“He’s been seeing someone else.”
The words hit me like a tonne of bricks. This can’t be true. Max would never do that. I almost dropped the glass I had just pulled out of the cupboard.
“He… he what?”
“Yep,” she wiped her nose, “the wanker has been shagging someone else.”
“How could he do that to you?”
“He said he hasn’t been happy for a while. ‘A long time’, he said. Apparently, that’s the only reason he proposed. He thought it would make things better for us to have something to look forward to, but he still wasn’t happy. And that’s when he met Ellie. Such a tramp name.”
I handed her the glass of water and was glad that she drank some. I don’t know how long she has been crying but there were red streaks down each of her cheeks from the tears and not an ounce of makeup left on her face.
“And he just told you all this tonight?”
“No. Oh, no. He didn’t tell me.” She got up off the floor and put the glass on the kitchen counter. “Why be honest and walk away from the woman who has loved you all this time when you can cheat on her and make a fool of her.”
“So how do you know all this?”
“In my drunken state last Saturday, when I got home after our night out,” She took a deep breath. “I put some leftover lasagne in the microwave to have before bed. Some of his bank statements were on top of it and I’d accidentally knocked them on the floor. I picked them up and thought I’d put them away in his files when I noticed the transactions. I saw a lot of outgoings, so I just had a nosey at what they were and there were payments for meals out, hotel rooms, on nights that he was supposedly working away.”
“Well, wouldn’t he be staying at hotels?” I said as I saw bank statements strewn all over the kitchen table. Some were torn in pieces.
“Yes, but the company pays for those. And they were expensive meals for only one person. Anyway, I got a little paranoid so went on his iPad and logged on to his Facebook.”
“What did you find?”
“Messages. Photos. Disgusting photos. Plans and arrangements. Details of… how great the sex was between them. How neither of them had ever had it so good.” How she had any tears left, I don’t know. But her eyes soon filled up again.
“And you’ve known this all week? Why didn’t you tell me?” This explains why she has seemed off with me.
“I just… I didn’t want to accept it was true. I don’t get it, why would he?”
I pulled her close to me and hugged her tightly whilst she cried into my shoulder. Just like we did at Leeds Fest, but this time we weren’t slow dancing to the music in the background whilst declaring how much we loved each other and would never lose each other again.
“So, what did you do?”
“I was too scared to say anything. But tonight… he said he had to go away on Monday for a few days for work. And I knew it was a lie. So, I confronted him. I snapped. I had to say something.”
“What did you say?”
“I said I know about Ellie. That’s it. ‘I know about Ellie’. And he just stood there. Like a deer in the headlights. I thought he’d cry. Panic. Apologise. Be a little bit remorseful. Anything. He just said, ‘I’m leaving you’.”
“He didn’t say sorry?”
“No. The bastard. Totally in the wrong and then just makes out like he just decided to leave me now because he’s fallen in love with someone else.”
“Woah, what? In love?”
“Yep. They’re in love. He’s at her house now. Had the nerve to call her whilst he was upstairs packing.”
“Is he like, having an early midlife crisis or something?”
I don’t understand. Max was the good guy. This was never supposed to happen. They would be starting a new life in a new country and getting married. They were the couple that everyone wanted to be.
“I don’t know.” She held her hand to her mouth and shook her head. “I don’t know what I did wrong.”
“Hey, you did nothing wrong.”
“I must have done something wrong. Or not done something to keep him happy. Why else would he be looking elsewhere?”
“Because he’s a wanker. He doesn’t deserve you. He’ll realise what he’s done in time, the huge mistake he’s made, but by then it’ll be too late.”
“What do I do now?”
“You go and wash your face then sit down in the room. I’ll crack open a bottle.”
“Ok,” she picked up the kitchen roll and tore off a couple of sheets to blow her nose and wipe her eyes, it was then that she looked at me properly. “Wait, why are you so dressed up?”
“Erm, I was out. Nothing important.”
“But you look so… oh shit. Jenny. Shit. I’m so sorry.” She looked absolutely mortified. “Oh my god, I can’t believe it. You were with Zack, weren’t you?”.
“Yes, but don’t worry! Don’t think about it. I can tell you about that later.”
“You shouldn’t have come. I shouldn’t have called you.”
“Yes, you should. Sistas before Mistas. He understands, and we can rearrange. It’s fine. Go sort yourself out and I’ll find the good wine.”
“Text him. Rearrange something. I’ll feel better if I know you’ve got another date lined up with him. Please.”
“Ok, I’ll text him,” I found my bag by the door where I had dropped it when I walked in and pulled out my phone. “I’ll text him now, but you go upstairs and freshen up. Go.”
She finally obeyed and went upstairs. When I looked at my phone, I already had a message waiting for me.
“I hope your friend is ok x”
“She’s in a bit of a state but she’ll live. Think I’ll stay here with her tonight. Are you free tomorrow for the ‘third’ date? X”
“I can be free, it depends how tempting the offer is ;) X”
“How about dinner at mine? I’ll cook and show off my culinary delights. Phone will be switched off! X”
“Well that is a tempting offer. How can I refuse? Let me know what time you want me x”
Want you? I’ve wanted you for years.
“How’s seven? X”
“I’ll be there x”
Sarah and I ordered a Chinese feast, which was her choice. I’ve not had one for a long time, not since fart-gate with Dan. I have forgotten how good it is. The spring rolls had the right amount of crunch on the outside and moistness on the inside. I’m glad we bought a portion each. We ate everything. Sarah looks like she hasn’t eaten properly all week. Well, she has certainly made up for it tonight.
We talked late into the night about Max. I honestly can’t believe what he has done. It just goes to show that you never really know someone, or what goes on behind closed doors. What seems like a perfect relationship could in fact be a disaster waiting to happen. In a way, it is good that she found out now before the wedding, and the move!
Sarah decided not to call her parents until tomorrow. She knows her Mum would want all the information and would want to come over and make a fuss, and her Dad would be shouting in the background that he was going to kill Max for treating his little girl like this. She couldn’t face it just yet but knew they would help with cancelling any wedding plans.
“I don’t even want to get into our bed.” She said. “He could have shagged her up there for all I know.”
“I’ll sleep in there, you take the single in the spare room.”
I suddenly felt a gurgle in my tummy. I might have eaten too much. I’m not used to big, greasy feasts anymore.
“Would you mind?”
“Not at all. I’m pretty tired now though.”
And I’m not surprised. It’s almost two o’clock in the morning.
“We can call it a night. I’ll try and face it all again in the morning. Maybe I’ll wake up and it will have been a dream.”
I felt so sorry for her. She had it all mapped out. The home, the marriage, the move. Sarah wanted three children. Any sons would be on the loc
al football teams and any daughters would be dancers. Their home was the perfect size for a big family, which is why Sarah worked so bloody hard to be able to afford it. And now she faces losing her dream home because the love of her life couldn’t keep it in his pants. She would be single now. Just as I was on the verge of getting my own dream man.
Sarah went to pick up our plates which had been left on the floor along with the food cartons.
“Leave all that, we’ll do it in the morning.” There was no point in cleaning up now. It was only us two. We walked upstairs and said our goodnights, and I gave her one last hug.
“You’re going to be fine.” I reassured her. “It’s going to get worse before it gets better, but it will get better. I promise you.”
Sarah and Max’s bed was amazeballs. It was a memory foam mattress. Once I sunk into it, I knew I wouldn’t be moving all night. If she decides to get rid of it, and Max doesn’t take it, I wonder if it’d be rude to see if I could have it.
Pop.
What was that?
Pop.
Oh Christ, not again. What is it about Chinese takeaways that does this to me? At least I’m alone this time. There is no one here to witness my trumping trauma.
Pop.
34
I woke up in the exact same position that I had fallen asleep in. This bed was seriously amazing. Dan could do with trying it out and getting rid of that waterbed disaster he thought was such a good idea. I sat up and had an urge to fart. How there was any gas left after last night I don’t know. There was a pain shooting through my tummy though. I had to let it out. I rolled on to Max’s side of the bed to do it. It was the least he deserved.
I checked my phone and it had just turned nine o’clock. Sarah would still be in bed. I bet she needed a good night sleep. All that wine, food and talking should have helped. I slipped my clothes back on and walked out to the landing trying and failing not to walk on the creaky floorboards. The door to the spare room was open. When I nipped in to see if she was ok, I saw the bed was empty.
When I got downstairs, I saw that Sarah had been very busy. The living room had been tidied of our mess from last night and she was in the kitchen giving it a good clean.
“Morning.” I said as I walked in. The dishwasher was rumbling in the corner and the smell of kitchen cleaner was thick in the air.
“Hey, did you sleep ok?” She asked as soon as she saw me.
“Fine, that is a comfy bed. How are you feeling?”
“I’m ok. I think I’m ok.” She dropped the cloth she was using into the sink. “Obviously it’s really shit, but I’ve spoken to my mum already and briefly filled her in. They’re coming over later on and I’ll tell them properly what happened. They’re going to stay over too.”
“That’s good.” I felt guilty that I would be leaving her but knowing her parents would be here made me feel better. “Have you heard anything from Max at all?”
“Nothing. Fuck him.”
“That’s the spirit.”
She looked at me and the corner of her mouth twitched into a slight smile.
“That’s better,” I said, “I wondered where you’d gone.”
“I am here. It’s just such a shock. I thought about it all last night and… I’m single.” She twiddled her wedding finger, displaying a white mark where her engagement ring had been. “What do I do now? I don’t know how to be single.”
“It’s not difficult. Food shopping is less stressful I imagine. But maybe get a dog instead of a cat. Dogs are loyal. Cats will rip you off. That’s where I went wrong.” I flicked the switch on the kettle and started to make us both a coffee. “Seriously though, don’t think about that for now. Just think about you. You deserve some you time. I’ll book us in to the Titanic Spa again if you want. We can make a weekend of it. And we can head to York for a day out. We can do anything you want. The world is your oyster.”
“Maybe… maybe we could do that girls holiday we have been talking about for years. We always say we needed a girly holiday abroad but never got around to it because of life getting in the way. Maybe now is the time?”
“You read my mind. What do you think to Rome?”
“Sounds perfect.” She smiled. “We’re not sharing a room though. Not after what I heard last night through the wall. You might want to get some Imodium before your big date tonight.” she winked at me.
For God’s sake. I’m NEVER getting a Chinese again.
Sarah offered to drive me home, but I needed to call at Tesco which wasn’t far from here, so I walked on and said I would get a taxi home from there. I left at eleven o’clock so I would have time to hunt around the aisles for tonight’s tea with Zack.
I told Sarah that I had planned on making fajitas for Zack, my new favourite meal. It’s fairly easy to make but so good. I always put some mayonnaise and lettuce in the wrap first, and then fill it with spicy chicken. Plus, a side of guacamole to dip it in. You can’t go wrong with fajitas. Until Sarah told me that it’s a very messy meal to eat with a guy you fancy. She had a point. No matter how much I wrap them up, the juice from the sauce mixed with the mayonnaise always drips out of the bottom. I’m not ashamed to admit that I lick it off my fingers, but I have to sit with sheets of kitchen roll on my lap every time. That won’t look very attractive.
“You can still do spicy chicken.” Sarah had said. “Just put it on a plate with some salad and maybe some new potatoes or something. Forget the wraps.”
I like that idea, but not the new potatoes. I don’t want Zack thinking I’m a crazy healthy person. I need something on the side but what can it be? Chips. Can’t go wrong with chips.
The taxi dropped me off home just after twelve. I am pleased to report that he was a sensible driver who followed the speed limit, just about. I walked through the gate and my heart melted at what I saw in the window.
Bing was sat up on his bum, front paws up on the glass, and he was meowing for me. I hadn’t planned on being away from him last night. I feel so guilty!
“Hey little man!” I walked through the door and he ran straight to my legs, rubbing all over them and covering me in white hair.
Mew! Mew!
“I’m here. Did you miss me? Or do you just need food?”
He’ll probably just want food. He followed me into the kitchen. There was plenty of food in his bowl, and his water was fine too. Did he miss me after all? Bless him. He’s like a whole new cat.
“Right, Bing. We have a big job. We need to marinate this chicken to get it ready for tonight. And you,” I knelt down on the floor and he jumped up on my leg, “you’re meeting someone very special tonight. I need you to be a good boy. Can you be a good boy?”
His head rubbed against my chin. I had no doubts that he would be a good boy for me. In fact… I think I love this cat.
35
I watched him walk down the garden from the living room window, standing far enough back in the room so he couldn’t see me glaring at him like a nosy neighbour watching your every move. When he knocked on the door, I decided that I should count to five before going to open it so I didn’t seem too eager to have him in the house. My house. With me. On a date with me in my house. Eek!
He looked even yummier than ever. At work, he always looks smart. On our two dates, he looked suave. Tonight, he looked sexually casual. He was wearing dark blue jeans and a black shirt. The top two buttons were undone, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and in one hand he was carrying a bottle of wine.
Knock knock.
One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Mississippi.
(This is the longest five seconds ever)
Four Mississippi.
Deep breath.
Five Mississippi.
This is the third time we have seen each other out of work, why am I so nervous? The food is going to be fantastic. I have cooked it so many times, it cannot go wrong. I am wearing my blue summery dress and my legs were still good from my last wax. The old bikini line was presentable too, just
in case. I also might be wearing my new matching bra and knicker set from Boux Avenue. It’s always best to be prepared. Plus, the bra gives me some good cleavage.
I took a deep breath before I reached for the handle. Something white moved in the corner of my eye. When I glanced behind me, it was Bing making his way into the living room. No doubt to have a nosy out the window at who our visitor was. What did I say about nosy neighbours?
“Hello.” I said as I opened the door. I smiled and he smiled back, but it was a nervous smile. Why would he be nervous?
“Hi, wow, you look amazing.”
“Thank you,” I blushed, “come in.”
He walked into the hallway and stood behind me as I closed the door, putting the lock on. I realised this might seem like I was locking him in as my prisoner (if only) but it was a habit from living alone all this time.
I turned to face him, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks and my heart pounding against my ribs. His eyes slipped down to look at my lips and he leaned in. As his lips touched mine, my legs almost lost their balance. I put my hand on his chest to steady myself and I could feel his heart beating hard.
He is such a good kisser. I could kiss him forever.
Something startled him, and he pulled away.
“Ahh, what was that?” he looked down at his legs.
Bing had decided to come and say hello by jumping up and putting his front paws into Zack’s legs. His tail was waving as his whiskers stretched forward showing how curious he was to meet him.
“It looks like Bing wants to meet you properly. He didn’t get much of a chance when you helped me get him from the vets.”
“Hello Bing,” Zack knelt down and held out his hand which is exactly what Bing wanted. All I could think was ‘please don’t bite him, please don’t bite him’. Bing sniffed and licked and rubbed his head in to his palm. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Would you like a drink?”
“Oh here, I brought you a bottle of wine.” He stood up, leaving Bing wanting more. I know that feeling. Zack handed me the bottle of wine in his hand. “I know you like white.”
Blind Date Page 14