Page 33 of Not Moving Out
‘That’s good, right?’
I hadn’t had the time or perhaps the inclination to really think about it. I suppose the thing was, I didn’t trust myself at that moment to make any sort of decision about Joe. We had separated after months of heartbreaking arguments and discussions, and just because we were now in a better place, it didn’t mean we were close to or even thinking about some sort of reconciliation. Maybe being friends was exactly where we were supposed to be.
‘Maybe. I don’t know,’ I replied.
‘Whatever happens, at least it’s amicable. It will make everything so much easier,’ said Lucy, and then she looked across at the other members of Cold Water Club. ‘Okay, ready?’
They all nodded, and Caroline said ‘Aye’ in her Edinburgh brogue, and then we all ducked down until the water covered our shoulders, and then we started doing our own thing. The water was warmer, and as I swam around I felt myself adjusting quicker. It was glorious being out in the sea so early in the morning. I looked back towards the beach, and saw a few runners, and the same dog walkers we saw each morning.
Eventually, we all came together again and started walking slowly back in towards the beach, and Helen was talking about a date she had gone on with a man named Simon. Despite being divorced for a number of years, Helen had only just jumped back into the dating pool, and it seemed, finally, she had made a splash.
‘It was really nice, actually,’ said Helen. ‘Simon was charming, funny, and runs his own business setting up wedding marquees. Does very well, by the sound of it.’
‘Are you seeing him again?’ asked Caroline.
‘I am,’ said Helen with a smile, and even in the cold water it looked like she was blushing.
‘I think it’s wonderful,’ said Amy. ‘I wouldn’t have survived chemo without Steve, so I know what having a great partner can do for you.’
‘Agreed,’ said Debs. ‘And you’ve been single for long enough, Helen. We all have needs!’
‘It has been a long time! I think I might technically be a virgin again,’ said Helen, and we all laughed, and I was happy out there with Cold Water Club. We were bonding, sharing stories about our lives, and I felt connected with these women. It made me want to share my life with them, too.
‘I know what you mean,’ I replied. ‘Before the separation, Joe and I hadn’t had sex in at least six months, so it’s been a while. Not that I’m a rampaging sex beast, but like you said, we all have needs. Although to be honest, I’d take a nice hug at this point.’
‘I can give you a hug once we get out,’ replied Lucy.
‘Deal,’ I said as we finally reached the shore, and we were soon back on the beach, drying ourselves, and getting into our warm clothes. I had brought along my flask of hot tea again, and we all sat on the pebbly beach for a few minutes, chatting about our plans for the rest of the day.
Lucy had cricket with the boys at a village near Haywards Heath, and because Stuart had to work, she would be busy with them all day. Debs and her husband Steve were taking their daughter into London to see the Harry Potter play, while Helen was getting ready for her second date with Simon. Amy and her husband Ferguson were doing a big shop at Tesco, and she was cooking roast chicken with all the trimmings, before a night on the sofa watching a film. I was the only one with nothing planned, and it made me realise that I had a whole day ahead of me, and I needed something to do. I knew Dolly was going to the library to study, and then she was going to hang out with Maya. I couldn’t exactly ask Joe what he was doing because that would be weird, and so once I had said goodbye to everyone I sat in my car and decided that I needed a plan, and that plan would probably involve Mum.
‘There she is! Hello, darling,’ said Mum waving, as I walked into the pub. The Preston Park Tavern was one of those lovely big pubs that had been decorated beautifully, and had a wonderful menu of delicious food, and was also where Mum and I were going to spend the afternoon. I had called her earlier and, as it turned out, Marmalade had a car show in Cheltenham, so she had the afternoon free. I had suggested a pub lunch, and the afternoon was supposed to be lovely, so we were going to spend a few hours in the pub garden eating and chatting about our lives. It was just what I needed.
‘Hello, Mum,’ I said, giving her a quick hug before I sat down opposite her.
The garden was buzzing with people and families enjoying the bright, sunny day. A couple of small children ran about giggling, and a dog sat obediently with its owner, hoping for some leftover scraps to come his way.
‘Right, I’ll get the drinks, and then I want to know everything that’s happening with you,’ said Mum excitedly, before she disappeared inside towards the bar, and I got myself settled.
It felt good to be out in the world and doing something different. After a few minutes, Mum returned with a glass of wine in each hand, and two menus tucked under one arm. I was actually quite hungry after my morning ‘dook’, and I quickly scanned the menu for something delicious to eat.
‘So, how are you?’ asked Mum.
‘I’m good. I’m loving Cold Water Club.’
‘Oh, yes, you mentioned that before. Something about getting in the sea every morning, right? I’ve seen it on television. Looks painful.’
‘You should come along, Mum. We’re always looking for new members.’
‘Oh, I don’t know if that sort of thing is for me. I’m too old.’
‘Nonsense. Honestly, it will change your life,’ I said, and Mum laughed.
‘Maybe I’ll come along one day.’
‘That’s all I wanted to hear. How are things with you, and Martin’s bottom?’
‘The bottom is haemorrhoid-free, which is good news for Martin and me, obviously. He’s at a car show today. I can’t stand the bloody things, talk about boring. I went once, never again, but he likes it and it keeps him out of my hair.’
