He stopped stroking my hair. ‘Seriously? You’re the brightest, funniest person I know. You can do whatever you want. I earn enough to support us for the moment; we’ll worry when we have to worry. At least take the rest of the month to slow down and think about your next move.’
I’ve never been a woman who needed saving but right now this man was offering himself up as my safety net. I grabbed his hand tightly. ‘I love you, Oliver. Thank you for not panicking, too.’
He smiled. ‘Whatever happens, happens – good, bad – I’m here regardless.’
And at that moment I decided to listen to my mother for once. I was going to grab my happiness.
Friday December 8th
Today I leftThe Post, carrying a small box of stolen stationary and the elephant mug Lucy had brought me back from Sri Lanka. Only Lucy, Frank and I had turned up, with both Brian and Kelly vanishing earlier in the week for pastures new. I never did find out if they were shagging.
Once outside, I said my goodbyes to Frank while I waited for Lucy to lock up. When he wasn’t hovering over my desk, he looked smaller.
‘What are your plans now?’ I asked him. ‘Anything lined up?’
He shrugged. ‘I’m fifty-one. Maybe I could retrain as a plumber?’
‘Jesus, Frank, do you eavesdrop on EVERYONE?’
He laughed. ‘I wasn’t eavesdropping, you were just never very good at being quiet. Sarah will be here to pick me up soon. I’ve had to hand back the company car. She was very supportive when I told her my situation. Not many women would be.’
‘You have a very low opinion of many women then,’ I replied.
‘Possibly,’ he smirked. ‘You know, I’m glad we got to work together again. Despite your annoying demeanour, I have a lot of time for you, Phoebe.’
‘You complete me, Frank.’
‘Oh fuck off.’
We had a brief hug then Lucy appeared and did the same, telling Frank to be good, like she was ET and he was a young Drew Barrymore. As we left him standing on the pavement waiting for his ride, I suddenly had the horrible feeling that Sarah Ward-Wilson wouldn’t be picking him up any time soon. If ever.
Thursday December 14th
I got a call from Hazel this afternoon, while I was extremely busy watching Judge Judy repeats on YouTube. I love her – she hates people more than I do.
‘So Kevin had an idea,’ she said, excitedly.
‘Amazing! Was it his first?’
‘Shut up, smartass. Listen, we are renting a little farmhouse over Christmas. It’s just on the outskirts of Glasgow. We went there last year. It’s very peaceful and very cosy.’
‘OK . . .’
‘And we feel shitty that our friends might have a crappier Christmas than we will. So why don’t you all come?’
‘All of us?’ I counted quickly in my head. ‘That’s eight people. Is there enough room?’
‘There should be. And if there isn’t, we’ll just improvise. Say you’ll come, it’ll be our gift to you.’
‘That’s so kind! But I’d hate to impose. Have you asked Lu—’
‘Oh, she’s already packing.’
‘Haha! OK then. I’ll talk to Oliver but it’s a provisional FUCK YES.’
She whooped right into my ear. ‘Oh God, it’ll be just like our New Year get-together. Only with children. And less hard-core boozing. But still, YAY!’
I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS EVER.
