two options. Option one: ignore it and forever be known as the boy who didn’t go to Athens.
And worse still, be the butt of all jokes at their wedding as the ex who didn’t show up.
Option two: support a friend. Suck it up. Like Rachel going to Barry’s wedding.
Then show off the reinvention of me. Find myself a boyfriend. Show him I’m thriving, too.Congrats on your wedding, Ollie, I’d say,but I’m getting married next week, too.
Yes. Go to Athens. Be a new me.
I could do that.
Then a third option comes to mind. An option I shouldn’t want, but can’t be dismissed, because love is messy and I’m a mess.
I could see Ollie again, and maybe, just maybe, he’ll realise he wants me back.
I give Alice the side-eye, as if she might be reading my thoughts.
‘So, accept the invite?’ I ask, my wine-brain a little confused.
‘Accept the invite.’ Alice holds out my phone, a hint of resignation in her voice.
I accept the invite.
Athens, here I come.
Chapter Five
