Page 69 of The Silent Bride
‘Pretty much,’ he replies, pausing. ‘Oh, and yes, his nose is definitely broken. No damaged ribs though. He’ll be fine. Just keep putting the ice packs on it.’
Seth leaves with Francesca and my limbs suddenly feel as weak as spaghetti.
‘I’ll drive you to the hospital,’ I tell Laurence, who’s managed to stagger to his feet. I don’t mention how shaky I feel too.
‘The carpet’s ruined,’ Daisy says, glaring at the blood. ‘Looks like there’s been a murder in here.’
‘I’ll sort it out when I get back,’ I say.
‘The carpet or the rest of it?’ she replies.
‘Give her a break, Dais,’ Laurence says.
Daisy storms out of the room and slams the door behind her.
‘I should see if she’s okay,’ I say.
‘Give her some space,’ Laurence replies. ‘She’s pissed off with me, not you.’
‘What a mess,’ I say. ‘And I’m not talking about your face.’
Laurence tries to smile at that, but the pain is too much for him and he gasps. ‘You okay to drive?’
I nod. ‘Come on, let’s get you fixed up.’
It’s weird, but for the first time in my life, I’m nervous in his presence. Our relationship has already changed from simple friendship ... to something else.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Today was a masterclass in drama.
I think my talents have been wasted. I should have gone into acting. Even if I say so myself, I’m SO convincing. Without a doubt, I could have starred in movies and won all the Oscars. I can imagine the stunned surprise on my face as my name is called out, the proud and tender kiss from my significant other before I walk up on to the stage to tumultuous applause.
But even if all that were a possibility, I would still rather be right here, right now with the promise of everything I’ve ever wanted just a hop, skip and a jump away ...
Chapter Thirty-Seven
NOW
I slip on my coat and head out of the office to get myself a sandwich. Despite being the middle of July, the weather has finally turned and it’s a chilly, drizzly day. I keep my head bowed against the wind, and hurry along the pavement.
Work has now become a chore to be endured, rather than a career I love. As a new partner at Faraday’s, Charlotte is even more insufferable than before, and Paul avoids eye contact as much as possible, embarrassed at having broken his career promises to me. The only bright spot is Miriam, who’s been predictably lovely and supportive after my work dreams crumbled.
The other gloomy outcome in my life is that I couldn’t find a decent flat in my price bracket, so I decided to move in with my parents for a while. I know I’m lucky to have the option of a few rent-free months to get back on track, but I can’t help feeling like I’ve regressed a decade. Mum is clucking around me like I’m eight years old. And Dad keeps offering me stern pep talks and nuggets of wisdom that are supposed to fire me up, but only make me feel even more inadequate.
Immediately after the whole Seth–Laurence debacle, my friendship with Daisy just didn’t feel the same. She was spendingnearly all of her time at Martin’s and kept fobbing me off every time I asked her to come round or meet for a drink. So I informed her a couple of weeks ago that I was moving back to my parents’ house, and that she and Martin should move in properly, like they were supposed to after the wedding. I think me leaving has helped our friendship a bit, but we’re still not fully back on track.
I reach Bites & Beans and join the queue of soggy customers staring up at the specials board. Once I reach the counter, I’m still trying to decide between a mozzarella-and-tomato wrap, or a straightforward ploughman’s crusty roll.
‘Hi, Alice,’ Danica’s sister Tabitha says from behind the counter, with a smile. ‘What can I get you?’
I plump for the comfort option. ‘Hey, Tabitha, ploughman’s roll and a packet of ready-salted crisps to take away please.’
‘Good choice,’ the person next to me says.
I freeze. My pulse starts to race. I know that voice. That person. I’ve been trying to forget him for years.
Damian.
