‘Now that the holiday is over, are you planning to say anything to her about what happened?’
She sighs. ‘I told her yesterday. I felt bad, given that she’s still delicate, but I just didn’t feel I could leave it any longer. It didn’t go well, if I’m honest.’
‘What happened?’
‘She accused you of making it up to begin with, as a way of getting back at her for something – I’m not entirely sure what. But then the pieces started to fall into place when we picked it apart. Stuart had told her he was spending New Year’s Eve with us – which he did until we went home. However, she had assumed, fairly enough I think, that “with” meant he’d also stayed the night at ours. When I explained that he’d rented an Airbnb and you’d definitely seen each other at the nightclub, she had to admit that the opportunity had been there. So now she blames you for leading him astray, which isn’t really a surprise, but she’s also furious with me for not telling her as soon as I found out. She’s not speaking to me at the moment.’
‘And Stuart?’
‘No idea. She was so busy blaming you and me that I kind of got the impression she doesn’t think any of it was his fault. I suspect there will still be an uncomfortable conversation, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he manages to talk her around. I’m sad though, because I feel like I’ve lost her friendship.’ She tails off.
‘Maybe,’ I say to her gently, ‘the best thing is to give them space and let them do their thing. She might come round once she’s had time to process it.’
‘It’s such a minefield. The fact that Stuart is Dan’s brother only makes it even more complicated. Dan’s still furious with him so they’re not speaking either. And then there’s the whole mess with you and Gabriel. If anyone suggests a group holiday in the Caribbean again, remind me what a disaster this one has been, will you?’
I look at her and, despite my own unhappiness, my heart goes out to her. Lily is such a gentle soul and it’s clear that all of this has hit her hard too.
‘I’m sorry,’ I say to her. ‘I should have made more effort with Amy at least.’
‘What would it have changed though?’ she asks ruefully. ‘We’d still have ended up where we are once she found out about you and Stuart. I just wish things had worked out between you and Gabriel. That would have been one piece of good news to come home with, at least.’
‘Yet another way I’ve disappointed you,’ I tell her with a sad smile.
‘I just hope he realises what a colossal mistake he’s made,’ she says.
I’m trying hard to be mature and get over him, but the truth is that there’s a big part of me that still hopes that too. More than anything.
32
‘I’ve given it some thought, and I’ve decided to sue the shit out of Gabriel,’ Priya announces angrily after we’ve picked over the story for what feels like the thousandth time over brunch the following weekend. Although I’ve successfully placed a couple of candidates this week, earning a substantial commission from each one, I’ve not been able to take the pleasure in my work that I usually do, as all I’ve been able to think about is Gabriel.
‘What for, exactly?’ Rosie asks. ‘I mean, the way he dumped Tori was horrible, but I don’t think there’s anything lawsuit-worthy in there, is there?’
‘Oh, I don’t know. Something under trades descriptions maybe, for not being the man he appeared to be? Or maybe just being an absolute wanker.’
I laugh grimly. ‘Priya, I’m pretty sure you can’t sue someone for being an absolute wanker, tempting as it is.’
She sighs. ‘I think the law has let me down there. I want to see him pay for what he did to you.’
‘I appreciate your passion, but maybe this is for the best,’ I tell her.
‘It doesn’t feel like it’s for the best. It feels like you’ve been royally fucked over. So, what now?’
‘I don’t know,’ I tell her. ‘I feel very bruised. I think I just need to lick my wounds for a while.’
‘Mm. Make sure you stay away from Flipper.’
‘Flipper is probably busy with his own truckload of shit but, even if Amy dumps him, you can rest assured I’m not going anywhere near him again.’
‘You say that, but you’re vulnerable. Who knows what you might do?’
‘I may be vulnerable, but I’m not insane.’
‘What about that other guy, the one you shared a room with?’ Rosie suggests. ‘You were quite pally by the end of the holiday, weren’t you? I know you said there wasn’t a spark, but are you sure?’
‘We’re friends, no more,’ I tell her firmly. I’m going to need something to focus on over the next few weeks, to stop me going over and over what might have been, or what I could have said and done differently. Project Ro-Ro, as Priya and I have nicknamed it, is exactly the thing.
‘But it could become more,’ she persists.
