‘But we were always on the winning side. You were our secret weapon. You know almost everything.’
He’d forced a smile out of her too.
‘Flattery won’t get you anywhere, either.’
‘So, what do you want?’ The fear on his face was palpable. ‘There’s no one else is there? Someone who’s made you feel differently?’
‘No, there bloody isn’t. Incredibly, a woman can have the urge to change her life without there being a man on the horizon.’
‘OK, keep your hair on. What exactly is your plan then?’
‘For once, I don’t have a plan, that’s the whole point. I want to explore new ideas, travel more. I met a woman today who was working as an artist in residence in the town here, who was inspiring.’
‘A woman? You’re not…’
‘No, Doug. I’m not rushing off to be a lesbian either. Typical of a man to think that. Would that make you feel better?’
Doug’s face made her think it definitely would.
‘Don’t answer that. I just want to experience new things.’
‘And we couldn’t do this together?’
Charlotte was torn for a moment, seeing the devastated look on his face, but there was no going back.
‘No, it’s something I have to do on my own.’
‘Are you saying it’s definitely over between us?’
Charlotte took a deep breath and looked into his eyes, the bright blue eyes she’d looked into every morning for as long as she could remember.
‘I am. With a heavy heart and a lot of sadness, I am.’
The tears that formed in his eyes and slipped down his cheeks were mirrored in her own. They held hands over the table and stared at each other until the tears dried.
Charlotte was the first to shatter the silence.
‘You probably don’t think it now, but you’ll end up thanking me in years to come.’
Doug’s laugh was brittle.
‘Can’t see that happening, but at least I know there’s no point hoping any longer.’
‘We’ll sort everything out between us when I get back. I’m going to take the last two days of my holiday as planned. I presume you have somewhere to stay tonight?’
Doug gave a short, miserable nod.
‘We’ll tell the boys together…’
‘Oh my God, the boys.’
‘I promise I won’t slag you off to them, and I’ll explain it’s a joint decision. You are a great dad.’
‘Just not such a great husband…’
‘Don’t play the pity card.’
The twinkle was back she was glad to see. It was faint, but there somewhere.
