Page 43 of The Truth About You and Me
‘I guess I need to find out what happened after. Maybe ask at the pub and see if any locals saw anything?’
‘And see Dr Levin,’ I probe. He side-eyes me.
‘Andmaybesee Dr Levin.’
The wipers begin sectioning the view in rhythmic beats. The mist on the windows – which would take me several rounds with my sponge to eradicate – disappears almost instantly.
‘I do have one question?’ he asks, turning at the junction.
‘Hmmm?’
‘What the hell did you see in that guy?’ He glances my way, eyebrows raised.
I laugh. ‘Oh he wasn’t that bad. He was funny and he was kind… most of the time. And patient. With me and…’ I waggle my fingers.
‘I think he’s the world’s biggest idiot.’
‘Oh, he’s very clever actually, a wiz at game shows.’
‘No I meant—’ He turns to look at me. ‘Because he had you and thought someone else was better.’
Ohholy hell.
‘Thank you,’ I say and look away so he doesn’t see the way heat is rushing to my face.
We’re quiet for a while as I gather my composure. Outside the rain is coming down harder, umbrellas raised and mad dashes are being made by pedestrians.
‘I was thinking…’ Jack stops at a zebra crossing, a woman with a pushchair rushing past.
‘About the accident?’ I ask.
‘No, I was thinking I’d like to repay you, for your help at the shop and well’ – he pulls at his earlobe – ‘everything else… I’ve made more progress in the short time I’ve known you than over the past year. Are you free next Friday afternoon? Before your shift at Flicks?’
‘I’m not actually working next week. The projector is being cleaned so it’s shut…’
‘Great! I’ve got an idea.’
I frown. ‘What kind of idea?’
‘That would ruin the surprise. I guess you’re going to have to trust me.’
I tuck my hair behind my ear. ‘I don’t know, Jack. Can I trust you?’ I challenge.
The tone has shifted, something more peering out between the cracks of humour.
‘You can.’
21
FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Maggie
‘So what did he say… exactly?’ Tess leans forwards towards the screen. I prop my phone up next to the kettle as I pour the rest of an almost-empty box of cornflakes into a bowl. Despite Riz paying me to help her pack, and the night shifts, I’ve had to pay double my rent as I’d begged my landlord to give me a few weeks’ grace while I waited for payday.
I hesitate. She means about the surprise that Jack had planned for today, but I can’t help thinking of the moment when I climbed down the stepladder, before we went to meet Luke. The slight graze of my hand on his as I sneezed.
We can’t be more than friends. It will fail.Iwill fail.
