‘These are incredible, Michael,’ I said as we scrolled through his online albums. ‘You’re very talented.’
‘Thank you. Dad’s a good teacher. Kay’s in very capable hands. From what I can see, she’s got a real eye for photography so Dad’s in his element. Do you ever—?’
A loud clatter outside stopped him. He stood up and cocked his head. There was another clatter followed by a string of expletives.
‘Daniel’s back.’ His shoulders drooped and the light left his eyes. ‘I’ll leave you to it. Unless you want me to stay.’ He closed his laptop.
‘It’s fine. Thank you. I’m only here for an explanation and an apology then I’m out of both of your lives for good.’ Stevie was right. I needed to dump Daniel.
The door burst open. Michael put his hand on my shoulder and whispered, ‘Good luck,’ before dashing up the stairs.
‘Bollocks,’ mumbled Daniel, trying to pick his keys up off the floor, but stumbling onto his knees instead. He pushed the door shut with his foot, crawled a few paces then hauled himself up, clinging onto the kitchen worktop. He swayed a little then surveyed the room. ‘Elise? Ish that you? Oh God, babe, I’m soooo sorry.’ Babe? Really? He staggered a few steps and flopped onto the sofa. ‘Sit still,’ he said.
‘I’m not moving. I take it you’ve been to the pub.’
‘Farmer Bill gave me a lift. He’s a nice bloke. Really nice bloke. But I’m not. I hit your friend.’
‘I noticed. Care to explain why?’
He looked at me with big sad puppy-dog eyes and shook his head.
‘Then I’ll be off.’ I stood up and walked towards the door.
‘Don’t go.’ He grabbed my hand. ‘Please don’t go.’
‘Then tell me why you hit Stevie.’
He flopped back and closed his eyes. ‘Amber. Saw her with Jake.’
I felt a rush of empathy towards him. ‘When?’
‘This morning. Went to Lincoln. Still got clients there. Saw them together and she’s…’
‘She’s what?’
‘She’s pregnant.’
‘No! Oh Daniel, I’m so sorry.’ My voice softened.
He opened his eyes again and tried to pull me down onto his knee. I resisted and sat down on the edge of the sofa instead. ‘I was so jealous,’ he said. ‘They looked so happy. Then when I saw you and him… I didn’t know he was your friend. I thought it was happening all over again. Should have known you wouldn’t do that. Should have trusted you. Please say I haven’t lost you.’
His words were a boost to my fragile ego, but could I trust him? ‘I can’t promise you that, Daniel. I understand how tough today must have been, but do you understand how wrong your actions were?’ I felt like I was speaking to one of my students instead of a grown man.
He nodded. ‘It won’t happen again.’
‘Damn right it won’t.’
‘I love you. Don’t dump me. Please. I couldn’t bear it.’
I looked into his sad eyes, wondering what on earth to do next. I couldn’t bear violence, but Michael said it wasn’t like Daniel and he certainly wouldn’t be covering for him. I knew I didn’t love him back and I knew I needed some me-time, but it was flattering having someone who loved me and wanted me after what I’d been through. What was the stronger pull? Dump him now and discover myself or have my fragile ego flattered for a bit longer? Was there any point when it would end eventually? I needed to sleep on it. Not with Daniel, though. Not tonight. I decided to avoid the subject altogether. ‘I think somebody could do with some coffee,’ I said.
‘Yes please.’
I stood up and wandered into the kitchen area. When I returned, he was snoring. I crept upstairs and knocked on Michael’s door. He opened it in just a pair of trunks. An unexpected tingle of excitement ran down my spine.
‘All sorted?’ he asked.
‘I wouldn’t say that, but he’s apologised. He’s asleep on the sofa. I’m going to take his duvet down and put it over him, but I’m not staying. Will you tell him I’ll call him tomorrow, but it probably won’t be till early evening?’
Michael nodded. ‘I’ll tell him. Night.’ He moved to close his door then stopped. ‘I know the circumstances weren’t ideal, but I just wanted to say that I enjoyed spending time with you this evening. I’m sorry I’ve been off with you. It was nothing personal. It was about Daniel.’
I smiled. ‘I know. Oddly enough, I enjoyed this evening too. Thanks for showing me your photos, especially the local ones. You’ve somehow put beauty into places I’d previously thought were quite drab.’
‘Thank you.’ We stared at each other for a moment.
‘Right, well, I’d better get this duvet down to your brother. Good night, Michael.’
‘Good night, Elise.’
As I walked out to Stevie’s car a few minutes later, I glanced up at Michael’s bedroom window. He was silhouetted in the window, and I could feel him watching me. My stomach did a flip. Oh-oh! What’s this? Please, no! If I was going to dump Daniel, it was to discover me, and not to jump straight into another relationship. Especially with his brother! I had some serious thinking and decision-making to do over the weekend.
When I closed my eyes that night, though, it wasn’t Michael I pictured. It was Stevie.
24
✉︎ From Sarah
I’ve chosen the dress… I think! Mum says it’s perfect, but there was a close second and I want to be absolutely sure by getting the opinion of my fabulous bridesmaids! I know it’s a bank hols weekend so I understand if you have plans. Clare’s up for the weekend so she’s free, Callie can do 2pm and Mum can cover the shop. Would that work for you? xxxxxxxx
✉︎ To Sarah
Can’t wait to see it! Got no plans so see you there xx
✉︎ From Gary
One of the couples who viewed on Sunday have offered £10k below the asking price. Lawtons are trying to negotiate it up
✉︎ To Gary
Promise me you’ll accept if they won’t budge. I want to move on
✉︎ From Gary
I promise
✉︎ From Sarah
Just heard from Callie. She says can you and Clare join her for drinks afterwards to discuss my hen do?
✉︎ To Sarah
OK. See you on Saturday xx
✉︎ From Gary
An extra £5k. I’ve said yes. The house is now officially sold STC. Hopefully it will be a smooth one
✉︎ To Gary
Let’s hope so. Thank you
‘I’m so relieved you all liked my first choice best,’ Sarah said as we left The Wedding Emporium. The first dress she’d tried on had been lovely, but the second one was definitely the one. It rendered us all speechless, even Clare.
‘You looked so stunning in it,’ I said. ‘I’m so excited for you.’ I was too. I was in a very different place to where I’d been when we’d shopped for bridesmaid dresses.