part0016

As the weeks passed with no contact Abby had an idea to stage an intervention. If Steph wouldn’t come to them then she would go to her. She had the chance to attend a hairdressing conference in London, it was on a Friday, Steph wouldn’t be able to refuse her staying with her that night, and it made sense that she would make a weekend of it. She would invite herself.

Abby flew down on the Friday morning, attended the conference and arrived at Steph’s by 7 p.m. Steph hugged her and showed her to her spare room, giving her some time to settle in.

Abby met her in the kitchen a few minutes later, she had changed out her suit into a jumper and leggings. She smiled as Steph handed her a glass of wine, taking a long drink before following her through the kitchen doors and out into the private roof terrace. “Dinner will only take 40 minutes to cook, I’ve done all the prep, so just let me know when you are getting hungry.”

Abby nodded, looking around and upwards, she patted the bench beside her “Sit for now. Hey this is great, an oasis in a busy city.”

“Yes, that was the attraction, the flat is fine, a bit cosy for working in too, but this space won me over given I was in London over the summer. We’re always told it’s hotter than Scotland. The pool and gym aren’t bad either, I hope you brought your swimsuit.”

“God yes. So how are you Steph, I feel like we’ve hardly spoken since the party? Janie is also wondering where you’ve got lost to.”

“I’m good, it’s just a busy time at work Abby, you know how I go through these fazes.”

Abby raised her eyebrow. “Is that all it is?”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw Mia, Steph. She came into the salon.”

Steph suddenly looked guilty. “And what did she say?”

“She was upset, so I took her for a drink. She told me you’d kissed at the party, and then by the sound of things you ran away. That she’s not heard from you either. I must say I was surprised, running that’s not usually your style.”

Steph sat forward, groaning, her head in her hands.

“Look I know you like her, I said to Mia that I thought the tension between you that night was massive, Janie thought so too, I’m not surprised something happened.”

“It was a mistake.”

Abby could hardly hear here through her hands. She leant over and removed them from Steph’s face. “Really? Why Steph, Mia is great, you get on so well, she’s gorgeous and seems a lovely person and she really likes you. What’s the problem, I don’t understand?”

“She’s going to be my step-sister Abby.”

“Yes Steph, step.... not real step. You aren’t related Steph, this isn’t some long lost biological sister you’re back in touch with. It would be no different to you seeing me.”

“Oh, come on Abby it’s not that simple, you know that.”

“Actually I don’t, please explain it to me.”

“What if we didn’t make it, let’s face it my success rate at relationships is dire, and have you seen me still friendly with any one of my ex’s?”

“No, but so far they haven’t worked out, and they haven’t deserved your friendship, but Steph you underestimate yourself and you wait for women to come to you. Generally, the wrong women, who like you for the wrong reasons. Beth loved that you were successful, and she enjoyed everything that came with it, but still expected you to be with her 24/7, it takes work to be successful, I know that, and it’s not rocket science. It’s like you don’t appreciate what you are, you could do so much better.”

“And Mia is better?”

“God yes, she’s beautiful, she took my breath away that night, actually from the moment I first saw her. She’s incredibly selfless and caring too. Why would she want me?”

“Christ Steph because you are the same, you’re stunning, highly intelligent and motivated, and you care about people. You don’t treat anyone badly, god your mother bloody Theresa.”

“That’s not true, I didn’t treat Mia well. Look even if we got together for how long, she’ll be travelling again soon, you know I don’t get involved easily, and when I do it’s because I hope there will be a future.”

“Have you tried speaking to her, asked her about her plans, what they depend upon?”

“Well maybe you should before you make assumptions. Oh, and Steph I have no doubts that if you didn’t make it you would be able to cope with your paths crossing. You’d just have to.”

“Thanks for your faith in me Abby.”

“You know I just want you to be happy, but sometimes I think you make it so hard for yourself. Try just living for the moment instead of thinking about what could go wrong all the time.”

Steph sat back and took a deep breath. “How was Mia?”

“Honestly, confused and upset.” And possibly lovesick . “And I’m not surprised, as I said it’s not like you to cut and run, you’re not usually a coward. Look please think about this, it’s not long until the wedding when you’ll have to see her again.”

“I will, I promise.”

“Don’t throw away something that could be great, please. I worry about you down here in the lonely big city. You take big risks in your work Steph, try it in your personal life for once please. Don’t leave it until the wedding whatever you do.”

Steph reached over and hugged her. “I love you, you know, that don’t you?”

“Well how could you not, I’m irresistible. So, if you do then trust I know what’s good for you.”

“Yes mum.” She ducked as Abby gently slapped her across the back of the head.

“Did you mention food, otherwise this wine will start going for me? Given you’ve promised me a girls day out in London tomorrow I can’t afford to be hungover.”

“Come on, you can sit at the breakfast bar whilst I put it together, and while we do you can tell me all about Ailsa.”

“Ah Ailsa, talk about something good, she’s far too good for me too, I keep waiting for her to realise it.”

“You’re joking!”

“Yes, I am actually. I adore her, it would kill me to hurt her. Anyway, it’s getting serious, I think she hinted at us moving in together.”

Steph looked at her, noticing the glint in her eyes. “You think?”

“That’s great Abby, is that what you want?”

“Well, with all this talk about marriage recently, I’m thinking of doing it the traditional way.”

“Seriously? God Abby that’s great.” She hugged her again. “So, what’s the plan?”

“How the hell do I know, I’m terrified, why do you think I’m visiting my best friend?”

“To hassle her about her love life?”

“Well yes, that too, but I’m well able to multi-task.”

Steph smiled. The gammon was in the oven with the cauliflower cheese, Abby’s favourite. Come on this deserves a celebration. Let’s go back on the terrace, I’ll bring the champagne.”

“What, don’t you think that’s a bit premature, she’s not said yes yet?”

“A mere detail once we have planned the best proposal. she’s cracked on you, you’re quite a catch you know. Come on grab the glasses.”

Abby stopped, looking at her. “Why do I think you’ve managed to successfully change the subject away from you?”