Suddenly feeling very silly, I confirm that there’s really nothing wrong. ‘I was just wondering if you’ve heard from Gregory?’
‘You really have it bad don’t you? No, I’ve not heard from him. He should touch down shortly: half-past four, quarter to five, give or take for wind and what have you.’
‘Thanks, Jackson. Are you with Sandy?’
‘I’ll let you know if I hear from him. And she’s right next to me. Would you like me to put her on?’
‘Erm, yes please, just for a sec; I’m at work.’
‘Scarlett, sweets?’ Her bubbly voice is my ultimate reassurance.
‘Hey, Sandy. How are you?’
‘Not bad. I’m just having a couple of hours’ break before I get started on dinner. Are you all right?’
‘Mmhmm, sure. Are you enjoying your break with Jackson?’
Sandy scoffs. I imagine her rolling her eyes at the phone. ‘That’s really none of your business, missy. Get back to work.’
‘Enjoy the rest of your break,’ I sing, receiving a puff of air before Sandy hangs up.
My iPhone rings. Quickly grabbing it, I see a number I don’t recognise. ‘Scarlett Heath,’ I say.
‘Scarlett, it’s Amy here. Would you like me to make you dinner this evening?’
‘Oh, hi, Amy.’ I try my best not to let my disappointment show. ‘Erm, no, gosh, it’s fine. I’ll make myself something.’
‘Scarlett, darling, this is my job. Now, what would you like? I do a mean fish pie?’
‘A mean fish pie sounds wonderful, thank you.’
‘Excellent, I’ll leave it in the oven so you just need to reheat it whenever you get home. Pop it on 180 for half an hour; that should do it.’
‘You’re a star, Amy.’
‘I know,’ she chuckles. ‘I’ll most likely be gone when you get home but you can get me on this number if you need me. Otherwise, I’ll see you in the morning.’
Is this what life with Gregory would be like? Me completely dependent on him,tracking his movements,dealing with his staff?
A last-minute meeting drags me away from staring at my silent phone. It’s almost eight fifteen by the time I get back to my desk, so I do a final check of my emails and decide to call it a day. I text Kenneth and he’s waiting outside when I step out into the blustering wind and rain.
Following Amy’s instructions, I set my mean fish pie off heating in the oven and take a shower, coming back to the emptiness of the lounge that now feels bigger than ever, and curling up on the sofa in my oversized jumper to eat my dinner. Everywhere I go, my iPhone comes with me. Still nothing. The feeling of unease I have is increasing and it’s not just because I’ve not heard from Gregory. This is the first time I’ve been in the apartment alone for any length of time. I’ve never stayed here alone and my mind is beginning to wander to the spot of the floor which was covered in a crimson pool on Saturday night.
I used to feel like this as a child when my dad was workingthe night shift.What I wouldn’t give to know Sandy was in the bedroom next to me tonight.
I squeal when my phone beeps to announce a text.
How’s my girl? I miss you.
Biting my bottom lip in an attempt to slim the excessively wide smile spreading across my face, I reply.
Your girl is missing you too. I’m wishing it was Friday already.
Me too, baby. I’m heading out for a run before breakfast. Sweet dreams, don’t let the mites bite.
I laugh to myself.
I think you mean bed bugs, baby. The saying is don’t let the bed bugs bite.
