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I’m glad the food is on the side and not in her hands. I’ve just realised how hungry I am.
Nat steps up and pats Stella’s hands before removing them from my shoulders. The action causes Stella to stop whatever else she’s about to say. She’s been very vocal about her feelings towards my ex-fiancé and his new lady-friend.
I pat her arm and smile at her outburst. “Too messy,” I state, wrinkling my nose, before turning to Nat.
“Vince has put the apartment on the market.”
I stop, accepting the generous glass of wine Nat places in my hand before taking a large sip. “There are quite a few viewings booked for this week. It’s a prime location. The estate agents don’t think it’ll be long before he has a buyer.”
It’s amazing how those words sting. I’d always seen this as our place. We’d moved in together. Chosen all the furniture together, of which I’d paid for a large portion. Plus, I was the one who’d taken a holiday and decorated every room. But the fact of the matter is. He owns it. I’m just a lodger.
“Bastard!” Stella hisses. “What are you going to do?” she asks, handing me a spoon so I can load some vegetable chow mein onto my plate. I love these girls and the fact they know my favourite comfort food.
My heart contracts. That is the million-pound question. If he gets a buyer, it won’t be long before he kicks me out.
“I arranged to view some apartments this weekend. I’d be grateful for the company if either of you are free.”
“Count us in. We can’t leave you to make that kind of decision alone. You’ve been too closeted in all this luxury,” Stella says, nudging my shoulder. My chest expands at my friend’s words. I am lucky. This apartment, my home, is fabulous.
Nat lifts her wine glass and plate filled with her favourite chicken and cashew and motions towards the dining table. Stella follows, leaving me to trail behind. I look at the dishes lined up on the island and wonder why I didn’t simply tell Stella to place the containers straight on the table. My brain is so foggy. I’m surprised I’m functioning.
After our second trip, we drop into our seats and tuck in. I moan in delight at the explosion of flavours on my tongue. They both look at me, their expressions smug.
“What?” I say, glancing at my best friends.
“Nothing. They say food is the best replacement for sex,” Nat says.
“No!” Stella and I say together, laughing. Although my sex life is barren now, Vince is no longer in the picture. Not that it was much better when he was around. Was the writing on the wall, and I’d simply missed it?
“So, have you heard from the slimy rat?” Stella asks, shovelling a mouthful of food into her mouth.
The vice that seems a permanent fixture in my chest tightens another notch. “He called me yesterday at work. I think he hopes it’s safer to contact me there, that I’m less likely to lose my temper.”
“How you haven’t lost your shit with him, I’ll never know. No one would blame you,” Stella puts in.
“No. But I’m tired, Stella. I’ve already expended too much energy where he’s concerned,” I say. “He’s given me six weeks to find somewhere else, but then I need to be out.” My stomach recoils, and I put my fork on the table. “He says he’ll reimburse me for all the furniture I’ve bought. That he can use it in their new apartment. To be honest, it’s a blessing. I can use that money as a down payment for somewhere else.”
Stella growls but holds her tongue.
“I still can’t believe him,” Nat says again.
She’s disappointed in Vincent. She thought he was a good guy. But then, so had I. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I have become obsessed with moving our relationship forward, but after ten years together, was that so wrong? I’m thirty-four. Is it so wrong to want a family?
“Have you told your parents?”
I shake my head. “No. They’re only four months into their trip around Australia. I know Mum. She’ll only worry and want to come home.”
“But, Leah-” Nat says, her brows wrinkling.
“It’s not an option, and there’s nothing they can do. They’ve rented their house out for the year. If they come home now, they’ll be in the same position as me—homeless. They’ve been looking forward to this trip for years. My love life, or lack of it, will not ruin that for them.”
Nat and Stella share a look but stay quiet. They know I’m right. Mum and Dad would be on the next flight home.
“Are you getting tested?” Stella asks, the ever-practical friend.
“I went to a walk-in clinic a couple of days ago. Tonight’s a celebration. He hasn’t given me anything nasty.”
Nat’s eyes shoot to mine, her skin taking a greenish tone, her horror transparent. “Oh my, you thought he’d given you something?”
