Page 105 of The Last Kiss

Picking up my phone, I slip on some underwear and shorts and one of Henri’s t-shirts with the stealth of a ninja and sneak out of the room. I try to remember the way to the family kitchen and after a few wrong turns I find the heavy wooden door. Pushing it open, I tuck my head in. I could do without his maman right now. I’m not sure I could keep myself civil.

Thankfully it’s open and I walk straight for the patio doors and push them open, letting fresh and fragrant air wash over my face. Gah, it’s heaven.

And I’m going to ruin it.

I eye roll myself, which I think is a new low.

Flicking on the kettle and searching out some mugs, I prep some coffee before heading out onto the patio. For a moment I hold my phone in my hand, staring at the screen.

Then pulling up my big girl pants I dial Liv.

She doesn’t speak… must be waiting to see if it’s me or Henri calling.

“It’s me.”

There’s a loud exhalation. “Please tell me you aren’t dead.”

“Yes, I’m calling from the other side.”

“Fucking hell, Jules. I haven’t slept a wink. You freaked me the hell out last night. I shit myself it was going to be Henri speaking from your phone.”

Tears sting my eyes, bloody things, it’s like blinking glass. “Sorry.”

“What’s wrong? Why are you calling so early? You’re struggling aren’t you? Sooner you get home the better. I’m going to have serious words with Dr Francis about this.”

“Liv. Stop.”

“What?”

“What if I didn’t come home?”

“What the hell do you mean?”

My throat is so tight I can barely squeeze words out. “I love him, Liv. I don’t think I can leave.”

“You haven’t even told him yet, have you?” She’s exasperated with me. It’s in her voice, and I’m not surprised. It’s crazy and yet it’s what I want.

“I’m going to today.”

“And then what he’s going to say, ‘sure, hang around and I’ll watch you slowly die’.”

“Liv!”

“Sorry.” There’s a wrenching sob. “Jules, I can’t stand this. You can’t be for real?”

“How about if I stay for another week, assuming he doesn’t throw me to the curb for being faulty?”

Liv sighs. “He’s not going to do that, he loves you. I could hear it, see it even, and that was months ago.”

“I just, I just…”

“Want to enjoy it now that you’ve found it.”

“Is that so wrong?”

“It’s not wrong. I just can’t stand you being so far away. And…” She heaves a deep breath. “Maybe I’m a bit jealous.”

“Because I’ve finally got a boyfriend?” I snort a laugh.