Abbey immediately perks up.‘You’re getting a dog?’
I force a smile, buckling up for the collision.‘Still looking.Haven’t found the right one.’
Another lie.Cue the credits.
Tom’s eyes light up.‘My friend’s kelpie had a litter.I could pass on his number if you want?’
I nod.This is all perfectly normal and not the crumbling scaffolding of a lie I can’t keep up anymore.‘That would be great.’
Abbey kicks me under the table.
‘What brings you into the city?’I ask, trying to deflect.
‘I work around the corner,’ Tom says.‘Vet clinic on George Street.’
‘Oh.My office is around the corner, too.’
He grins.‘Well then.Maybe we should grab lunch sometime.’
I hear myself say, ‘I’d love that,’ because apparently, I’m a sucker for car wrecks.
Then he’s waving goodbye and heading back to work.
Abbey watches him go before turning to me.‘What the fuck?’
‘I’m not leading him on,’ I mutter.
‘Right.Just casually booking playdates for a dog you don’t even want.’
‘It’s fine,’ I say.‘It’s not like I’m going to date him.’
Abbey stabs her salad.‘You’re still doing the same thing.’
I ignore her.
She doesn’t let it drop.‘The same thing you did with Luke.’
My stomach twists.I pretend not to hear it.
My pain must be evident, because Abbey softens.‘At least come with me to check out that pottery place.The one in Surry Hills.They’ve got a beginner class next week.’
‘Pottery.What am I, a retired divorcee with a voucher?’I say, deadpan.
Abbey gives me a look, as if worried she’ll have to drag me there by the ankles.‘It’ll be good for you.You need a hobby that doesn’t involve dick or alcohol.’
‘I’ll think about it.’
THIRTY-FOUR
I cancel the pottery class on the bus home.
One text.No explanation.No emoji to soften the blow.
Can’t make it tonight.Will make it up to you x
Abbey’s reply is immediate.
You better.
