Love Me Till Wednesday (Sapphire Stars #1)

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22

Lisa was staring at yet another spreadsheet in her study when a text from Mel appeared on her phone.

I’m at the airport

Odd. Mel was supposed to be abroad with Will for the rest of the school holidays.

Which airport?

Three dots appeared, then another text.

Gatwick. I’m waiting for a coach back home.

It sounded like something serious had happened. Talking to Mel directly might be simpler than texting. Lisa phoned her. ‘I thought you and Will were in Italy this week?’

‘He still is.’ Mel sounded furious.

‘So why aren’t you?’

‘The small matter of him excessively flirting with another hotel guest.’

Lisa resisted the urge to say I told you so. ‘How old was she?’

‘Older than us!’

Now Lisa felt guilty for assuming he’d run off with someone younger. ‘He does have a taste for older women then.’

‘The older, the better it would seem. She looked at last 65. I’ve left him there and cancelled the hotels and flights.’

‘I thought he booked all those.’

‘Not in the end. His credit card got stolen, so I had to do it.’

‘How very convenient for him.’

‘Yes. Not so convenient for him now though. me. He’s stuck out there, and quite frankly, I don’t care if he never comes back.’

‘I’m sorry it didn’t work out.’

‘Oh, it’s alright. I was half expecting something to happen. Ever since George slung his hook, I’ve been cursed as far as men are concerned. The most annoying part is we had a spa day booked for tomorrow in an exclusive hotel on its own island in the lagoon. I was looking forward to feeling like a movie star.’

‘Why don’t we go on one instead? I could do with a break from decluttering.’ Lisa said, looking at the pile of books in the corner, waiting for her to sort through them.

‘You’re on.’ Mel sounded perkier now. ‘Where shall we go?’

The following day, Lisa lay on a rattan recliner with her eyes closed. Mel had found a new day spa on the outskirts of Richmond and negotiated an excellent last-minute deal, including a facial and a massage. Lisa was starting to feel human again. ‘It’s so lovely not having to think for a few hours. It feels like the first time I’ve had nothing to do in weeks.’

‘How’s the house sale going?’ Mel asked.

‘All the searches have come back fine, apparently. We’ve agreed we’ll complete the sale in a fortnight. So I’ve been going full steam ahead on the decluttering.’

The downside of living in the same house for most of her adult life was Lisa had never had to thoroughly declutter before. ‘They know me by name at the tip now. They’ll be allocating me my own parking space next.’

‘Swedish death cleaning.’

‘What?’

‘Swedish death cleaning,’ Mel said again slowly.

‘I thought that’s what you said the first time. What the hell is that?’

‘You keep what has meaning or is useful and get rid of the rest so you don’t leave a load of rubbish behind for your nearest and dearest when you snuff it.’

‘Isn’t that what decluttering is? Why does everything have to be about death once you’re over 50? I’m getting inundated with pay for your own funeral adverts now. And cheap life insurance. My gran was 90 when she popped her clogs. I’m hoping I’ve got a few more years left yet.’

‘You must be clicking on the wrong things. I just get bombarded with over 50s holidays,’ Mel said, sipping on a peculiarly coloured smoothie. ‘Where are you going to live? I thought you hated all the flats you’ve seen.’

‘They’ve all had something wrong with them. I’m looking at rented places now. They’re worse, but I don’t mind compromising to give me more time to find the perfect home.’

‘And how’s the songwriting going?’

‘Good. I’m enjoying it again.’

‘Enjoying the writing or spending time with Pete? ’

‘It’s been like old times before the spilt.’

Mel raised her eyebrows.

Lisa could see where she was going with this.‘Not exactly like old times.’

‘So when are you back off to the Lake District again?”

‘Actually, he moved down here just after you went on holiday.’

‘I thought he had a job up north.’

‘They made him redundant.’

‘Poor Pete. Where’s he living?’

Lisa decided to have some fun. She opened her eyes and looked at Mel. ‘With me.’

Mel sat bolt upright. ‘Seriously? I go on holiday for a fortnight and you move your ex in with you. You owe me a fiver.’

Lisa smirked. ‘He’s staying in the guest bedroom.’

‘Oh yes. And how long is that going to last?’

‘For as long as he needs a roof over his head. Actually, it’s been great having him about the place. He cooks dinner every night. We’ve been to the cinema together. It’s all very civilised.’ And it was. The last couple of weeks had been great having company. The only downside was everyone assuming they were a couple again.

‘So what happens a fortnight on Friday? Is Pete finding somewhere new as well?’

‘No. He’s coming with me.’

‘Isn’t that going to be awkward if you find a new man?’

‘Don’t start that again. I am happy as I am.’

Mel started eyeing up a fit-looking 30-something man who had just walked into the pool area. He caught her eye as he took off his robe.

Mel raised her eyebrows at Lisa. ‘Tall, blonde, blue eyes. He’s just your type. ’

The object of her attention started striding towards them with his head held high and his stomach held in, showing off an impressive set of abs.

‘Ladies,’ he said before descending the steps into the pool. Mel raised her smoothie glass in acknowledgement.

He looked a lot like Nick at that age. It reminded Lisa of the scene in one of his movies where he swam naked. Don’t go there, Lisa . She fanned herself with a treatment brochure that happened to be lying on the table next to her recliner.

‘Hot flush?’ Mel asked.

‘Something like that. Anyway, he fancies himself too much,’ Lisa whispered to Mel when he was out of earshot. ‘And what’s he going to want with an old sod like me?”

‘You’re still looking good for your age.’

‘For my age. Thanks!’

Mr Abs was swimming back towards them now. ‘Are you going to join me?’ He had a soft accent, possibly Canadian. He looked at both of them, but his eyes spent more time on Lisa.

Mel excused herself. ‘I’m going try the steam room before we have to leave.’

‘How about you?’ he asked Lisa.

He was definitely interested, and a swim would be nice. ‘I guess that could be fun.’

Mel and Lisa were sitting together on the District Line train back into London. ‘So? Did you get his number?’ Mel asked.

‘Who? Nathan?’ Lisa said casually.

‘If that’s his name.’

‘He gave me his business card.’

‘And what does he do?’

‘I’m not entirely sure. His job title was vague. I think he’s an advertising exec in the oil industry. ’

‘That sounds well paid.’

‘I’m sure it is. But I’ve no desire to look at his bank balance or any other of his personal assets.’

‘Why not? He’s hot.’

‘And as boring as fuck. I know lots about him, and he knows very little about me. Once he’d got my name, he didn’t ask me any other questions about myself.’

‘He could be a nice little distraction in the bedroom, though. He doesn’t need to be Mr Interesting for that.’

‘I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect someone to enquire about where you’re from or what you do. I got the impression he thought I should be grateful for his attention.’

‘So back home to Pete then? Perhaps you should try online dating?’

‘Oh yeah. Then they Google me, and the first article that comes up is about me in my twenties doing a face plant on stage. I can’t think of anything worse. Besides, I don’t know my left from my right. I’d end up swiping in the wrong direction. As I keep telling you, I’m happy on my own, honestly.’