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I checked my watch. ‘On that note, I should get back. I need to get something finished before Tyler’s presentation at three.’
‘I won’t be able to keep a straight face at the meeting now, you do know that, don’t you?’ said Val.
‘Val …’
‘I’m joking.’
The two of us stood up.
‘Oh, I meant to ask, are you still thinking of moving out?’ asked Val. ‘Only one of Ekon’s colleagues is looking for a place in North London. I could arrange for him to come and have a look round, if you like?’
When I’d stayed on in the flat after Dan had left, my intention had been to move somewhere cheaper. The rent had been fine with the two of us splitting bills, but it was hoovering up well over half of my salary now I was there on my own.
‘I keep putting it off,’ I admitted, getting up to chuck my leftovers in the bin.
‘How come?’ asked Vic, pulling on her coat. ‘I thought you were skint.’
I wrapped my scarf around my neck. ‘I’m happy there, Val.’
I’d got used to being on my own and couldn’t imagine living in a house-share, not now. I wanted my own space, a place where I didn’t have to put on a show for anyone, or appear to be more organised/a better cook/tidier than I actually was. Sometimes I didn’t do washing for days and my laundry basket was practically overflowing and there was nobody to see it but me. I thought everyone at work might be shocked if they knew.
‘You’d better get that promotion, then,’ said Val, nudging me in the side.
I did up my coat. ‘Yeah. That would help, wouldn’t it?’
I dug my hands into my pockets as we stepped out onto Kingsway. The road was gridlocked for some reason and when I looked up towards the tube, there was an ambulance parked up with its doors wide open. I immediately felt the blood draining out of my face.
‘Actually, you know what? I need to pop to the bank,’ I said, trying not to panic.
‘Shall I come with you?’ asked Val, completely oblivious to my change of mood.
‘No need,’ I replied, already backing away. I could see them working on somebody, lifting some poor person onto a trolley. ‘It’s on The Strand, so a bit out of the way. I’ll see you back in the office, OK?’
‘Keep me posted on the Tyler situation!’ shouted Val after me.
I waved and walked in the opposite direction. The ambulance’s siren started up and I upped my pace until I was too far away to hear it.
