Page 25 of Life After

Suzanne dipped her head as she grinned. “Yes. It seems so effortless in the moment when it happens.”

“I don’t want to jinx any of this, but it sounds like you were supposed to ask her out for that drink. And yes, I was wary when you told me about her that day, but you didn’t really give me a lot to go on. Nor did I expect you to tell me you were going on a date.”

Tracy didn’t need to explain herself. Suzanne completely understood her reason for questioning it. It wasn’t every day she stopped couriers on her doorstep to flirt with them. But thank God she had on that particular occasion. “I understand. I think I would have had the same reaction if it was the other way around.”

Tracy relaxed in her seat. Or slouching, as Suzanne called it. She was forever slouching. “So, when do I get to meet Jen?”

“Oh. Not for a while yet. I’d prefer to enjoy her and keep her to myself for a while longer. This is my favourite stage of dating, and I’d like it to continue for as long as possible.”

“You mean…you think meeting me would change her in some way?”

Suzanne laughed and shook her head. “No, that’s not what I’m saying. But while it’s just the two of us havinga lotof fun, there is less pressure on the relationship. Well, potential relationship.”

“That’s fair. I can see why you want to do that.” Tracy had always been supportive and understanding. It was one of the reasons they got along so well. “So long as you enjoy yourself, I can’t really ask for anything more.”

“Trust me,” Suzanne said, her mind wandering back to Jen. “There is plenty of enjoyment going on lately.”

Tracy barked a laugh and drained her coffee cup. “Well, it’s good to know one of us is happy.”

“Nothing on the dating apps?” Suzanne asked, her nose wrinkled as Tracy shook her head. Tracy had been single for just over a year now. Suzanne had insisted she wouldn’t be alone for long back when Tracy had split with her ex-girlfriend, but it just didn’t seem to be happening for her right now. “Well, maybe things will start to look up for you soon.”

“It doesn’t help that we’re understaffed, and I rarely get the time off to enjoy dating. It had worked so well with Clare, but I can’t blame her for calling it quits. People deserve love and commitment. While Icanoffer that, it’s not enough when you only get to see someone for a few hours a week.”

Tracy was right. Suzanne couldn’t imagine only giving Jen a few hours of her time a week. The beauty of working from home meant that Suzanne didn’t have to worry about that. And being freelance certainly helped. “Things will change for you. I promise you.”

“When, Suzanne?”

Suzanne puffed out her cheeks, knowing Tracy wouldn’t like her answer. “Maybe when you’re working less?”

Tracy threw up her hands and scoffed. “Great. So, when I retire then!”

Jen stoppedin the middle of the public gardens, still shocked by how well-maintained this area of the city was. She’d always known the people around here had money, but this public garden was still publicandcity council-run. Why did the kids around here get to have the nice shiny play area, but the kids in Jen’s area didn’t? It hardly seemed fair, but then again, life always was about the postcode lottery when it came to who deserved what in this country.

“Are you okay?” Suzanne turned to Jen when she realised she wasn’t moving. “Jen?”

“Oh, yeah. I was just admiring your fancy area.” Jen resumed her walk, feeling content when Suzanne lowered her hand and took Jen’s. Even in this mostly conservative area, Suzanne didn’t care that they were holding hands. “It’s a shame my area doesn’t have this sort of thing.”

“Which sort of thing?”

“Manicured lawns. Well-kept play areas for the children. Picnic tables and fountains.”

Suzanne nodded slowly. “Yes. It’s one of the things Idon’tlike about living around here.”

Jen hadn’t wanted to ask before now, but she had noticed that Suzanne didn’t have the accent most around here did. She didn’t sound ‘posh’ at all. “When I look at you, it seems as though you fit right in around here. But now that I know you, you’re not the same as these people.” Even Ruby’s mum walked around thinking she was better than most people. She turned her nose up at anyone who was remotely different. Thankfully, Ruby hadn’t been the same as Lyn. “You’re not from around here, is what I’m saying.”

“I’m not. I’m from a little village in West Lancashire. My accent tends to come out a lot more when I’m drunk, but I mastered toning it down when I met John. I guess the accent has just stuck at this point.”

Jen smiled. “Oh, I don’t know. I catch a bit of northern every now and then.”

“Sorry.” Suzanne shook her head. “It just threatens every once in a while.”

“Don’t ever apologise for being who you are. I knew it the moment we went on our first date that you were nothing like the snobs around here. You may have the car and the house to fall into line with these people, but you have a good heart, a great personality, anamazingsmile…and one hell of an arse.” Jen winked, lightening the mood. “I had my own ideas about you before you asked me out for a drink.”

“Oh?” Suzanne guided Jen towards a bench that looked out onto the rose garden.

“Nothing terrible. But Ididthink you were one of those. Snooty. Up her own arse. Self-centred.” Jen cleared her throat as they sat beside one another. “I used to walk up your garden path and sneer to myself. I thought you were probably married to some big CEO while you sat at home doing nothing but getting everything you wanted. I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

“I think we’re all guilty of assuming we know people. I’m fairly sure I’ve done the very same thing in the past.” Suzanne lay her hand on Jen’s thigh and squeezed. “I didn’t grow up with wealth. None whatsoever. My dad was a miner, my mum was a seamstress, and my brother was a pain in the arse. He still is, but don’t tell him I told you that.”

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