Page 66 of Five Things I Love About You

‘So, you like skydiving and dogs – that’s not a bad start to our brand-new friendship is it?’

‘No,’ I say, weakly. He doesn’t seem to notice.

‘Have you spent much time around dogs then?’

‘Not loads, but… well, I’ve just signed up to walk dogs on that website Walkies.com. And I’ve been spending time with a friend recently who has a cute little dog called Gladys.’

‘Oh that’s a great name for a dog,’ he says, and I smile, trying to ignore the pang of guilt I feel at calling Matt a friend.

‘She’s great. A bit doddery on her feet but so sweet-natured.’

‘Alan’s a bit of a handful, but I do love him.’

‘He’s great. He was very pleased to see me.’

‘He’s always pleased to see anyone if they’re feeding him. He’s a bit of a tart.’

‘Do you need me to pop in again tonight if they’re keeping you in?’

He shakes his head. ‘No, we’re all good tonight thanks. My neighbour texted to say she’s back so he’s gone for a sleepover there.’ He smiles wryly. ‘I swear he prefers it there, he never seems to want to come home again.’

We fall into silence again and when a nurse comes round to do some checks, I take it as my sign to leave. I jump off the bed and Jay looks up in alarm.

‘Are you off already?’

‘You’re busy. I should get going.’

‘This won’t take very long, if you want to wait,’ the nurse says.

‘Oh, I…’ I could stay. Perhaps I should. But suddenly I have the overwhelming urge to be at home, alone, with just a glass of wine and a dinner for one for company.

‘No, it’s fine, I need to get going.’

‘Will you come back tomorrow?’ He looks at the nurse. ‘I assume I’ll still be here?’

‘I’ll let you know in about twenty minutes.’

‘I…’ I smile. ‘Of course, I’ll come back if you’re still here.’

‘Thank you. And thank you for looking after Alan for me. He’ll love you forever.’

‘Night, Jay.’

As I walk away I feel the strangest sensation. Déjà vu? Maybe. Tenderness? Perhaps.

Love?

No, not that. Not yet. But I’m hopeful, if I spend more time with him, really get to know him, that feeling I remember from my dream – that all-consuming, overwhelming feeling of belonging – will come. I just need to give it some time.

22

Work has been hectic, and when I let myself into the flat I just want to collapse on the sofa and sleep. But the evening is warm, and Jay has been discharged from hospital and has asked me to meet him for a ‘slow and doddery’ dog walk.

Of course, I’ve agreed.

I shower quickly and get dressed, taking care to style my hair and apply a bit more make-up than usual. I can hear Sophie’s voice in my head:Make him fall head over heels in love with you, wonder how he ever lived his life without you.Quite how I’m going to do that I have no idea, but I’ll give it a go.

I’m just about to leave when my phone rings.

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