Page 80 of Paper Roses

eleven

. . .

artie

I gaze open-mouthed at the man on my step.Ben.

He’s changed, and I can’t help but itemise the differences to the boy I knew and loved so long ago. He’s taller, his shoulders more broad, and his hair shorter.

The last time I’d seen him was a couple years ago. I’d bumped into him on the high street, and he’d told me he was home from New York for Christmas. I’d been hurt because if I hadn’t seen him by chance, he probably wouldn’t have told me he was back.

“Surprise,” he says now, laughing as he scoops me up into a hug.

I return it, bewildered. A cough sounds from beside me and I pull back. “What are you doing here?” I ask Ben.

He gives me the wide, little-boy smile that pulls out a dimple in his cheek. “What’s up?”

That smile used to charm me, and I thought I’d see it for the rest of my life. Now, it looks a little thin, and I can’t help comparing it to the ones my formerly reticent husband has givenme so much lately. Those I hoard like Rumpelstiltskin does his gold.

Ben clears his throat. He’s always had my instant attention. It must be startling not to.

“Erm, Ben.” I step back and Jed’s arm immediately clasps me to his side. “This is my husband, Jed.”

Jed directs a charming smile at Ben, and I notice it doesn’t meet his eyes.

“You’re Artie’s husband?” Ben says.

Jed nods. “Nice to finally meet you.”

Something flares in Ben’s eyes. “Aww, so Artie’s spoken about me. I’m glad he hasn’t forgotten me.”

I shift my weight, feeling suddenly awkward. I never expected to see Ben again, and having him near Jed is disconcerting.

Jed keeps his arm around me but doesn’t say anything.

“It would be hard to forget you, Ben,” I say quietly. “Your parents did take me in for a long time.”

Irritation flares, and I remember how cross he used to be if I didn’t understand him immediately. “They took you in because you and I were together. They’d have never done it for anyone else.”

I tip my head, considering this. I quickly decide it’s not worth further thought. “What are you doing here? Are you over for the holidays?”

He shakes his head. “Nope. I’m back for good.”

“How very Take That of you,” Jed murmurs. His arm has a wire of tension vibrating through it, but he still has that smile on his face.

“I thought you were happy over there, Ben,” I say.

When the New York office offered him a job, he’d been off like a fox after a rabbit. He had no intention of inviting me along and I doubt he even looked back once.

“Well, I was, but it was time to come back. My old man promised me a corner office and their flat in Bermondsey.”

“Oh, you always wanted that.” I smile at him. “I’m pleased for you. Your mum and dad must be happy to have you home.”

His laugh has a careless edge. “I suppose so. Anyway, never mind that. I came to get you.”

“Getme? I’m not a sack of potatoes you forgot to pick up.” I hear a soft laugh and step closer to Jed.

Ben reaches out, but Jed positions his body slightly in front of me.

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