Page 95 of Where Do We Go From Here?
She picks up her phone and sends him a message, a message which remains undelivered because his phone is still switched off.
Ping me when you wake up, she types.I could do with a bit of a chat.
It’s ten o’clock (nine in England) by the time Harry switches on and replies.
Gimme five, he writes.I need a coffee and a poo first.
She makes herself a fresh cup of coffee and stokes the fire with logs – it’s cold in the cabin this morning.
Harry: Good morning, beautiful.
Wendy: It’s a good job this isn’t a video call because you wouldn’t be saying that at all. I swear I look like I’ve been dragged through a bush, murdered, buried, and dug up again. Plus I really, really need a proper haircut.
H: Well, seeing as it isn’t video, we’ll just pretend you’re looking gorgeous, right?
W: Certainly works for me. How are things in sunny Maidstone?
H: Everything’s fine. Fiona seems to have enjoyed her little trip and is actually smiling from time to time. Todd and Amanda are being astoundingly dull looking at wedding stuff all day and trying to get everyone else interested.
W: You mean dresses and flowers and what-have-you?
H: Yeah. And suits and ties and shoes for Todd. The shoes are very important, apparently. Can you imagine? I can’t believe how traditional our children have turned out. Do you think we went wrong somewhere?
W: Sounds like fun to me. I love all that stuff. And Todd will look great in a suit with those square shoulders of his.
H: Yeah. I suppose so. And you? How are you?
W: I’m OK… Look, I’m sorry about the other day. I know I was a bit…
H: …
W: A bitantsy, I suppose you could call it.
H: Not the word that comes to my mind, but OK. You were shocked. Understandably. So did you want to talk about something specific? Or did you just want to hear my gorgeous morning baritone?
W: Specific. Definitely.
H: Oh. OK, then.
W: But your gorgeous morning baritone is definitely a plus, if that helps.
H: Yeah, it does a bit.
W: So I’ve got two quite full-on questions for you as it happens. Are you on your own there?
H: Um, yeah, I am. But hang on. Just let me… There. Door closed. Lazy youngsters sound asleep in their beds. Go for it.
W: So. Um. Wow, this is hard!
H: …
W: OK. Are you seeing someone, Harry? Actually, it’s OK,I know you’re seeing someone. So I suppose my real question is: is it serious?
H: Oh. OK. Wow!
W: Sorry, but I need to know. I’ve just… sort of reached a point where I have to know.
H: Sure. It’s not a conversation I thought I’d ever have to have on the phone, that’s all.
