Page 53 of The Typo

‘Um, I’m not sure,’ I said, the shock at the brief but explosive contents of Cameron’s reply getting in the way of the polite pleasantry I should probably have responded with.

Harry nodded. ‘I think perhaps a cup of tea is in order.’ He ushered me across the hall into his flat and settled me down on the sofa while he quietly bustled around in the kitchen making the drinks. Fraser prowled along the arm of the chair and gently settled himself down on my lap, while Eliza arched her back, casually brushed past my leg, then curled up a hair’s breadth from my feet.

‘Both of you coming for cuddles, well almost, I am honoured,’ I said.

Harry placed my drink down on a coaster.

‘Aye, they’re good listeners, cats,’ he said. ‘They have the knack for knowing when you’ve got something on your mind. Be careful, the mug’s very hot.’

I think it was the way he wasn’t pressing me for details which encouraged me to open up.

‘At least they’re honest. If they like you, they’ll show it. And if they’re annoyed, they won’t bother pretending not to be.’

Harry sat down in the armchair opposite and took a sip of his tea before responding. ‘Am I to infer from this that you’re in the unfortunate position of dealing with someone who’s not what you thought they were?’

I let out a short laugh. ‘Probably. Although let’s face it, that makes two of us.’

He raised a questioning eyebrow, and I found myself explaining the history of my correspondence with Cameron.

‘A surprising message to receive,’ he said, when I finally stopped speaking. ‘What do you think he means by it?’

I shook my head. ‘I dread to imagine, but whatever he’s getting at, it was a pretty poor response given my own lengthy confession. I poured my heart out to the guy, yet all he could come up with in reply was an enigmatic excuse about needing to explain something in person.’ I sighed. ‘As if that’s ever going to happen.’

‘You don’t think he’s coming to Edinburgh?’

I picked up my mug of tea before I answered, contemplating my response.

‘No, I don’t think he is,’ I said eventually. ‘And if I’m being completely honest with myself, I’m not sure he ever intended to. The whole thing’s a mess. How do I even know he is who he claims to be? Sure, he’s sent me lots of flowery emails about penguins and snow and stuff, but for all I know, he could be some fantasist sitting alone in his bedroom getting off on pretending to be a glamorous photographer type swanking around Antarctica. And frankly, is that any worse than what I’ve done?’

Harry had a thoughtful expression on his face. ‘Of course, these days, I’m given to believe it’s always best to exercise a degree of caution about meeting people online. What else do you know about him, aside from what he’s told you?’

‘Well, this is the problem. He went on and on about steering clear of the socials and keeping a low profile because he values privacy or something, but it’s all a bit too convenient, right? I did a proper deep dive, but I’ve never even found a picture of him online. How suspicious is that? He’s probably married. Or worse. Knowing my luck, he might be about to send me another message with some sob story about being stuck abroad and oh by the way can I lend him the very expensive airfare to Edinburgh. I knew he was too good to be true. Somehow he worked out that I was a soft touch, a pathetic loner in desperate need of a friend, and this whole thing has been one big build up to a romance scam.’

I fiercely wiped my eyes, angry at myself for being such a fool and allowing myself to be taken in by an appealing fantasy. I was also embarrassed and ashamed at getting emotional about it. What must Harry think of me? I really hoped he wasn’t feeling sorry for me. I didn’t deserve it, and I couldn’t bear the thought of being an object of sympathy. I’d brought this situation upon myself.

‘I think this calls for shortbread as well as tea,’ said Harry. ‘Let me get you some.’ He went back into the kitchen area and pretended to be absorbed in searching through the cupboards. I was grateful for his tact while I tried to pull myself together.

‘Here you go,’ he said a few minutes later, offering me a plate. ‘I took the liberty of selecting the fruit and lemon variety. They’re my favourite.’

‘Thanks. And thanks for listening.’ I took a bite of biscuit, and waited for the sugar to work its magic. ‘Sorry for ranting. It’s not been the easiest of weeks.’

‘It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot. But I am honoured that you felt able to confide in me. What do you think you’re going to do?’

I stared at him. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Are you going to meet this Cameron chap? Forgive me for being an old romantic, but perhaps all is not lost. Despite all that we’ve discussed, you could still go to the Castle for the meeting time on Wednesday. It’s a public space, and there are always plenty of people around. As long as you take sensible precautions, there’s no reason why you couldn’t wait and see if he turns up. You won’t know what the real situation is until you can speak to him in person.’

I shook my head. ‘No. It’s time to be realistic. My mind is made up. He’s put me through the wringer enough already. It’s too risky. Whether he shows up or not on the first of March, I don’t care. I definitely won’t be there.’

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 26 Feb, 01:26

Subject: Re: re: Confession

What do you mean you have something to confess? Just tell me now, because I’m imagining all sorts of stuff. I was honest with you in my email. Please do the same for me.

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