Page 67 of Hard
‘Yes, please.’
‘Ah, yes. Fruit in alcohol works for you.’
I begin to giggle, my mind slipping back unbidden to this afternoon.
‘What’s so funny?’ she asks, dropping a slice in each. Without waiting for an answer, she carries on. ‘Troy must’ve been some man is all I can say.’
Ah, hell. Why didn’t I realise she’d jump to that conclusion? ‘Actually, I wasn’t with Troy. I was with Keir.’
‘You were?’ Chas looks back at me, her expression a little crestfallen. ‘I thought for sure you and Troy would hit it off.’ She slumps onto the bench like the wind has dropped out of her sails.
‘What have you got against Keir?’ I ask, pulling out the chair at the head of the table and seating myself.
‘Against him? Nothing. Nothing at all. How could I have anything against someone I’ve never met?’
‘But you aren’t happy... happy that I’m still seeing him.’
She blows out a breath, folding her arms and leaning her weight against the table. ‘It’s just... I feel sort of responsible for encouraging you in the first place. And a one-night stand with someone who’s emotionally unavailable is one thing. But continuing to see him? On his terms? I worry, sweets. How could I not?’
‘One thing,’ I say, leaning across the table to grasp her hand. ‘You are the best woman I know, but my choices are mine only. My mistakes are my own. And if we’d had this conversation yesterday, I would’ve said the risk was worth it. That I was having such a good time with Keir, the potential fallout would have been worth the risk.’
‘Would’ve? Was? Has something happened.’
‘Well, I met his daughter today.’
I can’t keep the smile from my face. In fact, I feel giddy about the whole afternoon. Sorcha has such spirit, and she certainly keeps Keir on his toes. When we’d made it back into the kitchen from the laundry room, Agnes pretended not to notice our lack of clothing. We’d excused ourselves, dashing upstairs to Keir’s bedroom like teenagers who had been caught making out. We’d taken a minute shower each, dressed quickly, laughing and kissing the whole time, before returning downstairs for formal introductions.
Agnes. Sorcha. Princess, the kitten.
His house, in upscale Notting Hill, is more home than house. He’s clearly quite wealthy, but then I could tell that from the cut of his clothes. Not that this kind of thing is super impressive to me. After all, I was almost married to Robin Reed. The thought ofwhat might have beenmakes me shiver. I had a lucky escape, for sure.
‘Let’s just say that I’m pretty sure our relationship has turned a corner.’ Even if I’m not sure which direction it’s going in. ‘Also, today is Saturday.’
‘Honestly,’ Chas says, holding her hand in front of her mouth as she laughs. ‘Anyone would think you’re auditioning for a job on the theatre production ofRain Manor something. I’m well aware what day it is. I just hated the thought you were being compartmentalised. Because you, my odd American friend, should be revered, not pigeonholed.’
‘Are they really making a theatre show out ofRain Man?’
‘Yeah, a musical. No, of course they’re not. But we can do a Fast Girl version if you’d like?’
‘I can’t even imagine.’ I open my mouth, then close it again. ‘Nope, not one thing to voice.’
‘So we’ll toast,’ she answers, raising her glass. ‘But I need you to promise you’ll introduce Keir to me.’
‘Yeah, sure. Definitely.’ I raise my own glass. ‘Like you’re the queen.’
‘Here’s to those who love us.’
‘I can drink to that, though I’m not saying he—’
‘And to those who don’t,’ she says, cutting me off, ‘may God turn their hearts.’
‘Okay, but—’
‘And if he doesn’t turn their hearts, may he give them cankles, so we will know them by the sight of their fat ankles.’
‘Oh, that’s harsh!’ We giggle, glasses are raised and clinked before we proceed to inhale half a bottle of Islay gin over the evening.
The next day, I do something I haven’t done for months; I pull out my running shoes and pants and go for a jog. The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and I feel a bit like skipping along the route I’ve chosen, high on the scent of not love, but maybe the possibility of that illusive thing.
