Page 58 of Always Beth

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‘Well, you had no right. This is my business.’

‘We shared a womb. What’s your business is my business,’ Lauren states calmly.

I roll my lips together as I try and contain my smirk. There’s clearly a boss in this duo and there’s no doubt it’s Lauren.

‘Beth, take a seat. I’ll grab us a drink,’ she says eagerly.

I sit nervously as James hides behind his paper. I spy the date in the right-hand corner and realise it’s not even today’s copy.

‘You’re not reading that, are you?’

‘If it means I don’t have to look at you I am.’

Hell, I’ve really messed up. ‘James, I’m sorry.’

‘Too late, Beth,’ he says slowly.

I lean forward in my chair, desperate for his attention. ‘James, you know how I feel about cheating. I imagined the worst, I couldn’t think of any other explanation. I was horrified.’

He folds the paper, tossing it to the side. ‘You didn’t even give me a chance to explain. Why?’

I shrug, knowing it’s the excess emotional baggage I’m carrying. ‘Self-preservation?’

‘Well as long as you’re okay, Beth.’

My heart sinks to my stomach. I’ve ruined this, I really have, he isn’t going to forgive me.

‘We only have white, I’m afraid.’ Lauren passes me a wine glass and sits between us like a mediator eagerly taking a sip from her glass.

‘No glass for me?’ James raises his eyebrow, glancing between us.

‘There could be, if you stop being so stubborn.’

‘Fuck this, I’m taking Dick out.’ He storms from the room and Lauren rolls her eyes at me.

‘He doesn’t want to go out. He’s on strike until you address him properly,’ she calls after him.

‘Not in the mood, Lauren!’

It’s not the time, but I have to know. ‘What do you mean address him properly?’

‘He isn’t called Dick. His name’s Richard,’ Lauren says proudly.

‘Richard?’ I frown.Who calls their dog Richard?

‘Where’s his flaming lead?’ James’ cry from the hall is almost feral.

‘James!’ Lauren shouts.

He drags himself back into the room and leans, arm stretched across the doorway. ‘What?’ He sighs in defeat.

‘Say it.’

‘Fuck off, Lauren.’

‘Say it.’

‘Fine. His name’s Richard.’

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