‘Do I even want to know what a DMC is?’ Alice could only imagine what he was going to come out with.
‘It’s a deep and meaningful chat. You know, sharing is caring and all that.’
Alice couldn’t help but scoff. ‘Onlyyoucould plan for an emotional conversation.’
They hadn’t even started the schedule and she was nervous. She didn’t want to put a dampener on something he’d clearly spent a lot of time on, but she didn’t think anyone other than Alfie would have enough energy to complete this timetable; certainly not her.
‘So, as it’s the first day, I’ll choose the topic. I’m going for food.’
Alice let out a groan.
‘Wait, please don’t tell me you’re not a foodie? I had so much hope after the pasta, cheese and beans! Please don’t break my heart and reveal you only eat beige food like digestive biscuits and potato waffles?’
‘Try existing only on coffee and takeout sushi.’ She grimaced, knowing what was coming.
‘Oh, for Christ’s sake. Every day?’
‘Every glorious day. I took the decision to upgrade from my pasta dish when I got my first real job.’
‘Wow. You really did take a step up in the world, didn’t you?’
‘It hasn’t exactly worked in my favour. Why do you think it’s taken me so bloody long to recover? My body was made of caffeine and raw tuna.’
He laughed. ‘Now, isn’t that an attractive thought …’
She reached across with her unblemished hand and slapped him hard on the arm. Over time, their beds had seemed to grow closer and closer together. On some mornings, if the light shone just right, she could almost make out his silhouette lying next to her.
‘Fine. Well, this will be a short and very boring game then, won’t it! LET’S GO.’
She let out another groan.
‘Oh yes, my friend, we are still playing, don’t you worry about that. Remember, this is just the first activity – you’regoing to need more enthusiasm if you’re going to last the whole day.’
She wasn’t sure it was enthusiasm she needed, more like a heavy dose of Valium.
‘OK. Pizza or pasta?’
‘Erm … my heart says pasta because, well, it kept me alive for a good four years, but then again pizza is so goddam good. You know what, for old times’ sake I’m saying pasta.’
‘Firstly, good answer. Secondly, this isn’t an opportunity for a monologue, Alice. You can’t think about it, it’s got to be instant!’
‘Give me a break, that was the first one. I bet you’re more competitive than your kids at school, aren’t you?’
‘Don’t start deflecting or distracting by askingmequestions, Alice, I know your game. But yes, of course I am. The kids never stand a chance against me. Now, question two …’
And so it went, back and forth for a good half-hour, until Alfie finally agreed to let Alice ask some questions.
‘I’m not doing food because clearly I have no real knowledge of it. Ohhhh, I know. My category is people.’
‘People?’
‘Yeah, people.’
‘As in …’
‘Don’t start deflecting or distracting, Alfie. I give you two people and you choose one.’
‘Someone is feeling sassy today, I like it! Fine.’
