Life Or Something Like It

by Annie Lyons

  Alexandra smiled graciously. ‘I’m sure it will be delicious. Thank you,’ she purred. She handed the bottle over to the girl who had let Cat in. ‘And now, pleeease don’t be cross with Jesse and me. We have invited a leee-tel surprise guest for you.’

  Cat felt her stomach drop. She knew what was coming. She wasn’t a fan of surprises at the best of times, particularly when they came in the form of mystery men. She also found it endlessly irritating that Jesse, her brother and the rest of the world seemed to be intent on setting her up with members of the opposite sex. Mind you, today’s offering had to be better than the smug, annoying Finn. A date with Genghis Khan would be preferable to an evening with Finn.

  The waitress returned with a tray of champagne and Alexandra plucked up a glass and handed it to Cat, a playful pout on her face. ‘Forgive us but he is completely gorgeous, one of Jesse’s old friends – you might even know him – Rob?’

  Cat knew Rob. It was true, he was gorgeous but the last time Cat had met him, he had been about to get married. She took a gulp of champagne and followed Alexandra into the lounge.

  ‘Here she is!’ cried Jesse, jumping up to meet her and kissing her on the cheek. ‘Do you forgive me, Kit Kat?’ he whispered into her ear.

  Cat was momentarily transported back to their first term at university. She and Jesse had both been studying English and as they also lived in the same hall of residence and shared a love of Crowded House’s music, they had quickly become friends. She had been attracted to him from the second they met, but for Jesse it had been clear that Cat was the sister he had always longed for. She had wondered if this might change as they stayed up until two playing cards, drinking cheap gin and sharing their youthful ideals. One night, they were singing ‘It’s Only Natural’, after drinking a copious amount of gin, when Jesse turned to Cat and said out of the blue, ‘I love you, Cat Nightingale.’ She had stared at him for a moment before she burst out laughing but he had grabbed her hands. ‘No, don’t laugh. It’s true. I really, really love you.’

  She had stopped laughing at that moment and looked him directly in the eye. ‘I really, really love you too.’ There was a split second – a moment’s recognition before their lips met. He took her head in his hands and they were kissing, hungry and slightly clumsy as their teeth knocked together, but they kept going. They were kneeling in front of one another, lips locked, fumbling at each other’s clothes. They undressed each another awkwardly, drunkenness and the sheer number of clothes due to sub-arctic student rooms making it impossible to be sensual.

  Jesse lay back on the floor and pulled Cat, now in her underwear, on top of him. He smiled up at her, stroking her arms and breasts with tender care. ‘You’re so beautiful,’ he said. Cat grinned down at him and bent over to kiss his neck and ears. He murmured approval and she continued to work her way down his body, kissing his chest and stroking his arms. This was the moment – the moment when she would fall in love for ever. For so long, she had told herself that it didn’t exist, but with Jesse she was starting to believe again. She glanced up at his face. His eyes were closed and his chest was moving up and down peacefully.

  It was at that moment she realised he was asleep. She sat back on her haunches and admired his perfect face for a while before she started to feel cold. She fetched him a blanket and a cushion before curling up in her single bed. The next morning she had expected that they would laugh about it and pick up where they had left off but Jesse had been sheepish and apologetic. He thought too much of her and didn’t want to spoil their friendship. Cat was no romantic fool and she could see the sense of this but she was human too and the hurt niggled her like a splinter. Jesse knew she was upset; he bought Cat her favourite chocolate bar and hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, ‘I’m a bloody fool and you deserve so much better than me. Do you forgive me?’

  Cat shivered at the memory now and pulled away quickly as she had all those years ago. ‘I haven’t decided yet,’ she said eyeing Rob who was sitting on the sofa, spearing an olive from a tray in front of him.

  ‘Rob, you remember Cat, don’t you?’ cried Jesse with smiling encouragement.

  Rob looked up. Cat could tell he was nervous. He looked unsure of what to do with the dangling olive so he thrust it into his mouth and sprung to his feet, wiping his right hand on his trousers before holding it out to Cat. ‘Of courth,’ he sputtered through a mouthful of antipasto. ‘How are you?’

  Cat accepted his oily handshake with reluctance. ‘I’m very well. It’s good to see you,’ she said, noticing that he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring.

  ‘Yes, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I think I was about to tie the knot when we last met,’ he said cheerfully. Then his face changed like a child remembering that it was no longer happy. ‘We divorced earlier this year.’

  ‘More champagne?’ cried Alexandra, gesturing for the waitress to top up their glasses. Cat noticed Rob drain his half-full glass and hold it out for more.

  ‘I would like to propose a toast,’ said Jesse holding up his glass. ‘To friends, old and new.’

  They echoed his words. ‘So Cat, Jesse has been telling me how well you guys are doing,’ said Rob. ‘You have a seriously impressive list of clients.’

  Cat nodded. ‘We’ve done very well.’ Jesse smiled encouragingly. He obviously hadn’t mentioned the Diaz incident. Cat took this as a good sign.

  ‘And what about you? Anyone special in your life?’

  Cat took a sip of her champagne and shook her head. ‘Nope. I’m single and carefree.’

  ‘Good for you,’ said Rob. ‘Although, all work and no play makes Cat a dull girl, no?’

  Cat shrugged. ‘I’ve never had any complaints and as half of all marriages end in divorce, you couldn’t say it’s got that much going for it, could you?’

  ‘Ooh touché, she’s got you there, Rob!’ laughed Jesse trying to jolly them along.

  A flicker of irritation passed over Rob’s face but he laughed along with everyone else. He drained his glass and looked around. ‘Excuse me, I need to go to the little boy’s room,’ he said, making for the door.

  ‘It’s past the staircase on the right.’ Alexandra smiled.

  Jesse was looking at Cat with eyebrows raised. ‘What?’ she said.

  ‘Go easy on Rob. He’s had a tough time, you know.’

  Cat shrugged. ‘He started it. Anyway, am I not allowed to defend myself?’

  ‘Of course, darling,’ murmured Alexandra. ‘It’s just that he is single and you are single.’

  ‘So therefore we have to get it together?’

  ‘No, darling, but you have to be realistic when you get to your mid-thirties. The men are no longer queuing up,’ said Alexandra with a flick of her hair. ‘And divorced men are grateful for the attention.’

  Cat was used to Alexandra’s directness but even so she nearly choked on her champagne. ‘I’ll bear that in mind.’

  Alexandra squeezed her arm. ‘We just want you to be happy, Catereen.’

  ‘I am happy,’ said Cat with a little too much force. ‘And I hate to disappoint you but I don’t think Rob “Charm Offensive” Waters and I are going to be available for double dates any time soon.’

  Alexandra gave her a rueful look. ‘Just give him a chance, please?’

  Cat laughed. ‘Well I’m here now and I want my dinner. Will that do?’

  ‘Where is Rob anyway?’ asked Jesse.

  ‘Dinner is served,’ said the waitress appearing behind them. They made their way into the dining room. It was a beautiful space and the designers had done a fantastic job merging the original features of the room with a more contemporary feel. The dining table was decorated with flowers and candles and a delicious smell was coming from the kitchen. They took their places as Rob rejoined them.

  ‘I’m starving,’ he declared winking at the waitress, who blushed.

  The food was delicious. There were crab doughnuts to start followed by a lobster and black truffle risotto. Dessert was a berry
Pavlova, as light as a cloud.

  ‘My compliments to the chef,’ said Rob as they finished, ‘whoever he or she is.’

  ‘She was a finalist on MasterChef three years ago.’ Jesse smiled. ‘She’s launching a new restaurant soon and wants us to do her PR.’

  ‘Is she single? Because she knows the way to my heart, I can tell you,’ declared Rob. He had been knocking back the very acceptable Riesling that was served with the main course and was becoming more loquacious with every sip. ‘Do you do much cooking, Cat?’

  Cat wiped her mouth on a napkin. ‘Not if I can help it. I get to eat out a lot and we’re rather spoilt for choice in London these days.’

  Rob looked at her through glassy eyes. ‘Good for you. My wife, I mean ex-wife, liked to eat out too. Not with me, of course. No, it was her yoga instructor, I think, who made a really good dinner companion,’ he said bitterly.

  ‘Coffee anyone?’ asked Jesse, trying to break Rob’s downward spiral.

  ‘Please,’ said Cat.

  ‘Not that they did much eating or indeed yoga,’ continued Rob. ‘But obviously they found a lot of time for shagging. In our bedroom as it turns out.’ Cat and Alexandra exchanged glances. Rob looked up at them with misty eyes. ‘I mean is it too much to ask for people to remain faithful once they’re married? Whatever happened to “’til death us do part”?’

  Jesse got up from his chair and patted his friend on the shoulder. ‘Come on, mate. It’s done. You’ve got to try and move on.’

  Rob looked up at him for a moment before burying his head in Jesse’s chest. ‘I really loved her, Jesse, you know?’ he sobbed.

  Jesse grimaced at Cat as he patted Rob on the back. ‘I know, mate, I know.’

  ‘We’ll go through to the living room,’ said Alexandra, gesturing for Cat to follow her. Jesse nodded and did his best to comfort his inconsolable friend.

  Once in the lounge, Alexandra sat down on the pink velvet chaise longue and stretched out her beautiful long legs. She gave Cat a sheepish look. ‘I am so sorree, Cat. Jesse thought it was a good idea.’

  Cat shrugged. ‘Don’t worry. He’s obviously having a tough time. No harm done.’

  Alexandra touched her on the arm. ‘I am also very sorree about this business at work. I am sure Jesse will sort everything very soon for you. I know he misses you.’

  Cat was touched. This evening was making her realise how much she missed him too. Coming to Jesse’s house and being back in child-free luxury felt very familiar and comforting.

  ‘But you are doing a good thing for your brother, I think?’

  ‘I think so,’ said Cat.

  ‘You are lucky to have this time with the children.’ Lucky isn’t exactly the word I would use, thought Cat. ‘How old are they?’

  ‘Charlie is ten and Ellie is six.’

  Alexandra looked wistful. ‘I would love to have a six-year-old girl – a little princess.’ She smiled. ‘I bet she’s adorable.’

  ‘She’s…’ Cat searched for the word ‘…very spirited.’

  ‘Ahhh, you are lucky.’ Alexandra seemed lost in her thoughts for a moment. ‘Did Jesse tell you that Maybelline have offered me a contract?’

  ‘That’s wonderful!’ cried Cat. Her companion sighed. ‘Isn’t it?’

  Alexandra fixed her beautiful brown eyes on Cat. ‘I want a baby,’ she said.

  Cat kept her smile fixed. She knew that Jesse, like Cat, didn’t want children. ‘Have you talked to Jesse?’ she asked.

  ‘Have you talked to Jesse about what?’ asked Jesse, joining them from the other room. Alexandra pursed her lips and stared up at her husband. ‘Oh Alex, not the baby thing. I thought we’d decided. You were so excited about getting back into modelling. This could be huge.’

  Alexandra’s eyes flashed with anger. ‘You decided. I did not.’

  Jesse ran a hand through his dark hair. ‘Let’s not do this now.’

  Alexandra jumped up. ‘Why? Why can we not talk about this? Cat is our friend. I do not care if she hears.’

  Jesse shook his head. ‘This was supposed to be a nice, relaxing evening.’

  ‘Well your friend Rob has put an end to that, no?’ cried Alexandra. ‘And I cannot change how I feel. We have this life and this great big house but it feels empty to me.’

  ‘You’re just bored,’ said Jesse unwisely.

  Alexandra turned on him. ‘You do not understand how it is for a woman. It is part of us to want children.’

  ‘Not for Cat,’ said Jesse.

  Whoa there, fella, thought Cat, don’t drag me into this.

  Alexandra looked at Cat. ‘She just has not found the right person, have you?’

  Cat cleared her throat. ‘It isn’t for me to comment,’ she said. ‘Every woman is different.’

  ‘So you do not want to have a child. Not ever?’ asked Alexandra, clearly crestfallen.

  ‘Is that so hard to believe?’ replied Cat desperately.

  Alexandra stared at her for a moment before turning to Jesse. He had a slight air of superiority about him now and Cat felt sorry for Alexandra. She needn’t have worried though. Alexandra approached her husband and jabbed him in the chest. ‘Thees does not change a thing. You need to decide what you want. I know what I want. Do you?’ she hissed before turning on her heel and storming from the room, slamming the door behind her.

  There was a moment’s pause before Jesse turned to Cat and started to laugh, rolling his eyes as he did. ‘Sorry about that. I didn’t actually intend for you to get caught up in the middle of that particular domestic.’

  Cat eyed her friend. ‘She seems pretty determined, Jesse.’

  Jesse dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand. ‘Last year she wanted a chihuahua and the year before it was a home cinema. It’ll probably be a handbag next week.’

  Cat loved Jesse dearly but she felt this was harsh. ‘I’m not so sure.’

  ‘Don’t give it a second thought, Kit Kat.’ He grinned. In all the years Cat had known him, she could count on one hand the number of times she had seen him angry or ruffled. He had an innate ability to brush things off and carry on regardless. Nothing ever bothered Jesse. It was one of the things she liked most about him.

  ‘Well if you’re sure,’ she said.

  ‘I am,’ he said, sitting down next to her and patting her knee. ‘And can I apologise for Rob. It was all my idea to invite him and all my fault that it didn’t go to plan. I think it was too soon for him to start dating again. Poor guy, he’s very fragile.’

  Cat shrugged. ‘You know me. Even if you’d brought in Ryan Gosling, I probably would have found something wrong with him.’

  ‘Too good-looking?’ Jesse grinned again.

  ‘Absolutely.’ Cat smiled. ‘And that effortless charm – euw!’ She shuddered and they both laughed.

  Jesse nudged her. ‘I miss you, Kit Kat.’

  ‘I miss you too,’ she said quietly.

  Jesse put an arm around her. ‘You know I want you back, don’t you?’

  Cat relaxed and let herself bask in the moment. It sounded so intimate. ‘I know.’

  Jesse sighed and looked up at the ceiling. ‘It’s just Donald Carter. He’s proving to be a tough nut to crack.’

  Cat looked straight ahead. She would not get upset. She knew how tough the American could be and he had every right. He had a majority stake in their business. And that’s all he cared about. Business. It was just business. ‘I understand.’

  He squeezed her to him. ‘But don’t worry. I’m on it. I’m having lunch with Donald next week. I know I can talk him round, okay?’

  ‘Okay,’ said Cat. She felt as if she were floating above her life, out of control. It was as if someone else was pulling all the strings.

  ‘Hey, don’t worry. You trust me, don’t you?’ he asked, sitting back and touching her on the shoulder.

  Cat felt the warmth of his touch and knew she had no choice. ‘Of course.’

  He kissed her on the top of the head. ‘That’s m
y girl. I can’t manage without my Kit Kat and I’m going to do everything I can to get her back.’

  Cat smiled and pulled away. She knew Jesse was doing his best but she still hated the feeling that there was nothing she could do to change things.

  The living room door flew open and Alexandra stood there, wide-eyed with renewed fury. ‘Ding-ding, round two,’ murmured Jesse to Cat. He turned to his wife with a look of smiling innocence. ‘What is it, my darling?’

  ‘Let me just say that we will not be using that catering firm again,’ she said, gesturing with her head towards the hall. Jesse and Cat got up and followed her out of the room.

  They could clearly hear the sounds of frantic sexual activity coming from the downstairs bathroom. Rob’s urgent cries of, ‘Oh yeah, yeah, that’s it, yeah, yeah,’ were increasing in frequency and volume before a prolonged, ‘yeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaah,’ brought an end to proceedings. Cat and Jesse looked at one another and started to giggle like snooping teenagers. Alexandra stared at them both before throwing up her hands and flouncing up the stairs, uttering a stream of colourful Spanish expletives.

  Jesse nudged Cat. ‘Sometimes it’s a blessing that I don’t know what those mean,’ he giggled.

  Cat laughed. She loved moments like these; this was what she missed. She felt closer to Jesse than she ever had to any man she had been romantically involved with; they knew each other so well.

  Moments later the lock on the bathroom door clicked open and Rob appeared, his face pink with exertion. He seemed surprised at the welcoming committee waiting for him but as soon as he saw their amused faces, he laughed. The waitress appeared behind him, doing her best to straighten her uniform. She was mortified to see her employer standing before her. This made Jesse and Cat laugh even harder.