Page 68 of Bad Influence
‘I wish I knew. We’ve barely spoken since I’ve been in here. He doesn’t call me back. So, things have been a bit crap since I moved into this house.’
‘Excuse me while I fall asleep,’ she said, yawning, ‘I can see why you’re looking for some excitement.’
‘Jimi has been a welcome distraction to be honest. In fact, I can’t stop thinking about him.’
‘It sounds like you fancy the boxers off him.’
‘What am I going to do about it?’
‘Life is short, Amber Green.’
‘But he’s probably a massive player.’
‘Or maybe he’s not? Having a spark with someone is special.’
‘Is it? Aren’t there lots of people you could spark with? The real test is whether you act on it or not.’
‘So do you want to act on it?’
‘Hmm.’
‘Well, that tells me everything I need to know. If you were technically available, would you?’ Vicky asked pointedly.
‘I guess so. But I’m not.’
‘Well, all you’ve done is moan about Rob and gush about Jimi. Maybe you and Rob need a break?’
‘Abreak?’
It sounded so big. Massive. Crushing. I mean, it’s not as if it hadn’t crossed my mind until now.But a break?
‘That’s what I said. You’re not married, are you?’
‘I think you’d know if we were.’
‘And it’s not as if you have children,’ Vicky added.
‘Sometimes it feels as though we’ve been married for twenty years,’ I said morosely.
‘You could have couples’ counselling,’ she replied.
‘To be honest it feels premature to be thinking about relationship counselling when we’re only two years in.’
‘I think you know the answer, babe,’ Vicky said.‘Remember, it’s not really a biggie, people have breaks and get back together all the time. Or they don’t.’
‘But we live together.’
‘Yourenttogether.’
‘But we’re thinking about buying together. That’s half the reason I took this contract, to help save for our deposit.’
‘Circumstances change. Maybe this is the test you need.’
‘You can be so callous. What about supporting Rob when he’s going through a low patch?’
‘If he’d let you! But anyway, ask yourself not what Rob’s going to do, but whatyouwant to do. What do youneed, Amber?’
‘I need an orgasm.’ We both giggled.
