‘Yeah, it’s a long story. I lost a bet with Jasmine,’ she says sulkily.
‘Oh dear.’ The thought of Poppy, who is so image-conscious, walking around as a sausage all night almost cheers me up as I contemplate the thought of being back in my own bed alone. I smile to myself as I picture her outfit. I imagine she will be in the horrors all night.
On the train journey back, I am so mad with Michael that I send him a message.
Just so you know, the girls have seen you on that dating app you’reon, TOM.
Five minutes later, he replies.
Huh? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Who’s Tom? I don’t needto be on a dating app. Haha.
He always adds in ‘haha’ whenever he gets nervous and has been caught out.
Stop lying. You’ve been spotted by more than just the girls and, bythe way, you’re a right catfish lying about your name and age likethat.
Well, I don’t want weirdos knowing my name, and I feel like I’m 45. Ididn’t lie.
Wow. You admit you’re on there. Well, that’s progress.
Since you’re not interested any more, I moved on, and it’s nobodyelse’s business.
You’ve changed your tune. It is my business when Poppy calls me updisgusted, and I almost have to agree with her that someone put you onthere for a prank! She was horrified you could be looking for someonepractically her age!
Alright. I’ll adjust the age setting then. Happy now?
It might be better. You wouldn’t want someone to be disappointed whenyou meet up. Catfish!
He won’t like that one bit, but that’s what he gets for upsetting our girls.
It’s early evening by the time I get back to Swansea, but it seems like the longest day. After having let Elias know that I arrived home safely as he made me promise I would, I ring Carol to see if she fancies a drink. I could really do with one, and besides, the thought of sitting in the flat alone is the last thing I want. Fortunately, Carol feels the same. I throw my bags down, freshen up and rush straight out to meet her.
At the wine bar, we order the two-for-one cocktails and have a good old catch-up. I broach the subject of Elias and tell her how the boys weren’t very welcoming. I also tell her that Elias asked me to spend the summer in France with him.
‘Are you for real? What are you doing still sat here?’ she says, almost spitting out her pina colada.
‘It’s not so easy. I don’t think either set of kids will accept us being together. Poppy sounds dead set on not liking Elias and you should have seen the looks Danny gave me.’
‘Well, I suppose his boys have lost their mam and that’s hard for them. It doesn’t matter who you are, they’re probably going to want to dislike you. I’m sure they won’t when they find out how lovely you are though. I suppose it’s the same with the girls. They never wanted you and Michael to split up, and even now, they hatch plans to get you back together. It’s never nice for anyone; any of this stuff.’
‘No, that’s the thing. Life was so much less complex in our twenties when we met someone. There are so many things to think about at this age.’
‘I know. It’s difficult. Maybe that’s why you need to run off to France with him.’
‘Hmm. That’s what Elias thinks too. It’s just that it all seems to be moving so fast. I wish he lived closer and we could start dating normally and build our relationship. With the distance between us and the hate we’re getting from everyone, it’s difficult to see things properly. I don’t want to rush into something.’
‘Well, I’d be rushing into something head first if I’d met someone like Elias. I think you’re bonkers to even worry about anything. I know everyone will take time to come round to the idea, but you’re being far too cautious. I mean, have you seen that man? Looks, personality and money! What more could you possibly ask for?’
‘Well, that’s the problem. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m after him for the money. I don’t want to be called a gold digger.’
‘He knows you’re not like that. I mean, you hung around with him when you thought he was a skipper. You didn’t know he was a lottery winner.’
‘I know and sometimes I wish I still didn’t know.’
‘You’re overthinking. Say yes to France, spend more time with him and see how it goes. That’s my advice and, if you don’t go, then put in a good word for me. I mean, obvs, I’d never steal your boyfriend from under you, but I’m just saying… If you didn’t want him, like…’
‘Well, I’d be pretty gutted if he did go off with you,’ I say. But I know she is only teasing. I ponder over Elias as I sip on my paper straw. ‘It’s just a bit tough when the people closest to you don’t want you to be together… And that’s from both sides. It almost feels doomed, and I don’t want to get attached to him and get hurt.’
‘Look, it’s all early days. How can the boys not come around to you eventually? They just need time. Same with the girls. Once they meet Elias properly, they’ll be okay about it all.’
