Page 95 of One Night With You

‘Are you?’ I ask.

‘Nah, mate, get fucked. I’m proper thinking I might be even more of a babe magnet with my little niece in tow, though.’

‘God help us all,’ I say, turning to take in the kitchen again. Polished marble-esque floor, big breakfast bar and nice wooden cabinets. I’ve seen a handful of places in a couple of different spots in Liverpool city centre, out on the quay, and here, a bit more suburban. This is the only place that has had a homely feel.

‘Loads of places have been all right, haven’t they?’ I say to Ollie. ‘But this actually feels homey? Do you know what I mean?’

‘I like it,’ he declares. ‘You’re close to town, close to Millie’s, able to jump on a train to come see Uncle Ollie whenever you want.’

I pull a face. ‘Or I’ll come to you,’ he says, holding up his hands. ‘New babies don’t travel well, I know. I’ve readWhat to Expect When You’re Expecting.’

‘Have you?’

‘Jackson lent me his copy.’

‘Jackson?’

‘Yeah,’ Ollie says, shrugging. ‘I went to see him at his parents’ place in Sevenoaks. Heisrecovering from a coma, you know.’

‘I know that,’ I say. ‘I just didn’t know you visited people recovering from comas.’

‘Can you knock it off?’ he says then. ‘I know you think I’m stupid and irresponsible and only ever in it all for a good time, but in case you haven’t noticed I’mtryingto be a good friend to somebody who needs it, and I’m bloody here, aren’t I, trying to be a good brother. Pack it in.’

‘You’re right,’ I say, quietly. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘You’re forgiven,’ he says, and we both stand. Then: ‘I think you should take it. It’s a nice place.’

We walk through the open-plan kitchen and living room through to the hallway.

‘Two bedrooms,’ he continues. ‘You can cook whilst she plays. It’s big enough for a massive sofa bed for when I come and stay … Decent price, decent location.’

‘Yeah,’ I say. ‘All of those things.’

There’s a knock on the front door and the estate agent lets himself in.

‘Sorry about that,’ he says. ‘It was the office. So, what are we thinking? I’ve got one other couple interested, so you’ll have to move quickly if this is the one.’

I look at Ollie. He nods encouragingly. ‘It’s the one,’ I say. ‘I’d like to officially put in my offer. I’ll take it.’

After making such an enormous decision, I feel compelled to tell the one person I can’t stop thinking about. Ruby.

A photo of my new place,

I’ve only gone and bought it

I’m taking steps to build a life

Just not in the way I thought of

I don’t know if it’s allowed

For me to text hello

It’s just when something big like this happens

It’s you that’s in my mind.

I see three dots on my screen to indicate she’s typing back, but then they disappear, like she’s changed her mind.

---