‘It wasn’t Lewis anyway.’
‘So, you’ve got three of us on the go now, then? Great!’
‘That’s it, I’m trying to be honest with you here but I’ve had enough. It was fun, Ed, and you have helped me through a really bad time and for that I’m really grateful.’
Gracie got up and rushed towards the door, Ed followed swiftly.
On reaching her car, Ed beckoned for her to wind down the window. She did so hesitantly.
Ed looked less angry now, more forlorn. ‘Look, Gracie, I’m sorry for shouting. I kind of hoped we might make a proper go of it, that’s all.’
Gracie let out a slow breath. ‘I know,’ she said softly. ‘I wanted that, too. For a while.’
‘OK,’ he murmured.
‘I never wanted to upset you, Ed.’
‘You haven’t.’ He shrugged. ‘See you around, Gracie Davies. Be happy, heh?’
With a sad smile, Gracie wound up the window and, without looking back, drove off.
SEVENTY-THREE
Maya smiled warmly as Gracie pulled up outside her flat. Boris was wagging his tail furiously in the back seat.
‘It’s so good to see you.’ Maya gave her a big kiss on the cheek. ‘It’s been too long.’
Gracie beamed. ‘Yes, it has. I’ve got so much to tell you.’
‘Are you sure you’re all right going to the common? I mean, it’s your workplace now.’
‘I need a long walk and Boris needs to let off steam, so it’s perfect.’
‘It’s such a beautiful day, too,’ Maya added.
Gracie pulled into the car park and was relieved that Ed’s van wasn’t there. She hadn’t heard a word from him since the episode the other night, and was really glad that she hadn’t. She’d just have to avoid the main car park from now on and hope she didn’t bump into him too often.
‘Coffee first?’ Gracie suggested.
‘Yes, why not?’
Boris barked. ‘We won’t be long, Muttley, I promise.’
Gracie headed into the familiar Windmill Café while Maya waited outside on a bench with the dog. She had asked for a smoothie instead of her usual black coffee.
‘We can sit up at the end so nobody sees you smoking, if you like?’ Gracie offered as she put their drinks down on the table.
‘No, here is fine, we are in the sun.’
‘So… tell me what’s happening with you. Still working hard at the café?’
‘I’m pregnant, Gracie.’ Maya was never anything short of direct.
‘Shit. And by the look on that face you really don’t want to be? Whose is it?’
‘He’s a married man.’
‘Oh, Maya.’
