“That’s ironic,” I said.
“If only I knew a vet who used to help her boyfriend practice his French and spoke to him all the time in French when they were in second year at uni.”
“If only you did. Shame you left her.”
“Isn’t it lucky she’s such a nice, forgiving person who loves animals, old folk, and kids. Think about it, one of those kids might end up being a vet, or even a politician who funds free vet care for everyone earning twenty five grand or less a year, if only they’d heard a decent career talk in school.”
God, he hadn’t changed. Still a charming bastard who could sell bags of sand in the Sahara Desert.
“Rory, I haven’t used much French since we split up. A couple of holidays maybe, but that’s all.”
“Come on, Lacey, it’ll come back easily. You were practically fluent, and the kids would love a vet. It would actually be more interesting than a doctor because they love animals more than humans.”
“Fine, I’ll do it,” I said, throwing my gaze to the ceiling. “I still fucking hate you, and I’m only doing it for the kids. Not to save your worthless arse.”
He chuckled. “I love you so much.”
The softness in his tone scared the shit out of me. “I despise you, Rory. I always will. Je te déteste tellement,” I whispered—I hate you so much—and I did in that moment.
“I know, sweetheart. I know. Can I come over and make sure you’re up to speed and sort out a talk with you?”
“Sure.”
“Okay. If you order Domino’s, I’ll pay you back when I get there. Get me a medium Meateor, chicken wings, and some juice. Get whatever you like too.”
“Okay, I’ll order on the app,” I said.
BY THE TIME RORY ARRIVED with paper, pens, and a French dictionary to hand, the order was about fifteen minutes away. He grinned. “Just in case.”.
“In case you don’t remember the word for ‘vet?’” I asked.
“In case the discussion gets interesting. I know the word for vet is vétérinaire.”
“In what way would it get interesting?” I glanced over my shoulder, checking he followed me as I headed away from the front door and over to the sofa to sit down.
“I’m going to put myself in the mind of a pupil and ask you questions. They will be in second year French, so they shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“Such as?”
“Êtes vous et Monsieur Thompson les amis?”
Were me and Mr Thompson friends? I smiled. “Non. Je suis le vétérinaire du caniche de Monsier Thompson. Le chien s’appelle Fluffy.”
Rory roared with laughter because I had said I was the vet to his poodle called Fluffy.
He sat beside me. “I don’t think you need much practice. You were always sharp-tongued in French and English.”
“I always wanted you to teach me Italian, but you never would.”
He buried his head in his hands. “That would have been a lot of work, and frankly, I had much better and more pleasurable things to do with you than teach you Italian. I was a terrible person. I thought only with my small head.”
I laughed. “I can’t say I ever objected to what you did with your small head. But back to work.”
“Glad to hear it.” He looked up at me with a devilish smile. “Anyway, I’m going to ask you to speak for twenty minutes. I’ll also get some of the nicer kids prepped with questions, if that’s okay. There will be photos taken for the school website.” He watched me expectantly, as if waiting for a complaint.
“That’s fine,” I said.
“Cool. You’ll be asked to sign a disclaimer with regards to the photos.”
“No problem. I really don’t mind doing this.”
“Even though I was a complete—”
“Rory, it’s in the past. Let’s be friends for the sake of Olivia and David. I don’t want bad feeling to overshadow their big day.”
The doorbell rang and I jumped.
“I’ll get it since I’m paying,” he said.
“Remember to tip the driver.”
He gave me a withering look. “Of course I tip the driver. What kind of person do you think I am?”
He was back in a couple of minutes with the pizza, sides, and juice, and we got stuck in. As we ate and worked, we fell into a familiar way of working like when we’d spent many nights studying at university. However, in those days we’d been too skint for takeaway pizza, so it was generally cheap, frozen pizza and diluted juice. The comforts of a good wage were nice.
“Do you think you’re ready?” he asked eventually, shuffling the pieces of paper we’d been scribbling on back into order.
I stared at the boxes on the table containing a few pieces of cold pizza with congealed cheese on top and nodded. “Yep. Bring it on.”
“The day after tomorrow at eleven thirty?”
I glanced at him. “It’s all sorted, Rory. I already called my boss, and she was okay about moving my appointments. That’s the time we normally have some free time for collegiate working, so it works out well. I’ll pop up to the vet school tomorrow and see if they have any leaflets, preferably in French or with French on them.”
“You’re an absolute star.” He leaned forward, reaching for the box. “Let’s get this cleared up and then I’ll get going.”
“Do you want coffee?” I asked.
“Nah. School night,” he said. “Need to get to bed early. But thanks.” He collected the bits of pizza into a single box, and I stopped him with one hand on his.
He glanced up at my touch, and I whipped my hand back into my lap. Rubbing my fingers against my palm, I shifted on my seat. “Don’t worry about cleaning up. I’ll get it.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Well ...” he grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair and removed his car keys from the pocket. “Thanks, Lacey. You’re a life saver.”
I walked him to the door. Pulling it open, I shuffled on the spot and swallowed hard. Did I hug him? A kiss on the cheek?
I lifted my arm slightly then lowered it back to my side and leaned against the door. Forcing a smile, I peered up at him. “Drive safely.”
He nodded, his smile seeming forced. And if I wasn’t mistaken, a flicker of disappointment shone in his eyes. “Always do.”
Why was it awkward with him suddenly? I hated it. And why was he not making any moves? Did he have someone?
After he had driven off, I walked inside and grabbed my phone to text Olivia.
Me: Has Rory got a girlfriend?
Olivia: No. Not that I know of.
Me: I saw him tonight. He came over so I can help him with a thing for work. We had pizza and he didn’t try anything.
Olivia: Earlier today you didn’t want him to try anything. You said you couldn’t go through that again. So it’s good he’s not pushing things.
Me: He’s such a dog if he’s moved on so quickly.
Olivia: Or he’s a good guy who respects your boundaries.
I frowned at my phone. That was the thing about besties. They had the habit of telling you straight when there was a possibility you were out of line—and Olivia was a master at it.