Page 39 of If We Were Young

“Better make it a bottle of Supersavers Buck’s Fizz.” My stomach clenched at the mention of the company name.

“Oh, why?”

“Because they didn’t give me the whole story. They are under threat of Administration and hiring me is supposed to give them a second chance.”

“Ouch. Can you?”

“I don’t bloody know, I had to run from the meeting to pick Hannah up.”

“Oh.” Another drag. “And what about ‘I’m such a prick’ Matthew? Did he ever get back to you on Messenger?”

I glared at the ceiling. “Sort of.”

“What does that mean? Tell me everything. Did you ask him about the reunion and just how long his line of admirers were once you left?”

I couldn’t face it. If I talked about it, I’d have to think about it. I couldn’t decide if I desperately needed to see him, like some out-of-control junkie who couldn’t stay away from the drug destroying her, or whether I’d prefer to put pins in my eyes then have to look at him.

I wondered what colour his suit would be tomorrow?

“Listen, I need to go and talk to Han. Also, I’ve got to ring Fred and beg him to come over so we can talk about the meeting tomorrow. We looked like idiots today.”

“Why? You are never a mess at work. Although invite Fred over and bang him senseless for the fun of it!”

“Angela, that’s very inappropriate.”

“I would. Let's organise a team drink so I can teach him all about playing with grownups.”

“Angela.”

“What? It’s just fun. Come on, Ronnie, you must want to fuck someone, surely? It’s been years since Paul and let’s be honest, I never saw you on a post-orgasmic comedown after the event.”

“Angela!”

“Okay, babes, I’ll stop. You know I talk the truth. We need to get together and have a proper meet up, not like that lame-arse reunion that everyone left early.”

“Wait, I thought you said it was wild and unforgettable?”

“Oh, maybe I did, I forget.”

“I worry about you, Ange. Are you okay?”

“Of course I am, I don’t need my sad little geeky friend trying to fix me. We need to talk about why her work is no longer her safe zone.”

This was the truth. Well, it was the truth. Until today, when the truth changed into something I no longer recognised. My safe zone, the place where I didn’t panic or fluster had been invaded by the enemy in the shape of a six-foot-four Scot. I held myself together though.

“Because Matthew was there.”

She’d just inhaled, and she choked on her lungful. “What?” Another cough. “Why?”

“Long story. Ange, I do have to go.”

“Babe, I’ll come down for a drink.”

I paused from hanging up. Surprised. “It’s fine, you’ve only just been down for the failed reunion. I’m okay.” Surviving by the minute while he crushed me with his death stare.

“I need the big smoke, anyway. I’ll come for a girls’ night out. We can get lashed and find some hot totty to chase.”

“I don’t want to chase totty, but okay. Ring me closer to the time.” I hung up and threw my phone onto my bed, then hiked in a couple of deep breaths. Right, now it was time to face Godzilla’s lair.