Right at the point where I actually want us to be together.
Needus to be together.
Something’s changed. And I can’t blame Hamish this time around. The more I think about what happened during Monday Six (Ten Years Ago) the more certain I am that I did the right thing. In spite of everything, and I include the fact that I am a sweaty confused mess right now, I still feel better because of what went down. I feel so much lighter. So, is this the pay-off? Is it one or the other? Ditch Hamish and Callum also has to go?
I kick my feet out in front of me despondently.
I need help. I need my best friend.
‘Penny,’ I say as she accepts the video call.
‘Nina? What time is it?’ She yawns. ‘Are you drunk on plane wine yet?’
My bottom lip wobbles as the soothing sounds of my best friend fills my ears.
‘I miss you so much,’ I sniff.
‘Love, you literally saw me last night. Remember? You neededhelp choosing which exact pair of cashmere socks would go best with your travel outfit.’
‘You chose the ones with little hearts on,’ I say fondly.
‘Yes, I did, because I love you. What’s up? You look sad.’
‘I’m having a bit of a time of it,’ I say.
‘Who do you need me to kill?’
I let out a snotty laugh. ‘No one. I’ve sort of been vanquishing my own demons left right and centre.’
‘Okay, but I’m ready to Thelma and Louise the shit out of any situation, you just say the word.’ Penny beams at me. ‘Anyway, what demons? Who have you vanquished?’
Deep breaths.
‘Pen, could you do me a favour and just suspend belief for a bit? I’m going to say some things that might sound a hundred per cent insane.’
Penny chuckles. ‘Tell me something I don’t know. You say insane things all the time, love. For example, you’re the only woman I know who does not love skirts with pockets. What is with that?’
‘Pockets make them bulky.’
‘Stop it. And you don’t like gingham.’
‘It reminds me of primary school uniform! Are all your Nina’s insane arguments going to be fashion-based?’ I pout.
‘You like to talk … on the phone.’ She pulls a case-in-point face.
‘I like to talk full stop! It’s nice to have a conversation.’
‘Not on the phone.’ Penny looks disgusted. ‘You are the only person I make an allowance for.’
‘Okay, fine!’ I huff. ‘I am a completely insane, pocket-hating, phone-loving, gingham-averse weirdo. Is that better?’
‘Yes. And I love you all the more for it. Now, what’s up? I’m all ears.’
‘Right …’ I chew my lip. ‘Here’s the thing. You know Callum Bang?’
‘Dr Evil, yes.’
‘What if I said that we’ve been bonding lately?’
