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‘You seemed pretty close today…’
‘I buried my mother yesterday and got blind drunk on a train. I’m certain the police were involved somehow, and I had to be put to bed by you. It’s safe to say that my ability to make good decisions can’t be trusted at the moment. I’m fine as we are.’
‘Isshefine as you are? Caleb, this may come as a shock, but you’re actually a good person – yet you go out of your way to make people believe you’re the worst.’
‘Are you done?’ Caleb tries to look bored, but I know that he is listening.
‘No. You’re focused and driven, resilient, astute, and you’re so clever. You’re warm, you’re kind, and empathetic. You’re extremely loyal and such a softie. You complain about your pupils, but you pay for the hall hire, their kit and uniforms yourself. You run the marathon for Macmillan every year and you—’
‘What the fuck…’
‘You shouldn’t leave your letters open, strewn all over the kitchen top. I have plenty of time to kill over breakfast in the morning. It was a relief to see that I can share a bathroom with you if I need to. Well done for keeping on top of your sexual health. I see who you are, Caleb, and you’re lovely.’
He looks at me like he is about to say something and then stops himself. I continue.
‘I’m no angel – I walked away from Jasper in the cruellest way – but you’re a much better person than what you’re putting Nicole through right now.’
‘You think I’m being a bastard to Nicole.’
‘I do, and she’s addicted to whatever you’re doing to her. It needs to be healthier for both of you, or you need to stop.’
‘I wasn’t expecting this tonight.’
‘Me neither,’ I concede. ‘I was going to come home to ask you if taking on a project in Zambia was a good idea.’
‘That motherfucker.’ Caleb bursts out laughing. ‘Did the project come from Harry?’
‘What’s going on?’
Caleb laughs harder. ‘Harry lost a poker game to a competitor. He’s been spitting about it and, when he found out that they won a pitch for a massive company, he swore to nick the account.’
‘He’s nicked it for sure.’
‘That bastard did it.’
‘And thanks to him, I’ll be out there for most of next week.’
‘Why you? No offence, but Christopher should be delivering this.’
I shrug.
‘Be careful out there. Work trips with Harrison can be wild, and I know how important your early bedtime is to you.’
‘Thanks for the heads-up, but I think I’ll be okay.’
‘It’ll be good to have the flat back to myself for a while. I might have an orgy.’ Caleb shrugs as he gets up to clear the counter. He registers the horror that crosses my face and suddenly bursts out laughing.
‘I’m joking. Calm down, Ariella. Ice cream?’
I nod as I sigh with relief.
‘The flat isn’t big enough…’
‘Oh get lost, you’ve never been to an orgy!’
‘Not this year.’ A mischievous smile makes its way across his face.
‘Really? All those body fluids? Ugh!’
