‘Just another press circus by the sound of it.’ Dee yawned.
‘Yes– and what was I thinking of, wanting to marry a ringmaster?’
‘Ha! You may be sad but you’re still sharp as a tack, missus.’
‘It’s miss, actually.’ Sabrina replied deadpan. ‘Forevermore.’
‘Shit, sorry, love.’
Sabrina laughed a little sadly. ‘It’s fine. I’ve got to get used to being the spinster of the parish, haven’t I? Anyway, back to Isaac– another one of the articles said that his sister, Elizabeth, had a mystery illness. Fuck!’
‘What’s wrong?’
‘I just realised she must have died. I came across a grave, with the words ‘Fly Free, Lizzie’ on it.’
‘Aw, Rini. That’s sad,’ Dee said.
‘Yes, isn’t it? Sad, and a tad weird as she’s buried in his garden, so to speak. I say garden, but he has acres of land and it’s such a beautiful spot where she is, under an oak tree looking out to sea.’
‘Aw, bless him.’
‘Yes. Despite him appearing to be on his high horse, he does seem to be a good guy, too. His girlfriend is so sweet too… Belle. She bought me the breakfast supplies earlier. I feel such a fool as I told her my name was Jilly and now they both know that I’m a complete charlatan.’
‘Rini, are you on something? Why did you tell her that?’
‘Because she played along that my new husband was sleeping inside and then asked me my name as she said they hadn’t been given it. I just figured it might add a layer of anonymity just in case she wasn’t aware of who we were. I mean, not everybody watches the soaps.’
‘But most people can’t miss the headlines these days. Maybe she didn’t know then or just realised that you didn’t want to talk about it. Made it easy for you.’
‘Yes, You’re right. She’s so lovely. What a flipping mess!’ Sabrina sighed. ‘She told me that Isaac only allows a select few to stay here so the plot kind of thickens as there must have been some sort of connection with him and Dom.’
‘Calm your drama-twisted mind, sweetheart. There probably isn’t a plot at all. You know what that ex of yours is like, he knows everyone and plays everyone like a fiddle when he wants something.’
‘I know it sounds mad, but I actually miss his belligerence. I miss… God, I miss him.’ Her voice became that of a whining teenager. ‘Stupid tosser!’
‘OK. So, why not take this time to realise exactly what you miss about him? And, more importantly, what you don’t. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in our busy lives we don’t sit back and think about our relationships, what works and what doesn’t. We just let it all flow and then moan without even confronting the issues.’
‘AreyouOK, Dee?’
Dee faltered for a second. ‘This is about you two, not me.’
‘You’ve never liked Dom, have you? You can tell me now.’
Dee broke the far too long silence. ‘Do you think you’ll take him back?’
‘My head is screaming “NO” in every language. My heart is still gently saying “maybe”. How is someone supposed to deal with something like this? How can love just turn to hate in a nanosecond? I mean, I haven’t fallen out of love with the man, and as much as I am calling him every swear word under the sun, I’m still quite clearly very much fanny-deep in.’
‘You’re gross. And you’re right– that’s why we grieve and hurt at the loss of a relationship. Saying that, if Stu did what Dom did, I’d be talking to you from a prison phone.’
Sabrina, taking a breath to contain her sob, made a gasping sound. ‘Oh, Dee, what the fuck am I going to do?’
‘Oh, darling. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. I am here for you, you know that. ‘The loyal Essex woman’s voice started to wobble as well. ‘It’s going to be alright, mate.’
‘I don’t want to face anybody. I don’t want anyone to talk to me. I can’t bear it.’
‘That’s just how you’re feeling now.’
‘Maybe, but I especially don’t want Dom to know I’m here. I just hope he hasn’t contacted Isaac already to see if I am.’
