Page 30 of Wish You Knew
“Does a mean pie?” I finished, trying to keep from smiling.
He wrinkled his brow. “How do you know that?”
“Insider information.” I tapped the side of my nose, thankful for the train guard’s suggestion. “Sweet dreams.”
“Oh, Rosie, with you in the house, I imagine they will be anything but.” And then he was gone.
It had been such a long time since I’d had the time to potter around, take things easy and generally chill out. After I’d cleaned up in the kitchen from this morning’s and last night’s meals, I headed up to my room.
Gathering up the clothes I planned to wear, I headed into the bathroom. What better way to start the day than with a long, leisurely bath? Sometime later, perfectly relaxed and dressed in a simple pair of jeans and an oversized jumper, I grabbed my phone and went downstairs to the living room. I settled down on the sofa, stretching my legs out in front of me. As I was about to turn on the television, my phone pinged.
Saff: Where are you? I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days…are you on a shoot? xx
Saff had no knowledge of what had gone on with Mark. I hadn’t chosen to share the details with my best friend, instead I’d gone to my friend with benefits. She at least deserved to know some of the details.
I called her back instead of messaging. She picked up on the second ring.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound needy, but we haven’t been in touch since dinner after Brixton. Something seemed off. Is everything okay?”
The sunlight poured through the window, casting light and heat across my body. Right now, everything seemed fine.
“Yeah, all’s good. I, um, decided to come away for a few days.” It wasn’t a total lie. “A couple of castings recently have taken it out of me.”How pathetic did I sound?
“Poor you. Must be awful prancing around in expensive clothes having someone do your hair and make-up for you.” Saff wasn’t having any of it. “Meanwhile, I’m trying to stop Tris tearing down a wall, just because he thinks it will make the kitchen/diner more open plan.”
I laughed. Saff Barnes was the least domesticated person I knew. Hearing her talk about DIY tasks was alien. I ached to feel the same way about someone.
“Anyway, where are you? Are you with friends?”
How to answer? What would she think if I told her I was at Scott’s place?
“Mmmhmm, it’s one of the girls from the agency. You wouldn’t know her. She’s got a place in the country,” I bluffed.
“Ooo, fancy! I guess I’ll see pics on your socials?”
“Maybe. She’s a bit funny about people posting stuff.” God, I really was getting good at lying to my best friend. I didn’t know how Saff would react if she knew I was with Scott.
“But you’re okay though?” Saff’s tone softened. It was good to know she actually did care about what was going on with me.
“Yes, absolutely fine. Enjoying some rest and relaxation.” It was well after midday and I hadn’t checked a single email or posted anything to my social media. So refreshing. I had something to thank Scott for after all.
“Okay, well, good. You should have spoken to me sooner though. I thought there was something wrong when we were at dinner the other night.”
I winced, remembering the hangover which had followed. Drinking to erase the memory of Scott running out on me again was nothing new though.
“You’re right, I should have. I’m sorry, Saff.”
“Don’t be! As long as you’re sure everything’s okay?”
“It is.”
“Then have a fabulous time with your ridiculously beautiful friend, and don’t forget about me.”
“Ha, as if! I’ll be back soon.”
We said our goodbyes and hung up. I stopped myself from checking my emails, they could wait. It wasn’t as if I was likely to get theAspirejob after yesterday, and I’d already cried off my appointments for the rest of this week.
Finding the remote, I switched on the telly and channel hopped until I found something worth watching.Step Upfor the eleventy billionth time would work perfectly. And I watched all of about half an hour of it before falling asleep.
