Page 7 of The Typo

I laughed, then waved across the table at Meg, who despite being the one to have invited me, had yet to say hi.

‘What’s this big news then?’ I called over, my eyes automatically going to check her left hand.

She caught me in the act.

‘Ha, not yet, although give me time,’ she said, elbowing her boyfriend in the ribs playfully. He affected ignorance. ‘Anyway, that’s probably a good thing for you.’

‘How so?’ I asked.

‘You know what they say, three times a bridesmaid, never a bride.’

She laughed uproariously. After some hesitation I decided it was best to join in, choosing to focus on the warm glow I got from still being on Meg’s bridesmaid list, rather than be embarrassed by the loudly whispered ‘Me-g’ as Jodie tried to warn her away from the supposedly sensitive issue of my singledom.

Meg rolled her eyes. ‘It’s not my news, but you know me, can’t resist being the first one to share the gossip. I’ll provide the drumroll.’

She thumped her palms against the table, making the glasses clink.

Cass put her hand up. ‘It’s actually my news. Or rather, our news.’ She glanced affectionately at her husband. ‘I was hoping to tell everyone together, but the others wheedled it out of me over dinner. Gareth has been offered a job in Sydney, and he’s decided to accept. So, we’re moving there at the beginning of March. It’s all happening ridiculously quickly, I know, but opportunities like this don’t come along very often, so we’re grabbing it while we can.’

‘Sydney as in Sydney, Australia?’ I asked stupidly.

‘That’s the one. It’s something we’ve always talked about doing, and when this post came up, it seemed like everything was aligning to make it happen. We’ve thought hard about the practicalities, but the contract is much better than his current one, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities for me in the same hospital once my mat leave is up. It felt like if not now, when? We’ve agreed we’ll see how it goes for two years, and then who knows, we might decide the Aussie sunshine is too much for us and we’ll come rushing back.’ Judging by the thrill in her voice, I didn’t think that was a likely outcome.

Gareth squeezed her hand, the pair united in eager anticipation for their future.

‘That is so exciting. What an amazing opportunity for the three of you, I’m so happy for you all.’ I knew what had to be said, and the words came easily despite the hollowness in my chest. I was happy for Cass, of course I was, but that happiness was selfishly diluted by the impact her move would have on me. Of the three girls, I’d always been closest to Cass and despite the many calls on her time, she was the one who was most likely to respond to my efforts to stay in touch, even if she understandably didn’t have much opportunity to instigate contact with me anymore. But with the added challenges of a time difference and thousands of miles between us, I could see the direction our already drifting friendship would go in. I hated that I was thinking this way, that I was being sorry for myself when I should be feeling nothing but joy for my friend and her family, but I couldn’t help it. I envied her quiet confidence in her decision, and her bravery in taking such a big step. Once again, I had that sensation of being left behind while the rest of the world moved on and I didn’t know what to do about it.

‘It’s going to be a big change, but sometimes you’ve got to feel the fear, and do it anyway, right?’ said Cass, as if she’d read my mind. She made it sound so easy.

‘A motto to live by,’ said Jodie. She clicked her fingers at a passing waiter, somehow managing to appear charming rather than demanding. ‘Shots all round. And a virgin one for the designated driver, even though she’s the one we’re celebrating. Sorry, Gareth, you don’t count.’

‘I am going to miss you guys so so much, but I’m totally thrilled for you,’ said Meg. ‘Besides, I’ve always wanted to visit Oz, and now we have a proper excuse to do it. I did some searching on Airbnb while we were waiting for Amy to arrive, and I reckon I’ve found the perfect place for us to stay. Here, check it out.’

She passed her phone over to Jodie who let out a shriek as soon as she saw it. ‘Ohmygod that’s gorgeous, I can totally see us hanging out on the terrace drinking cocktails as we watch the Sydney sunset.’

‘Can I take a look?’ I asked.

Jodie pushed the phone across and turned to attract the waiter’s attention once again.

I swiped through the pictures. The apartment looked very chic and was in walking distance of the Sydney Opera House. But as I scanned through the description, I realised there was a problem.

‘But this won’t be big enough for us all. Two double bedrooms and no sofa bed. Where will I sleep?’

Meg pulled a face. ‘Oh sorry Amy, I was searching for stuff for two couples. But it looks like there’s probably other accommodation in the same building for solo occupancy. I’m sure you could find something.’

I tried not to flinch. Even Cass’s promise that I could stay with her and Gareth didn’t make me feel any less like the afterthought, the odd one out. The rest of the night passed in a blur as I attempted to down enough alcohol to quieten the gremlins gloating about my inadequacy.

* * *

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 19 Jan, 03:32

Subject: Penguins

Hello Amy,

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