Well that would’ve been difficult given I’ve been in bed with flu.
KATE
Oh my god.
I didn’t realise.
Why didn’t you tell me?
I actually had to scroll up to double-check that I had told her I was unwell. That I hadn’t imagined it in my feverish state. But there it was, just a few messages above. Proof that I had told her.
RYAN
I did say I was unwell.
But it’s okay.
KATE
I’m so fucking sorry, Ryan.
I should’ve been there for you.
Are you okay?
I hesitated before replying. I was okay…because Dominic had made sure of it. His words about being there for your partner were ringing in my ears. Part of me, a large part, knew he was right. That I should be pissed at Kate and questioning whether this would be the norm in future—whether I’d be able to rely on her in times of need.
But it was the knowledge of who I had been able to rely on that kept my anger at bay. The guilt at how relieved I’d been to wake up and see Dom.
To know he hadn’t left me alone.
RYAN
I’m fine, don’t worry about it. Dinner tomorrow?
KATE
God, now I feel even worse.
I have to go to the Manchester office this afternoon for work.
I’ll be back on the 25th.
Normally, I didn’t begrudge Kate having time away, especially not for her career. But with Dominic living next door, distance from her wasn’t what I needed right now.
RYAN
But I’m going on my trip with Frank on the 24th.
I won’t be back until two days before the wedding.
And even then, you’ll be at the hotel.
Kate wasn’t having a traditional hen do, instead opting to spend the two nights prior to our wedding at the hotel where it was taking place, to make use of the spa facilities.
KATE
Oh, that’s true.
