Page 110 of So, I Met This Guy . . .

‘That’s better. It’s good to see you smiling.’

‘I just feel bad.’ She shrugged. ‘Rory says I’ve changed, that I’m not the girl I used to be, and he’s right. I’m not. Being with you, on this trip, it’s opened my eyes. Even if we never find Theo Stratin, I feel like I’ve found something else. Do you know what I mean?’

Their eyes met and Maggie nodded.

‘You did the right thing. About Rory, I mean.’

‘Thanks.’ Flick smiled gratefully.

Maggie swallowed and when she spoke her voice was heavy with regret.

‘You listened to your gut. I just wish I’d listened to mine . . .’

And it was then she told Flick the rest of her story.

Maggie

The first inkling I had that something was wrong was when I got a missed call from my bank. I never usually answer those calls. You know – the ones with withheld numbers or numbers you don’t recognize. So at first I just ignored it. I assumed it was a cold caller trying to sell me something, but then I got a text saying I’d gone into an unauthorized overdraft and to call my bank immediately.

Ironically, I thought it was a scam at first, but a few minutes later my debit card is declined.

‘I’m sorry.’ The sales assistant looks apologetic.

I’m out shopping for a few last-minute things for our trip to the Maldives and giddy with pre-wedding nerves. After a lot of discussion, we’ve decided on a small wedding, just the two of us, and what could be more romantic than barefoot on a beach in the Indian Ocean? It was Theo’s idea. At first I wasn’t sure. In fact, if I’m honest, I took a bit of persuading. I wanted my friends and family there, but as Theo pointed out, we don’t have much family; his mum is in a home and mine lives in Spain and it’s not like we’re close. Plus, all his friends live in LA, so it’s a long way for them to travel. Put like that it made sense to fly off somewhere together. Of course, George isn’t happy, but you can’t please everyone, and like Theo says – this is about us and what we want.

‘That’s strange.’ I peer at my card, checking to make sure it’s not expired, then realize the missed call and text must be genuine and feel a slight panic. ‘There must be some mix-up, let me call my bank,’ I say, trying to remain calm.

This kind of thing happens all the time. I’m always reading news articles about it. Scammers trying to get you to click on links and move money to fake accounts.

‘Would you like me to put your things on one side?’

The sales assistant is smiling cheerfully. I’ve just been telling her that I’m flying to the Maldives to get married in two weeks. That the sarongs and flip-flops in my basket are for our trip but I still don’t know what to wear for the actual ceremony. She’s so excited for me, especially as it’s the middle of November and any talk of tropical islands and sunshine is greeted with sighs of envy and a much-needed distraction from the countdown to Christmas that’s already started. She’s suggested I check out a brand on the fourth floor of the department store; evidently they have some lovely beach dresses. I’m going to do that just as soon as I’ve straightened things out with my bank.

‘Yes, please, if you don’t mind,’ I smile back. Normally I’d pay with one of my credit cards, but I just paid for the trip to the Maldives which was an absolute fortune. Theo’s going to pay me back of course. He just said it made more sense this way as his US credit card charges a foreign transaction fee, plus this way I can get the airmiles as mine’s with BA. ‘I’ll just step outside so I can get better mobile reception.’

‘Absolutely, no worries,’ she beams, in that way people always do when you mention weddings. There’s so much goodwill and generosity directed towards you when you’re a bride-to-be, like you’re a beacon of hope for everyone’s happy endings. It’s infectious.

Outside on the pavement, I call my bank back. Making sure to google the number and not just click on the missed call. Exactly like they tell you to do on your banking app. Theo laughs at me for being so suspicious; he says I’m being paranoid, but I always say you can’t be too careful.

After going through security, I’m finally put through to someone who confirms they’ve been trying to get in touch. ‘It’s about your account, Ms Fletcher. Are you aware you’ve gone over your pre-authorized overdraft limit?’

I feel a beat of surprise that the text wasn’t a mistake. ‘I’ve gone overdrawn?’

‘Yes, we just wanted to make you aware, as a valued customer.’

‘That’s weird, I never go overdrawn.’

‘You’ve had a couple of substantial amounts come out of your account recently.’

‘Oh yes, I know.’ I feel the panic subside. They must be referring to a large chunk of savings I recently moved into the account that Theo set up for the deposit for our new house, plus my investment into the new business.

Sorry, our future – that’s what Theo always tells me to call it.

‘That will be some transfers I made to my fiancé, plus deposits for things. We’re getting married and looking to buy a new house.’

‘Congratulations.’

‘Thanks.’