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‘You did? Plot twist. Why?’
‘I wasn’t happy.’
‘That’s a shocker, you’re hardly a bundle of joy.’
I shoot him a dirty look.
‘The confines of a relationship are enough to make anyone unhappy. Now you’re on your own, why don’t you give smiling a go?’
‘It’s not that easy.’
‘Yes, it is. Get out of your funk and do something, or maybe even someone.’ He winks and it’s the grossest thing I have ever seen.
‘You’re hardly an expert on relationships.’
‘Why would anyone want to be that? The key is being completely honest, right from the start, so everyone is heartbreak-proof. I make it very clear that I’m not looking for a relationship, and I don’t mess with women in relationships. Tonight was a mistake. I had no idea she had a bloke.’
‘And this is working out for you?’
‘Of course it is, apart from the very occasional hiccup.’
‘There has to be more to you than that.’
‘Nope. Money, bit of fun, great sex. That’s it.’
‘Basically, you’re telling me you’re shallow.’
‘That’s exactly what I’m telling you. You should try having some fun instead of…whatever this is you’re doing.’
He’s on a roll.
‘Put yourself out there. You’re a bright girl – put in the effort and you’ll get noticed. Maybe you could leave your hair out like it is now, put on some make-up or buy new clothes or something. You can’t live a full urban life in tweed, boots and jeans. I can ask a friend to take you shopping, if you want?’
I find my voice.
‘I’ve just come out of a relationship, so obviously someone found me attractive.’
‘Let me guess –you met him at a stable. All I’m saying is that you’re young. Get out there, experiment, bring some boys back home. Just don’t throw in the towel. I spotted your knitting needles the other day. You’re killing the vibe a bit, Grandma!’
He is enjoying this.
‘You’re so rude. It’s crochet!’
‘I’m trying to be nice. Someone has to tell you.’
‘Thank you for your candour but I like who I am.’
‘As long as you’re sure that this is who you are, and not who your ex-boyfriend turned you into.’
Those last few words hit home hard.
‘I’m sorry you felt unsafe tonight and I’ll be less of a selfish bastard going forward. I leave for Singapore in the morning but I’m back on Friday. Are you going to be all right?’
‘I’ll probably be safer with you away,’ I eventually counterpunch.
‘Goodnight, Ariella.’ Caleb laughs on his way to his bedroom
Long after he has retreated, I sit there on the counter, mulling the conversation over. Is this who I am?
