‘I’m really sorry. I forgot to mention it before I wrote the notes. It was all a bit of a whirl. It all happened so quickly.’
‘Forgot? That’s ridiculous. It’s a huge deal. You should have mentioned it in your SwapBnB post.’
‘Again, I’m sorry. I forgot.’
‘Howcan you have forgotten? I mean, you effectively entered into this swap under false pretences.’
‘I didnotdo anything under false pretences.’ Her voice had gone very high-pitched.
‘You should have mentioned it.’
‘I’m sorry that I forgot to mention it but maybe you should haveaskedif it’s this important to you. A lot of places don’t have reliable Wi-Fi. I mean, a lot of people wanting to get away from it all for a few months might not feel the need to be fully connected at all times. Some people are actually seeking out a break from modern, connected life. And obviously, if you’d asked, I would have told you.’
‘Are you joking? I live in London. I have a job. And we’re in the US here. I didn’t choose to go and live in a remote village in a developing country famous for its lack of internet access, did I?
‘I have a job too, and I don’t have a problem with the Wi-Fi,’ Cassie said. ‘Surely the onus was on you to ask if you care this much?’
‘Really? I mean, really? That’s ridiculous. Wi-Fi’s a basic necessity, like running water and central heating.’
‘Well, I’m sorry. Although, we do have Wi-Fi daily, just not all the time. And, as I said, I have a job and I manage totally fine with it the way it is.’
James shook his head and raindrops splattered his face. ‘You should absolutely have told me.’
‘Like you should have told me about Emily?’
He gritted his teeth. ‘I apologise for that but I did not know that Emily would come back.’
‘I did not know that you would need constant Wi-Fi but would not tell me that.’
James muttered a couple of words.
‘Did you justswearat me over the phone?’
‘Yes, I did,’ he said.
‘I’m sorry but I amsoannoyed. Ibloodybent over backwards for you. I travelled earlier than I wanted to. I bought new bed linen and towels for you and apparently they weren’t good enough for you. I cooked food for you. I left notes for you. I did everything I could think of to make this a good stay for you. You got to travel when you wanted to. I’m grateful for the wine, thank you, but you didn’t even leave bread or milk for me and I had to buy sheets and towels the day I arrived.’ She was almost babbling.
‘Cassie. You’re in the middle ofLondonwith everything you could possibly need on your doorstep. And everything you need is readily available. This island’s the arse end of nowhere and what I need is working Wi-Fi so that I can do myjob.’
‘Are youshoutingat me? And calling my home the arse end of nowhere?’
‘Yes, I am,’ he yelled.
‘Right.’ She paused. ‘I’m going to apologise again for having forgotten to mention the Wi-Fi, which does actually work, just not all the time. And I think you should apologise to me.’ She stopped talking.
James said nothing. He didn’t want to carry on ranting at her but the Wi-Fi issue washuge.
‘Really?’ Cassie said. And ended the call.
James held the phone in front of him and swore at it. He really wished Cassie could hear him.
A message had come through while he’d been on the phone. Dee.
Just to let you know that am on way to deliver your flowers and gift to Cassie
Oh, for God’s sake. Perfect timing.
Eight
