Embracing her, he leant down to kiss the head of his girl. ‘So, how was Katherine?’
‘Katherine was pissed.’
‘The whole time?’
‘Yep.’ Vic sighed heavily. ‘My fault on Friday, though, as I felt I had to drink wine to get through it myself.’
‘Oh, dear.’ Nate held her tightly.
‘Tell me about it. I’m not sure how I managed to stay the two nights, but the place was in a mess, as usual, so I cleared up and took Chandler on a couple of decent walks to the river. It’s just so depressing that she won’t help herself.’
He lowered his head to kiss her. Vic quickly pulled away. ‘Ew, Nate! You stink of beer, sweat and cigarettes.’
‘Hmm. A desirable combination.’ He grinned boyishly. ‘And I did tell you to stay home. We’re like ships that pass in the night, lately.’
Vic smiled back at him apologetically. ‘I wish I had. I fell for the guilt trip. She sounded sober when I last spoke to her. Promised me she was off it. And when I got there, she proceeded to be vile and tell me that I was always the bridesmaid.’ Vic made a little groaning noise. ‘She’s like Jekyll and Hyde when she’s drinking.’
‘I’m sorry it was so awful.’ Nate squeezed her arm, then went to the fridge. ‘When’s Mandy’s hen do, anyway?’
‘Next weekend. I could do with it being the week after. I haven’t arranged any sort of surprises yet and, being head bridesmaid, that’s my job, evidently.’
‘So I’ll be home all alone again,’ Nate said dramatically, levering the top off his Budweiser and pulling a piteous face. ‘Although I’ll be working for most of it.’
‘Exactly.’ Vic shook her head at him. ‘And it was you who chose to take on the most anti-social job in the world.’
‘Yes, and I’m still not sure if it’s what I want to do. I feel caged. It’s a cool restaurant, but when I’m out the back in thatsteaming kitchen, I could be at a Michelin star place or at Nando’s. It makes no difference to me. And I can’t see me becoming a head chef anytime soon. The money’s shite for the hours I do, too.’
‘Oh, Nate.’ Vic started to busy herself by clearing the washing-up bowl.
‘What does “Oh, Nate” mean? Please don’t start on me. And leave that – it’s my mess. I’ll sort it later.’
Feeling a twinge of guilt for laying into Nate, who despite working ridiculously long hours did usually pull his weight in the flat, Vic turned off the hot tap and squeezed his arm. ‘I’m sorry, Boo. I’m just agitated after the weekend I had. I looked at Mum before I left. She’s sixty-one now, which isn’t in any way old, and I can’t see her ever giving up the booze. I reckon she’ll continue the same old routine, doing the same cleaning jobs until she’s so unfit she can’t. She’ll sit on the same old sofa, poisoning herself and watching the same crap TV for the rest of her life. It’s such a waste. What if I end up like her?’
‘What the fuck, Vic? Listen to me. You’re the one who tells me that we’re all in charge of our own destiny. You’re doing well in your job, you have great friends, and most importantly, you have me.’ Nate’s eyes smiled at her. ‘I do love you, you know.’
‘I know, but we’re thirty-five and still live in a one-bedroom rented flat in Wandsworth.’
‘Oh, Vic. Not this again. Most couples our age are in exactly the same situation.’
As Vic emptied the filthy ashtray into the bin, her subconscious spoke up without warning. ‘It’s not just that, is it?’
‘What is it then, baby girl? Talk to me.’
Vic let out a funny little anguished groan. ‘I’m too tired to do anything now. And you will remember to ask for the weekend off for Mandy’s wedding, won’t you?’
‘What date is it again?’
‘Nate! I’ve told you so many times.’ Vic tutted. ‘And whathappened here?’ She picked up her art easel, which was lying on the floor, and propped it against the kitchen wall in its rightful place. Nate shrugged. ‘And it’s next month, the nineteenth of November. The wedding, that is.’
Nate screwed up his face. ‘Weird time of year to be getting married, isn’t it?’
‘I know. Her brother’s flying over from New York, and it was the only time he could fit in around his work, or something.’
‘I’ll try and get it off but no promises, all right?’
She rounded on him. ‘Really?! It’s my best mate’s wedding, for Christ’s sake.’
Nate took a slurp of beer and laughed. ‘I’m teasing you, little one.’ As he kissed the back of her neck, Vic wriggled, giggled, then pulled away. ‘I’ll be there. But for now, how about I have a shower and then me and my moody little Sharpie can make some much needed lurve.’
