Page 108 of The Time of My Afterlife

‘It will be the same. All over in a second. When you open your eyes, I will be there in the afterlife holding your hand.’

My body relaxes against him.

He plants a kiss on my forehead. ‘Now. Go home and get some sleep. We have a long drive tomorrow.’

He leads me through his house. At the front door, he kisses me passionately. ‘I will see you tomorrow.’

‘Goodnight, Clark.’

‘Goodnight, my gorgeous girlfriend.’

44

CLARK

When everyone left, I called Dad. Pearl’s words about building a bridge with him were still on my mind. I don’t want him to spend the rest of his life not knowing that I loved him. It was late and I didn’t think he would still be awake. He picked up after two rings. ‘Hello, son,’ he said in his usual gravelly voice. It made tears prick my eyes.

‘Dad, I’ve not woken you?’

He laughed. ‘No, I have always been a night owl. You okay?’

I fought back a wave of emotion and took a deep breath. ‘I want you to know that I love you.’

He chuckled. ‘You had too many ciders, son?’

‘Maybe,’ I said, which lightened my mood a little. ‘I wanted to tell you that and to say I’m sorry for not talking to you for ten years.’

I heard him sigh. ‘I could have called you, Clark. It wasn’t just you. I feel guilty too. It’s not been easy.’

‘Well, I’d better go and get some sleep.’

‘I appreciate the call, son. Goodnight and I will see you soon.’

After he’d hung up, I cried my heart out, though once my tears had stopped, I felt lighter and proud of myself for telling him I loved him.

I was awake half the night visualising the perfect last day; we drive to Pixie Cove, Pearl and Rodney have an emotional reunion, Florence and I go to the beach while Pearl and Rodney enjoy their time together, we find a rock where we can go out of sight and get to know each other more intimately, drive back and then before the storm, Florence and I will go to bed and have the best sex ever. As the storm rips the roof off my house, Florence will be screaming my name in ecstasy and complimenting me on my amazing performance in bed. My mind reminded me that no woman has ever shouted my name during the throes of passion or made comments on my love-making abilities. It also cruelly replayed one of my ex-girlfriends telling me she’d lost interest after six minutes and me catching Margo sneakily playing on her phone.

I have always got the impression that Florence thinks I’m a sort of male tart. Over the years she’s often insinuated that I’m constantly bedding women. And yes, I’ve had a few partners, but I’m not a highly experienced sex god. Worry bloomed inside of me as I hoped that when we finally do have sex, she’s not left feeling let down or on her phone playing Candy Crush.

Florence and Pearl knocked at my door before I’d had a chance to have some breakfast. They were both like two excited schoolgirls. Amazingly, despite glugging back all that wine at the barbecue, Pearl didn’t have a hangover.

We’re now in the car. Pearl’s wearing a big smile and her eyes have a twinkle that I have not seen before. She and Florence are chatting away about the party and chuckling about Minty dancing with Laura. ‘He’s the size of a house,’ says Pearl. ‘When I saw them swaying to the music, I did think whether they make beds big enough for him.’ Florence and I both laugh. ‘Also, what is with all that grunting? I told him at one point to talk properly.’

I look in the mirror at Pearl and my heart swells. This is the Pearl I know and love.

It’s going to be hot for most of the day, and then tonight there will be a storm with torrential rain and strong winds. Florence did have a wobble earlier before she got in the car, but I reassured her and she was okay. Inside I am panicking but I will not show this as I need to be strong.

‘Jane’s podcast,’ says Florence. ‘She’s put it live.’

I nod. ‘Stick it on.’

In a few seconds, Jane’s voice fills the car. ‘“Welcome to The Lonely-Hearts Podcast. In each episode, I read out anonymous letters from lonely hearts, hoping that one day they’ll find the courage to break free from their loneliness…”’

Pearl claps. ‘I loved this the other day.’

Florence turns around to her. ‘It’s great, isn’t it?’

‘Who would think listening to lonely souls would be so entertaining?’