Page 46 of My Summer of Magic Moments

‘Well, I had to go back later that next day. The shower had packed up in my cottage.’

‘No surprise that, hey.’

‘No, well anyway, I went to use his, and when I came out of the bathroom, I shouldn’t have been so bloody nosy, but I took another look in his room. Well I’m glad I did in a way, or I’d never have found out.’

‘What exactly?’

‘He’s married, or got a girlfriend at least. And a kid, by the looks of it.’

‘Did he tell you that?’

‘No, I saw a photo by the bed. It had to be.’

‘But did he say that? That he was married, in a relationship?’

‘No, not exactly. But it was bloody obvious. Just the look on his face. He didn’t deny it or anything.’

‘Oh, Claire, what a bummer. You’ll just have to put it down to experience’.

‘Maybe … but I just feel awful. You know, it’s just not me. I’d never have been there if I’d known there was anyone else involved. Oh Sal, I feel so shit that I might have just buggered up someone else’s life.’

‘Claire, you can’t blame yourself for something you knew nothing about.’

‘I know, I know. But getting involved with someone who’s already in a relationship … Aagh.’ She knew first-hand how much that could hurt. The damage of deceit and lies. Why would she do that to someone else?

‘It’s not your fault, Claire. You’re not a mind-reader – give yourself a break.’

‘S’pose … I think I’m just feeling a bit vulnerable at the moment.’

‘Yeah I can see it’s got you. Just when you were getting back on your feet, too. But are you absolutely sure? If he never said.’

‘Well, I can’t think of any other explanation, can you?’

‘A sister, a friend with a kid?’

‘Right by his bedside? And it’s funny how it wasn’t there when he had me in that bed. Anyway, if it was a sister, wouldn’t you put that kind of pic on a sideboard or in the lounge or something? I wouldn’t have you stuck next to me every night. Much as I love your pretty face.’ She managed a wry grin.

‘Cheers. But, yes, maybe you’re right. So you didn’t give him the chance to explain?’

‘He didn’t deserve a chance. He had guilt written all over his bloody face.’

‘Okay. Well, best left well alone, then. I imagine he had a fit-looking body – it can’t have been a totally bad experience.’ She gave a wicked smile, trying to lighten the mood.

‘Sal …’

‘Okay, enough said. I was only trying to cheer you up. Staying for some supper? It’s just cold chicken and some salad for when the boys come back, if you fancy it.’

‘Sounds lovely, if you’re sure. I feel I’m gate-crashing a lot at the moment.’

‘How can it be gate-crashing, you wally – you’re my sister. You are more than welcome.’

‘That’s a yes, then. Thanks.’

At home in her half-empty house the next evening, everything felt very real, very final suddenly. The solicitor had advised that the sale of the marital home was going ahead and would all happen in a week’s time – cash buyers, no chain involved. The time had come to leave the house that had been home for six years.

She’d been looking around in the area and found a lovely quirky flat for herself at the far end of Gosforth where it merged with Jesmond. It was nearer to the city centre and on the bus route – ideal. It had a small courtyard garden out the back, two bedrooms, a compact but newly painted living room – three walls cream, one teal, which she actually didn’t mind – and a decent-sized kitchen with a good oven, ideal for her baking hobby, which she’d kept up. She’d hung on to the ‘Hollywood’ bible – no point wasting a good cookery book, even if the purchaser was a tosser.

She’d been packing in earnest every evening this week so she’d be ready to move when the day came. Most of Paul’s belongings had gone now; he’d arranged to come in with his set of keys whilst she was at work. It would have been an uncomfortable experience having to watch that. But then he’d wanted to chat about the main furniture items and turned up again once she’d got home to discuss practicalities. The sofa – hers (it was really comfy), the marital king-size bed – his (he was welcome to it, the cheating bastard). She’d opted for the kitchen table and chairs, whilst he’d have the dining-room furniture. It had all come down to that – the splitting of goods, furniture, CDs, DVDs, lives. It left her with a heap of mixed emotions.