Page 33 of It Was Always You

Adam

Come on, Lil. Don’t be a mardy cow. Dom fancies you and he’s a really great bloke.

Adam was persistent, that was for sure.

Lily

Sod off, Adders! I said no! Stop trying 2 fix me up. Am happy being a singleton.

Adam

Well when u decide 2 get a house full of cats for your spinster lifestyle don’t forget I’m allergic!!

Lily

How can I? U were a wheezing blotchy mess at my Auntie’s that time! Was hilarious!

Lily sniggered as she typed.

Adam

One word, Lil… BOLLOCKS!

Lily

Language, Adders! Remember you’re a teacher. Now eff off n leave me alone. Have a hot date with John Cusack.

Adam

You wish, you bloody nutcase. He’s old enough to be your dad anyway. See u 2morro, Cheesy.

Adam had given up finally. Phew!

Back at her tiny flat, she slipped into her most comfy jim-jams, poured herself a glass of red wine, and opened a packet of popcorn. She stuck in the DVD of hers and Eve’s favourite film, Serendipity, and gingerly curled up on the sofa to have an evening of ogling 2001 John Cusack. Lily had thought long and hard about this. Of all the men in the world, John Cusack as he was back then and Paolo Nutini were the only two men who Lily could ever imagine replacing Adam in her affections. So that was it. She would worship John Cusack from afar tonight and tomorrow her CD copy of Nutini’s These Streets would be played for the first time in ages, and she would allow herself to cry at ‘Last Request’ one more time.

TRACK 15

‘GOODBYE MY LOVER’ (JAMES BLUNT)

June 2017 – Adam and Eve’s wedding

Lily stood before the mirror. She was impressed with the way she looked in her navy trouser suit. Best woman, a little ironic really. Clearly not the best woman for Adam. She sighed and fiddled with her hair, which was already perfect. There was a knock on the bedroom door.

‘Come in,’ she called.

The door opened and Adam walked in. She gasped at the sight before her. There he stood. The man of her dreams in a navy suit that matched hers. His Armstrong tartan tie was where she had taken the inspiration for her emerald-green silk blouse.

He looked so nervous.

He looked so beautiful.

He stepped forward and threw his arms around her. ‘Oh God, Lil, you look amazing… I mean really beautiful.’ His voice wavered as he spoke.

‘Oy, you’ll crumple me, you soppy git.’ She forced a laugh but had to bite the inside of her cheek to halt the threatening tears.

He released her and held her at arms’ length. ‘Sorry, Lil. I’m just a wee bit overwhelmed today, you know? Terrified actually.’

She nodded as she pursed her lips, struggling to keep her emotions in check. ‘I know, I know.’