Yes, I’m single and live alone, but things have been hectic recently. I never come to East London and this bar is the perfect place to people-watch on a sunny Thursday evening. I was annoyed at first when I realized how far it was to the trapeze class that Phil suggested, but I’ve discovered there’s a direct train from Dalston to Forest Hill and it only takes half an hour. There are families out walking, groups of laughing mates headed for a night out, cyclists zipping down a path nearby, pissing everyone else off. This is London at its best and I’m going to take a moment to enjoy it.
It’s been a few weeks since my official goodbye to Matthew and I’ve been sure to keep myself super busy. There’s been a lotto do, what with work, flat searching, and organizing last-minute details for Ruby’s hen do, which is this weekend. I haven’t spoken to Matthew at all. I was surprised when he sent an unprompted text the day after we met up, emphasizing how sorry he was, that all he wanted was for me to get the happiness I deserve, and that he’d always love me.
I read it a few times and then I deleted it. Along with his number.
I can’t get over how hard the trapeze is. I guess it doesn’t look like a walk in the park, to be fair. You know from a glance that it’s going to need balance, a good core, and a lot of upper-body strength, butstill.I could barely get myself up on that thing, let alone twirl about with it. I’ll just sit here, drinking my rosé, marveling at it instead.
My phone starts going and I grapple to get my headphones in as I answer a video call from Adrian, with Dad in on it as well.
“Where are you?” Dad immediately questions, peering at the screen.
“Who are you talking to, me or Adrian?”
“You, Freya,” he clears up.
“I’m at a trapeze class.”
“You look like you’re at a bar.”
“Well, now I am. But I was at a trapeze class.”
“That’s cool,” Adrian declares, looking impressed. “How was it?”
“It turns out, I’m a natural.”
Adrian raises his eyebrows. “You left the class early to go to the bar, didn’t you?”
“The most important thing is that I tried the class,” I say haughtily. “Where are you, Adrian? You look smart in your suit.”
“I’m at work. Just on my lunch break. Looks like a nice sunny day in London.”
“It’s roasting.”
“You need to wear a hat, Freya,” Dad says, gesturing to the sun hat he’s currently sporting.
“Thanks, Dad, but I think I’m all right in the evening sun,” I chuckle.
“How are you, Adrian? All well?” Dad asks curiously.
“I’m good. The reason I’m calling you both is because I got my holiday approved for Christmas, so I can fly home!”
“Yes!” I cry, holding up my glass as I toast to the screen. “That’s great news!”
“Excellent,” Dad agrees, beaming at the phone. “I’m delighted.”
“And… well…” Adrian sighs, before taking a deep breath. “I thought I’d ask Nolan if he wanted to join me for the trip. If that’s okay with you.”
“We would love to meet him,” Dad says cheerily. “Tell him he must come!”
“I’m not going to force him, Dad.” Adrian smiles, rolling his eyes. “But he mentioned the other day he’s never been to England and would love to go, so I thought I’d take that as a hint. Things are going well with him, too. I really like him. He might think it’s too early to fly all the way over to meet the family, and, of course, he might want to spend Christmas with his family but I thought—”
“Ask him,” Dad interrupts. “If you don’t ask, you won’t know.”
“Agreed,” I say, grinning into the phone. “I’m so happy things are going well with him, Adrian. I can’t wait to meet him! We’ll make sure he feels right at home.”
“Yes, he can admire my pond!” Dad exclaims. “It’s coming along very nicely. Although I suppose it won’t look so impressive in the winter. Will you take him to meet your mother, too?”
“I don’t know. I think so.” Adrian hesitates. “What do you think, Freya?”
