Page 16 of Knowing You
I can’t believe she’s only been living here for three weeks. We already seem to know each other so well.
‘Thanks goodness. It was traumatic enough binge-watching that oldLove Islandseries with you over the weekend – it’s enough, at the moment, to have my taste in television challenged, thanks very much.’
She gives me a grin that exudes inclusiveness and understanding.
‘You enjoyed every minute. Don’t tell me you didn’t.’
She flashes her white teeth again and turns away to wash up before leaving for the spa where she works. That’s one of the many things I like about her – she constantly does the dishes, tidies and vacuums.
‘Want me to make chicken stir fry tonight?’ she asks.
‘That would be great. Thanks. And I’ll make the dairy-free rice pudding you showed me on that website for afterwards.’ Bella has introduced me to healthier cuisine. And no one’s more surprised than me to say I now do three runs a week. They are only short and I’m dripping with perspiration afterwards, but she promised the adrenaline high would make me feel so much better. Despite today’s aching limbs, she was right.
Hugo is baffled later on as I pass him on the way out of work.
‘Violet Vaughan,’ he calls, ‘what is your secret?’
Blushing, I head over.
‘Is there a special pill I can take to get your bright eyes and skin?’
‘I wish,’ I say and grimace. ‘It’s the result of several tortuous jogs.’
‘You? Running?’ Gym fan Hugo laughs. ‘Well, all I can say is that as time passes, it looks as if your life without Lenny is the best thing that could have happened.’
I’m still getting used to compliments about my appearance.
‘You know, Hugo, you could have been right about Beatrix. I should have listened.’
He puts down his pen. ‘You mean it’s not simply lust that’s brought Lenny and her together?’
‘Have you heard ofAlien Hearts?’
‘Get with the programme, mate – that’s old news. I just wish Wilde’s agent would hurry up and submit it.’
‘Lenny let Beatrix have a sneak peek for her newOut There Storiesimprint. She’s desperate to sign Casey Wilde. I can’t say for sure, but that could be why she’s interested in him.’
Hugo doesn’t respond. Doesn’t sayI told you so. Instead he stands up and his long arms stretch over the desk. As best as he can, Hugo gives me a hug. ‘Then it looks as if Lenny is going to get what he deserves. In my experience, cheaters usually do.’
I head home whistling one of my flatmate’s favourite Beyoncé tunes. Between them, Hugo and Bella are making me believe that I’m an okay person.
In fact, she’s the ideal person to live with – easy-going, a real team player and passionate about looking after yourself. Bella is qualified to do facials, pedicures, manicures, aromatherapy massages, all sorts. She’s fond of her regular clients and works with some of them, over months, to do a complete make-over, covering diet, hair and make-up. She says there is nothing more rewarding than unveiling the end result – not so much because of what she’s done to their appearance, but because of the difference it makes to their self-esteem. Also, we both love coffee shops and she never stops talking to Flossie.
When I get home, she’s chilling on the sofa, which is a rare sight. Bella’s so full of energy. Although she has got her pink jogging suit on, which means she’ll soon go out for her evening run. I tell her what Hugo said.
‘Beatrix needs her come-uppance as well, in my opinion,’ she says and pulls a face.
‘That’s never going to happen. Her career’s on fire. She’s just been nominated for another award.’
‘You’re more than a match for her, Violet. Why don’t you beat Beatrix at her own game?’
We went to the cinema last night on a rare night she was free, and I told her more about Lenny and Beatrix. The film was a romance. Not my usual genre, but since Lenny left, I’ve found myself fascinated by other people’s relationships, even if they are fiction. I’m looking for signs of where I’ve gone wrong and, if I’m honest, a sense that I’m not the only one ever to get hurt. Bella and I both cried at the same moments – and we both found the ending disappointing. She reminds me of my childhood best friend, Flint. I’ve never really had one since. On the day she moved in we sat talking until gone midnight. She told me her ethos was to be the best possible version of herself. We discuss that again, now, as Beatrix’s name comes up.
‘It means keeping fit. Respecting your body,’ she says. ‘And being well-groomed – keeping your image current. It’s all about making a statement that says I mean business and I don’t need anyone else to make a success of my life. My friends are great. Colleagues too. But I’m not depending on either to give me a helping hand. You know, one day, I’m going to open my own spa.’
I don’t doubt it.
‘Something of a perfectionist, aren’t you?’ I say, teasingly.
