Page 20 of Yearning Difficulties

I blinked and spotted Killian. He was wearing his jeans and a black pea coat. He jogged across Main Street to join me and I slipped a mask of breeziness back onto my face.

‘You’re late.’

‘I’m on time for regular people, Red. Maybe not theatre people but I’m—’

‘This should be one of the rules,’ I said haughtily. ‘No meandering excuses.’

He laughed. ‘What the hell have I signed myself up for?’

‘Street credibility and pleasing your mum,’ I said. ‘So go on. What’re your rules?’

‘Ah, no, you got us into this fake relationship. You make the rules.’

We started to walk across town, passing Mrs McKnee and her two highland cows, as she took them for an afternoon stroll. The clouds above were oyster grey but the sun was still refusing to go.

‘Okay,’ I said thoughtfully. ‘Even though this isn’t real, no talking shit about the other behind their back.’

‘Goes without saying. Valvert really did a number on you, didn’t he? I would never talk shit about you, Red.’

‘Good. Easy rule then. Your turn.’

I watched him while he considered what to say. He was so much taller than me, he almost eclipsed the cool autumnal sunshine. ‘Fine. Rule number two. This is a very small town.’

‘It is,’ I acknowledged. ‘So?’

‘So! Right now, we’re being watched.’

‘Figuratively or literally?’

‘Literally. Look over at the market.’

I did and I giggled when I saw Ester, from the market, staring openly at the pair of us. She didn’t even have the decency to look away when I caught her. She continued to sweep the pavement and observe us with fascination. The wind chose that moment to pick up, scattering autumn leaves all across the pavement, making Ester grumble with irritation.

‘You’re correct, but what’s the rule?’ I asked.

‘We have to make this a little bit convincing. Or people will catch the lie pretty quickly, Red.’

He was right. We couldn’t walk about town like two overly stiff acquaintances, not if we wanted to convince Dr Bergery.

So I slipped my arm into his. He looked down at the movement, seemingly surprised by it.

‘There,’ I said. ‘Done. Tongues will wag. My turn?’

He coughed. ‘Uh, sure.’

‘Chris and Anderson should know. I don’t feel great about lying to your best friend and brother.’

Killian paused, taking time to think this one over. ‘Deal.’

‘But everyone else has to buy it.’

‘Got it.’

It suddenly began to rain. The fast, unforgiving kind that only showed up in Lake Pristine during the autumn months. Killian cursed, opening his coat and pulling me inside it. My eyes must have widened but I felt instantly warmer and less exposed.

I pointed to a shop across the square. ‘Brooks Books. George will have his little heater on.’

We made a run for it, breaking into the quiet little bookstore and shaking off the rain. A few disgruntled book lovers gave us disapproving looks.