‘Ex-wife,’ Mark added vehemently. ‘Sorry about this, Millie, she’s talking about our dogs.’
‘You havedogs?!’ she said, alarmed.
We both stopped at that.
‘Yes. The sausage dogs in my photos. Do you not like dogs?’
Millie wrinkled her tiny nose. ‘I’m allergic. Like,really bad.’
‘Oh. Thatisa shame.’ I couldn’t help but smile. ‘Mark loves the girls, and their wiry hairs are all over the house. And in the bed, of course,’ I said, with a wink. ‘And, darling, I’ve been meaning to tell you – I’m going away for a few weeks, so you’ll have to play single parent until I’m back.’
‘Away where? When? I thought you were ill?’
‘Norway. One of those Scandi spas – you know the type. Impossible to get into normally, but Abi managed to pull a few strings. Mum and Dad will have the dogs on my weeks so it shouldn’t affect you too much, but I thought you should know in case there’s an emergency. It’s only for a month.’
‘Amonth?’ he blustered, eyes bulging. ‘But I can’t possibly do any more than…’
‘Well, you might have to,’ I interrupted, with a smile. ‘Dogs are for life; we both know that. I’m sure your mum will help if you get stuck. Have you met Mark’s mum?’ I turned to Millie, who shook her head. ‘Nightmare,’ I whispered behind my hand. ‘Anyway! Take care, orha det braas they say in Norway. Enjoy your lunch.’
I needed to book that last slot in Firefly Forest, and fast. I strode off, handing Ron his lunch as I went past and filling my face with mine while I waited for the lift. I ran in, propped my phone against a bottle of wine and proceeded to payment.
Focus, Sara, focus,I thought, trying to steady my mind. Nothing was more important in this moment than securing that place. My hands were shaking as I auto filled my credit card details, panicking that someone else might book on that green dot before me. Click, swipe, face scan and it was done. It was too easy to spend money these days. My phone even recognised my face when it was stuffed full of sausage roll. Yes! I was IN. My brain flooded with dopamine as I poured myself a glass of wine to celebrate. This would be an excellent way to busy myself for a month. If I stayed here, I’d only stalk Mark’s Instagram day and night, obsessing over who he was with. Then I’d look up Millie, and her friends and family, and her ex-boyfriends and their ex-girlfriends… I was driving myself mad even thinking about it. No. I was going to Emma Stone’s spa and that was the end of it.
HIIT me upGroup Chat
Me: Ladies – I’ve only gone and booked it! I’m off to Norway!
Abi: Random. Why?
Me: To that retreat you recommended! The Emma Stone one.
Abi: No way.
Me: Yep. Firefly Forest. I’m being spontaneous. Thank her for me when you see her.
Kat: YESSS! You go, babes!
