Page 112 of Be More Octopus

Em walked outside to the nearest table, thinking about the last time she'd heard that phrase. A picture of Jack waving the non-hen do minibus off floated back into her mind. What a year. Still, get the awards ceremony out of the way, then a couple of weeks later, she'd be back in Birmingham for Christmas, and soon there would be a whole new year to carry on building a better life. Roll on 2019.

'Don't wish your life away,' Ben said, sitting beside Em.

'Did I say that out loud?' she said, pushing his mug of hot chocolate towards him.

'Yes, you did. What's 2019 got in store for you?'

'I don't know. 2018's been quite eventful. I could do with a calmer 2019.'

'You'll get bored.'

'Maybe. I’m helping to set up a new art group. I'm excited about that. It will be something different to do, and it should widen my social circle. And I've had some more portrait enquiries. It looks like next year will get off to an interesting start. What plans have you got?'

'Keep this between ourselves for now, but I'm considering going to Australia. I've got some friends in Sydney. The surfing's excellent, and the sea is warm. I should be able to get a visa for a few months. And I'm hoping being on the opposite side of the world to Sophie will help me move on.'

'Sounds good.'

Ben looked at her thoughtfully. 'Why don't you come with me?'

'Ben said what?' Lucy looked flabbergasted on the other end of Em's phone.

'He asked me to go to Australia with him.' Em settled down on her sofa.

'And are you going to go?'

'Of course not.'

'But that's an amazing opportunity.'

'If you like funnel web spiders and baking hot weather.' Em shivered and pulled a blanket over herself. It was the first frosty night of the autumn, and her flat was chilly. Moving to a warmer climate might not be a bad idea. 'Anyway, I could go on my own if I wanted to.'

'More fun with Ben in tow, I would've thought.'

'Oh yes, with everyone thinking you're dating a hot surfer dude. Meanwhile, he's off shagging anything in a bikini.'

'Has he worked his way through many women lately?'

'Not that I've noticed.'

'Perhaps he's turned over a new leaf?'

'I think it's more due to lack of opportunity around here. Stop trying to get me fixed up with him. He said that he was inviting me as a friend. We'd both had a stressful few months and “it would be nice to go somewhere completely different” was how he put it.'

'How have you left it?'

'I told him it was lovely he'd asked me, but I was happy here.'

'And what did he say?'

'If I changed my mind, to let him know.'

'He sounds keen to me.'

'Everyone sounds keen to you.'

'He obviously wants you to go. When are you seeing him again?'

'We're doing weights at a local gym tomorrow.'