‘Gustav Holst’s Jupiter?’
‘That should do the job.’ At least it’ll take away the need for conversation.
I sense he’s about to open his arms, so I get in first. ‘A hug is not going to help here. Thanks all the same.’
As the first notes of Miles’s favourite tune bounce off the ceiling I have no idea what the hell is wrong with me, but the idea of burying my face in his chest feels a million times less hideous than it did the last time I thought about it.
Then the vibration of my phone reminds me that however big my problems are, they’re nothing compared to what’s going on across the Atlantic.
37
The kitchen at Boathouse Cottage, St Aidan
Classic fml
Saturday
‘Scarlett!’
‘Betsy, how’s it going?’
As Miles kills his music and my voice echoes around Tate and Scarlett’s kitchen my loyalties feel strangely compromised. If Tate hasn’t told Scarlett about Fudge being here, I don’t want to be the one who dobs them in. And if she doesn’t know about Fudge, telling her about my ruined shoes is off the table.
Then I see Miles giving me a thumbs up as he takes the baking trays out of the proving drawer, and I leap into action. ‘Miles and I are having an evening at the cottage working on his pastry development.’
Her voice goes high. ‘You’re spending Saturday night hanging out with the enemy?’
I’m trying to speak in code. ‘There’s more than one way to crack an egg, Scarlett.’
There’s a moment’s silence, then she gets it. ‘While simultaneously gaining an insight into the other side and their tactics!’ She sounds falsely bright. ‘I’ve said this before, I hope Miles isn’t taking advantage.’
It’s my turn to shriek. ‘I have absolutely nothing he could want or make use of.’
She sniffs. ‘Seriously, you wouldn’t be there if you hadn’t.’ She has every reason to be bitter, but it’s a shock to hear herthiscynical. ‘I rang to tell you I’ve pulled in my Ground Force team to overhaul the exterior spaces at the cottage.’
I’m shocked at that too. ‘I thought the garden was maintenance free?’
‘With what’s coming next, I need to ensure every asset is at its best. The team is flat out, but they’ve agreed to fit me in some time this coming week as a special favour.’
‘Fine. I’ll look out for them.’ I expect her to ring off immediately, but when she doesn’t, I tiptoe in with a question. ‘How are things with you?’
‘I couldn’t be better. The singles scene here is buzzing, and I’ve got dates queuing up around the block.’
‘Well, good for you.’ Of everything I wanted to hear, it wasn’t that. ‘You don’t think it might be better to wait?’
‘I haven’t had loads of wild and wonderful sex like you have, Betsy. I’ve been with the same person since the second week at uni.’
I’m trying to put it gently. ‘People say when you come out of a long relationship, it’s best not to jump into another.’
She lets out a cry. ‘But I can’t be on my own! I haven’t been single for more than four days since I was eleven!’
I wouldn’t be borrowing from Miles, but I’m desperate. ‘If you’re seriously looking for a long-term partner, sleeping your way around New York might not be the best idea. You need to be more… strategic.’ I’m thinking back to what I was told. ‘If you rely on chance encounters, you’ll waste time. It pays to do your research and plan your selections carefully.’
I can hear her interest sharpen. ‘You might be on to something there, Betsy.’
I feel guilty for taking any credit when they’re not my ideas. ‘It’s also a great time to focus on the advantages of not being part of a couple.’
She groans. ‘I can’t think past how tiny the mortgage would be if I applied as a single person.’
