Page 28 of The Lottery Win
She shrugged. ‘People have their pride.’
I leave the supermarket feeling sad and not really knowingwhy.
But it’s lovely seeing Carrie and Ronan later, and when theywalk out to their car, Carrie dashes back to hug me again. ‘Your place isgorgeous,’ she murmurs. ‘I love it.’
‘Do you really?’ I look at her in surprise. ‘I was worriedyou wouldn’t approve.’
She laughs. ‘As if! I think it’s a great idea, renting togive yourself time to find the house of your dreams. Honestly, Krystle, if Iwas single...’ She tails off with a grin.
‘You’d do what I’m doing?’
‘Well, maybe... I don’t know.’ She shrugs.‘You have no one else to consider, do you? And that’s quite freeing, knowingyou can do what you like... spend your money exactly how youwant to. When you’re in a couple, you have to talk sensibly and do the grown-upthing all the time.’
‘But you wouldn’t be without Ronan, would you?’
‘No, of course not. He’s the love of my life. I’m justsaying you should enjoy your freedom while it lasts.’ There’s a mischievouslook in her eyes. ‘Because one day soon, you’re going to realise that Adam is theman for you, and then who knows what compromises you’ll have to make.’
‘What? Get lost! Adam? He’s my best friend, that’s all.’ Hotand flustered, I waft the front of my T-shirt to let in some air. Carrie givesa knowing laugh and joins Ronan, who’s been holding the passenger door open forher, but is now leaning patiently against the car, arms folded, smiling fondlyover at us.
After they’ve gone, I think about what Carrie said and shakemy head in disbelief. Is that what people are thinking? That just because Adamand I are quite close, we’re going to be a classic case of friends-to-lovers?How ridiculous! Why on earth can’t a woman have a male friend without everyonejumping to silly conclusions?
The man himself phones me half an hour later. ‘How was yourevening? Have they gone?’
‘Oh, yes, they just left. It was lovely. But I’ve got somebad news for you.’
‘What?’ He sounds anxious. ‘What’s happened, Krystle? Areyou okay?’
‘Yes, I’m fine. Honestly. It’s not really bad news. I wasonly joking.’
He exhales slowly at the other end. ‘So what is it, then?’
My laugh sounds a little strained. ‘Carrie thinks we belongtogether. What do you think aboutthat?’
There’s silence at the other end.
‘Adam? Are you still there?’
‘What? Yes... still here. Well...what doyouthink about that?’ he asks.
‘About what?’
‘About us belonging together.’
‘Erm... well, it’s... um...pretty funny, really. What Carrie said.’ I swallow hard. ‘Don’t you think?’
After a split-second, I hear him snort. ‘I suppose it is.’
‘Exactly.’ I wish I could see his expression because we seemto have wandered onto unfamiliar territory.
‘Anyway... furniture shopping tomorrow?’he says cheerily.
‘Ooh, yes. Have you got time?’
‘Always got time for you.’
‘Great. I fancy going to Harpers to look for a table andchairs for the kitchen.’
‘Expensive.’
