Page 86 of The Heart You Kept

I giggle. “Umm…. Let’s not.”

“Ugh, boring. Are we going home, then?”

“Yes.” We drag ourselves up and pay the bill, and arm in arm under an umbrella, toddle down the street to the taxi stand where a long line of cabs is waiting. “Thank you for always listening to my crap.” I pull her into a hug. “Love you.”

“Crap just happens to be my favorite subject.” She squeezes me. “Love you more.”

I climb into the back of the cab and wave as it pulls out onto the road. The thought of a cold bed waiting for me is depressing.

Home time…. Alone.

EDWARD

ONE WEEK LATER.

The office door opens. “Edward.”

I stand, walk in, and sit down.

Paul smiles as he looks me over from behind his desk. “You look well. I haven’t seen you for a long time.”

I nod as I clasp my hands together. I hate this fucking shit, remind me why I come here again?

“So.” He swings on his chair as his eyes hold mine. “I’m assuming something is going on.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well.” He opens his notepad. “You requested an urgent appointment and flew to London especially to see me.” He adjusts his pen so he’s ready to write.

“I was already coming to London,” I lie.

“Okay.” He smiles. “Tell me, how are things progressing in your world?”

“Good.” I clench my hands together harder.

“Are you still with your girlfriend?”

I nod.

“You’ve been with her a while now.”

“Yes.”

“How long, exactly?”

I shrug. “Over twelve months.”

“How is she?”

“She’s perfect.”

“The way you say she’s perfect makes me think that you are not.”

I pick my fingernail to evade his gaze.

“How are things within your relationship?”

“Strained.”