What Goes Around

chapter SIXTY SIX

I’ve tried to make this phone call so many times.

I introduce myself and I am met with silence.

‘I was wondering if we could meet – for a coffee perhaps…’ Still there is silence. ‘I’ve got so many questions and I thought you might have some too.’ I hear a sharp intake of breath and I quickly squeeze some words in. ‘I know we can never be friends, I just really need to talk to you.’ I don’t know what to say now, I’m about to give in when finally, finally, she speaks.

‘Okay.’ There’s another long stretch of silence and then she suggests that we meet for a drink.

Today.

I’m relieved that it’s today, because I know if we postpone this, then one of us will change our minds, one of us will find an excuse not to go.

And I’m nervous too, because it’s today.

She suggests a pub where we could meet and I agree to the place and the time. She gives me the address and directions and I pretend I’m writing them down, I pretend that it’s a place unfamiliar to me, except I know the pub well.

It’s a place where he used to take me.