Not much has changed since we grew up. It was one of the best days of my life when I got to tell him I’d become a billionaire – something he could never dream of becoming, even as a top-flight barrister.
His reserved congratulations and gritted-teeth smile felt like a victory at the time, but since then I’ve heard from him less and less. I guess because the money’s become a bit of a barrier between us. I finally beat him at something and he hates it.
I’m distracted from my thoughts by the employee waving the cat toy at me again and insistently nodding towards the meerkats.
So I take it from her and let myself in through the gate, moving slowly over to where the two of them have now separated so one of them can sit on its hind legs and look around him for any danger, keeping the both of them safe, I guess.
I get a strange little flutter in my chest as I see how focused these guys are on looking out for each other.
It’s not something me and my siblings have ever been any good at.
I’ve always just taken care of myself.
Dutifully, I bounce the colourful tail near the meerkat that’s not on guard duty and he takes up the challenge immediately, running in circles and almost cartwheeling whilst trying to grab hold of it with his paws and teeth.
I find myself starting to laugh as his brother joins him and we all play around for a bit, enjoying each other’s company in a way I never have before with animals.
Perhaps I should get myself a couple of meerkats for housemates once I get home.
Joke.
But in all seriousness, it’s going to feel pretty empty in my house with just me rattling around in it until it’s finally sold.
Unless I don’t go home.
Perhaps I should keep travelling round the world for the rest of my life?
But I know, as soon as I’ve thought this, that I wouldn’t want to do it alone.
My eyes are drawn to Chloe, who’s still pinned to the sofa by the sleeping kitten.
She glances up, as if sensing I’m looking for her, and smiles.
My heart turns over.
Jesus.
I really need to pull myself together, or I’m going to fuck things – and myself – up.
We’re just having fun. This isn’t going to turn into anything serious. She’s still too raw after her split with that arsehole.
‘You look like you’re having fun, counter to all your “I’m too cool for this” instincts,’ she calls over to me.
‘Yeah, okay, Dasher. You win, this is fun,’ I admit, flashing her a grin.
Her laugh is warm and full-throated.
‘I’m guessing this is the cheapest fun you’ve had in a while?’ she says.
‘Oh, I don’t know,’ I fire back, raising a suggestive eyebrow.
‘I hope you’re not calling me cheap,’ she says, but there’s levity to her voice.
I hold up my hand. ‘I wouldn’t dare. Not now you know how to cut me in two with a sword,’ I point out.
* * *
We spend another happy hour there, having first rabbits, then a miniature pig, of all things, put in our laps to stroke.
