I nod. ‘As well as moving to a new flat can go, but yeah, we’re getting there. Still unpacking. Sarah’s so much closer to her parents, which is great, and Alfie really likes his new school.’
Matt looks delighted. ‘And how is Sarah’s new job? Is she enjoying teaching?’
When she and Alfie moved up to Oxford, Sarah got a job teaching art at the local college. It’s perfect for her: she loves the students and it gives her time in the afternoons to work on her own stuff.
‘Jesus, what a turnaround. Can you believe that three years ago, you were dragging your arse down here every day to play Santa?’ Matt shakes his head.
‘I know. But it made me the man I am today, even if it sparked a mild addiction to selection boxes. And you? I haven’t seen you since you got back from your honeymoon. How’s it all going?’
‘Yeah, everything’s great. Though Karen’s getting fat.’
I nearly choke on my rum. ‘Jesus, Matt, you can’t say that about. . .’
I stop chastising him when I realise what’s going on. I could toast bread on the glow coming from his proud, grinning face as he hands me a sonogram.
‘No! Aww, mate, congrats!!’
‘Fourteen weeks. I’m so stoked, it’s unreal.’
‘Bloody hell. I’m so pleased for you!’
As we cheers, I knock back the rest of my rum and ask for another.
‘Slow down there, Oliver Reed, it’s only half four.’
‘I know,’ I reply. ‘Dutch courage.’
I reach into my jacket and pull out a small silver box, handing it to Matt. He opens it and stares inside.
‘What do you think?’
‘I mean. . . I like you and everything but, mate, I’m already spoken for.’
‘Fuck off, I’m nervous as hell. Do you think she’ll like it? It was my mum’s.’
He closes the box and hands it back. ‘Nick, I think she’ll love it. Why are you nervous? She adores you!’
‘I don’t know,’ I admit. ‘She’s got a lot going on just now. New house, new job. . .’
He frowns. ‘Is it because she’s been married before?’
Damn, he does know me well. I can’t help worrying that Sarah won’t want to get married again. Maybe that was it for her? I’ve always been hesitant to bring it up and she never has.
‘I don’t want her to feel like I think what we have isn’t enough,’ I respond. ‘Like maybe Alfie’s dad was the one true love of her life and she’d think I was trying to replace him?’
‘I think you think too much. Look, she just got a fixed-rate mortgage with you. That’s way more binding than marriage. She loves you. Alfie loves you.’
‘I asked his permission, you know. He’s so excited, even wished me good luck.’
‘See, there’s nothing stopping you! What are you waiting for?’
I slip the ring back in my pocket, down my second drink and slide off the bar stool.
‘You’re right. WhatamI waiting for?’
‘What,now?’ Matt splutters as I march myself towards the pub door. ‘You’re doing it now?’
‘We’ll be back in fifteen! Get another round in!’
