Chapter Fifty-Five
As soon as we got in the car, Shane asked about Will’s wife.
“Apparently it’s over.”
“Since when?”
“A few weeks.”
“So that’d explain why he hasn’t contacted you, then – he hasn’t had much chance.”
“He also didn’t know if I was still with Ross.”
“Ah, of course.”
“And maybe he’s not interested,” I pointed out.
“Oh come on, the way you two look at each other makes even me feel gooey inside.”
My insides almost turned to goo on hearing this.
“Really?”
“Yes, really. He better move down to Bath though because I’m not travelling up to Glasgow to visit your skinny arse.”
“I wish it was skinny!” I said, hiccupping from my wine.
“Okay, your medium-sized arse.”
It wasn’t medium either, but I knew better than to argue.
We pulled up outside the hotel and got out of the car.
“Hayley said I should move up here, seeing as I love it so much.”
“Oh no you don’t, young lady.”
“You were considering moving to Maidstone.”
“And you were one of my main reasons for not going.”
“Really? Shane you shouldn’t stay in Bath because of me.”
“Well, I admit that you were one of the main reasons. Then I realised that wasn’t right, that Andrew should be my main concern. And lately, I’ve realised that he’s not. So, I think we might break up.”
“Oh my god, Shane.”
I’d just yanked my luggage out of his car and was standing, jaw hanging open as he got his own.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I don’t know, I guess I’ve been procrastinating.”
“Does he know?”
“I think he knows something’s not right, yes.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been so caught up in my own life, I hadn’t even realised what you were going through.”
“Don’t be silly, I didn’t even mention it, so how were you to know?”
We checked into the hotel and I gave him a quick hug before saying goodnight and settling in my room. I couldn’t believe they might break up; they were my model couple.
The hotel was a nice place, with stylish modern wallpaper and large mahogany furniture. I hung up my dress and flopped down onto the bed. My phone beeped. My eyes felt more awake when I saw it was Will.
You left your camera bag here. I’ll bring it tomorrow. Nice to see you today and I’m sorry again, about not keeping in touch and ignoring you. See you in the morning x
Me: Oops. Thank you. Nice to see you too and no worries re not keeping in touch. See you tomorrow. Sleep well x
Will: I’ll try but this cold lumpy bed is awful. I should buy them a decent spare as a wedding present :) x
Me: You’re not hinting for an invite to come and crash with me again are you? Xx
He didn’t reply. Oh dear, how much wine had I had? That text was truly awful and just plain embarrassing. I wished I could un-send it. I got up off the bed and found my nightdress, then slipped under the covers.
Me: Sorry, what a silly thing to say. Night night x
Will: Not at all, I was just chatting to Hayley outside the bathroom sorry. I wasn’t hinting although the thought is very appealing, bet you’ve got a nice big comfy bed with plenty of room, too. But I’ve been drinking so even if you invited me, I can’t get there x
Darn the wine, I hadn’t thought about that. I considered calling down to reception to see if they could get a taxi this late but decided it probably wasn’t likely.
Me: Tomorrow night then? If you want. Just as friends, of course x
Will: Sounds good. I’ll keep my clothes on. Night night xx
Me: See you tomorrow then xx
Will: What are you wearing? Xx
Me: Now?! My nightdress. You? Xx
Will: Nothing, right now. But I meant tomorrow. Has Hayley got you some hideous bridesmaid dress? Xx
He was wearing nothing? Oh my goodness. How I wished he was here.
Me: Oh I see! She did pick me a dress but it’s not hideous, it’s lovely. You got a tux? Xx
Will: Yeah. Guy’s got a kilt! Xx
Me: Bet you’re going to look spiffing xx
Will: Spiffing? That’s not a real word is it? But thanks, I bet you look lovely too x
Me: It is! It means splendid. I think xx
Will: Well, thank you xx
I put my phone down. I was really tired. I closed my eyes and then it beeped again.
Will: Good night Jenny xx
Me: Good night Will xx