Page 5 of The Runaway Wives

‘Yep. He booked an appointment with an estate agent while I was out today! Apparently it goes on the market Monday and he’s arranged for us to fly over to Spain next weekend and view some properties so we can be ready to go as soon as it sells. Can you believe it? Without even discussing it with me! Well, he can think again! I’ve told him he can jolly well cancel the saleandthe trip to Spain.’

Dee couldn’t believe it herself, this seemed completely out of character. She’d always thought of Geoff as being generally considerate and caring. Other than the big bone of contention between him and Babs about how much time and money he spent on the garden, particularly in his shed, especially now they’d both retired. ‘It’s a wonder he doesn’t move his bloody bed in there,’ Babs often said, and Dee would gently point out that he might like a bit of time to himself and at least he was home. Dee often wished Nigel would spend more time at home.

‘I think he’s having his midlife crisis late,’ Babs was saying. ‘He’s being selfish and inconsiderate, only thinking about whathewants to do with his life.’

Just like Nigel. Why did men think they could do whatever they pleased and the women would simply fit in? No wonder Babs was fuming! Though, Dee was sure Geoff wouldn’t go ahead with his plans if Babs insisted that she didn’t want to.

‘Why don’t you treat this trip away as a holiday?’ Dee suggested as she helped herself to a large glass of chilled wine. ‘You were saying how much you’re craving sunshine, so here’s your chance to get out of Bristol. And it might be nice to have a look around, some of those Spanish villas are amazing. You don’t have to agree to buy one. Besides, Geoff might actually decide that he doesn’t want to live over there once he’s had a look around. He’s probably bored now you’re both retired, and looking for something to fill the time.’

‘No chance! He’s not looking at any villas. He’s looking at sprawling farmhouses in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by olive trees and goats.’ She could hear the anger in Babs’ voice. ‘Well, I’m not bloody doing it! I’m not upending my life and moving to another country because he’s decided he wants to. And I’ve told him so.’

Dee couldn’t imagine Babs and Geoff living in a remote place like that. They both loved company, that’s why they enjoyed working in their corner shop, chatting to the customers every day. They were both really sociable. What on earth was Geoff thinking of?

‘I don’t blame you. And I’m sure when it comes to it, Geoff wouldn’t want to live anywhere like that either,’ she said. ‘He probably got a bit carried away watching those programmes on TV.’

‘He’s like a dog with a bone, no matter what I say he goes on and on.’ Babs paused. ‘Sorry I didn’t mean to phone and spoil your evening, I just needed someone to rant to. I bet you’re having a glass of wine together and chilling out before you fly out tomorrow.’ Her voice was still simmering with anger but the volume was lower now. ‘What time are you leaving?’

‘I’m not.’

‘What? Why? Have you had a row?’

Dee gave an ironic laugh. ‘Row? There wasn’t even time to row. When I got home Nigel already had his suitcase packed and was out the house before I had time to draw breath.’

‘What? But your surprise holiday… is he coming back for you? You’re meant to be going tomorrow.’

‘Well, it turns out that the surprise holiday was a golfing holiday for Nigel and his pals. He left half an hour ago, they’re all staying overnight at a hotel at the airport.’

‘But what about your birthday?’ Babs sounded incredulous.

‘Apparently, Nigel thought it was next month.’

‘You mean he’s gone off with his mates and left you all alone on your sixtieth birthday?’ Babs said the words slowly as if she couldn’t quite believe them.

‘That’s right.’ Dee finished her wine and considered pouring another glass.

‘So what are you doing right now?’

‘Drinking wine. Want to join me?’ she added on impulse. ‘Bring a suitcase and stay over if you want. That’ll show Geoff you’re seriously peed off.’

‘You know, I think I will. I’ll be there in ten.’

* * *

Dee only had time to put another bottle of Pinot Grigio in the fridge to cool, open a packet of crackers and put them on a tray with some cheese, when Babs was at the door with a large suitcase and a taxi was reversing back down the drive.

‘I’ve told him that I’m not coming back until he stops being an arsehole,’ Babs declared as she left her suitcase in the hall then followed Dee into the lounge. ‘He said I’m overreacting and hopes I’ve cooled down by the morning, and that we can have “a civil conversation” about this.’ She dropped into the nearest chair. ‘I’ve told him that there’s no way on this earth I’ll be changing my mind and agreeing to live in the back of the Spanish beyond with him.’

Dee handed her a glass of wine. Babs took a long gulp, then exhaled. ‘I’m sorry, listen to me banging on when you’ve been left home alone for your sixtieth.’ She took another gulp of wine. ‘These bloody men, they don’t deserve us!’

‘They certainly don’t.’ Dee sat down on the sofa and curled her legs underneath her. ‘Look, if you dig your heels in Geoff will have to listen. He can’t sell the house if you don’t agree.’

‘The trouble is, he can.’ Babs’ heavily mascaraed eyes met hers. ‘His parents left him the house and the shop when they died, remember? It’s in his name.’

Dee stared at her in disbelief. ‘You mean he’s never added your name to the deeds?’

‘No, and I didn’t actually think about asking him to. It was his family home and I never dreamed that he would do anything like this.’

Dee digested this. ‘You must have rights, surely? You’re married. And you worked in the corner shop all those years. Your money went towards the upkeep of the house,’ she pointed out.

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