Page 94 of Always Beth
‘Who?’
‘My dog.’
‘Interesting name for a dog.’ He sniggers.
‘Tell me about it.’
I hit call and wait nervously as the line connects and I hear the international dial tone. The longer it rings the more anxious I become. My mouth falls open as the voicemail cuts in. Samuel nods at me encouragingly, motioning for me to leave a message, but as I hear the beep I hang up and down the remainder of my drink.
‘James, what the hell, man? You should have left her a message.’
I pull myself from the bar stool and slide my phone into my pocket. ‘That was a mistake. I shouldn’t have done that. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
My chest tightens as my feet carry me on autopilot back towards my apartment, the early evening humidity making it especially hard to breathe. I don’t know what I was thinking, I let her go for a reason. She deserves someone who can give her everything and at the time I couldn’t be that person. What sort of selfish bastard does it make me to try and draw her back in now?
Beth
I hit send on my email to the letting agent. That’s it, I’ve given my notice. Six weeks is fair. I’ll be nine months pregnant by then, just enough time to move and get settled before she arrives. I don’t know exactly what the etiquette is when your landlady has passed away and her next of kin has gone AWOL. The lightest tap at the door makes me roll my eyes. It doesn’t matter how many times I tell him he isn’t going to scare me into labour. The dogs surround my feet as I undo the latch and let the late morning sun flood the hallway.
‘Hi, David, you don’t have to knock like a mouse remember?’
‘Oh, I know but I don’t—’
‘Want to scare me, I know, that’s very sweet.’
He passes several white envelopes towards me. They are way too thick for the letterbox and I realise immediately what they are. My eyes widen as I quickly tear the first one.
‘Expecting these, were you?’
I scan the documents quickly and a satisfied smile crosses my lips. ‘Yes, it’s my financial settlement, it’s done, the properties, my share of our savings, everything is done, it’s finally over.’
I drag my eyes to his to be met with a soft, gentle expression. ‘That’s wonderful, a cause for celebration perhaps?’
Oh.He’s been trying to take me out forever. Even now, carrying another man’s child – who he’s never once asked about – he still wants to take me out. He’s a good man. Every day James’ words echo through my mind and not once have I listened to them, but now maybe it’s time. You’ve got the rest of your life, don’t waste it.
‘How about a drink then? A non-alcoholic one for me of course.’
His eyebrows raise in response and a massive grin spreads across his face.
‘Wow, yeah, I mean I wasn’t sure what was happening with…’ he gestures towards my bump. ‘I mean I don’t want to step on anyone toes.’
‘Don’t worry, there’s no one’s toes to step on.’
‘Well then I’d be honoured to take you out, both of you.’
I smile, dropping my hand to my stomach, immediately receiving a subtle kick in response.
‘I think we’d like that.’
James
If there’s one blessing about my apartment it’s the air conditioning. I pull my laptop up from the floor as I slide into bed. I haven’t used it in months, in fear of reaching out to someone and being encouraged to go home before I’m ready. Tonight though the temptation has got the better of me. The light from the screen illuminates the room and I squint as I digest the number of emails in my inbox. As I expected it’s junk followed by more junk. Two messages suddenly catch my eye, and I can’t decide which I can bring myself to deal with first. Caroline or Lauren’s letting agent.
James
I hope you’re well. Wherever the hell you are.
I’m not even sure you’re getting these as you’ve failed to respond to any of my previous messages. But I think you should know Beth came by the office today, and I ended up telling her about the bill. I’m sorry but I felt she deserved to know. She’s had enough secrets kept from her over the years. Anyway, I thought you should know that she’s well, really well, in fact. She said she’s tried to get in contact with you but hasn’t been able. I offered her your email address and she wouldn’t take it; she doesn’t think you want to be found. Whether that’s true or not though, between you and me, I would come home. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
