Chapter Thirty-Five
‘So… so… wow,’ I spluttered, my brain reeling.
First, Milo’s wife hadn’t swapped him for a toyboy. Martha had exchanged him for another woman. She wasn’t interested in men with dangly bits between their legs. She was interested in women with…
No, don’t go there, Tilly.
I hastily shook away an image of a Clare Balding lookalike wearing a sturdy white bra, plain underpants and sensible shoes – with coordinated overgarments, obviously. It was unlikely that Martha’s partner paraded around in just her underwear teamed with a pair of lace-ups. Meanwhile, there was no chance of Martha wanting a reconciliation with her gorgeous husband. This, in my humble opinion, was simply marvelous.
Second, Milo wasn’t interested in young Polly, or vice versa. Instead, the pretty barmaid was fluttering her eyelashes at JJ. Excellent news indeed. May the two of them fall madly in love, have ten children and live happily ever after.
I suddenly felt inexplicably happy.
Why’s that? came a voice from ground level.
I snuck a quick look at Cindy. She was flat out.
I might appear to be asleep, but I’m just pretending. What a very interesting conversation the two of you have had. Why is it ‘marvelous’ that Martha has hooked up with a woman, and why is it ‘excellent’ that young Polly isn’t romantically interested in Milo?
‘H–’
Do not say ‘hush’ because I’m not going to oblige with a woof.
‘Sorry?’ said Milo.
‘H-How nice to know your story,’ I said instead. ‘It’s… well, I guess what I’m trying to say is… helpful to know I’m not the only one who has experienced heartache.’
Milo shrugged.
‘I think everyone on this planet experiences that at some point. Some of us several times over. It’s rather the way of life. At school we make friends. Then we cry our eyes out when Jane takes her skipping rope and goes off with Vanessa. Or John scoops up his football and says, “You’re not good enough to be part of Meopham United.” It’s devastating. We get knocked sideways by the tragedy of it all. We droop home. Have a good bawl, and believe we’ll never recover. Little do we realise that it’s all groundwork. That we’re laying the foundations for what will come when we’re older.’
‘Yes,’ I agreed. I was silent for a moment, wondering how to find out one more thing. Sieve through the sands, so to speak. Ask the question that was now burning through my brain.
Just come out with it. Ask him straight, urged Cindy .
No, I silently retorted. I can’t do that. It would look too obvious.
I cleared my throat.
‘Thank goodness you and me are so resilient.’ I gave a tinkling laugh, as if making light of such a heavy conversation. ‘We’ve come out of our respective marriages battered but not broken.’ I heaved a theatrical sigh.
Oh God, Cindy snorted at my feet. You’ll be holding up a placard next. One that says, ‘Call me!’
‘And, er… I expect… um…’ I gave Milo my best meaningful look – ‘well, I’m sure we will both be ready to date again one of these fine days in the not-too-distant future.’
I’ll bet anything you’re now giving him a winning smile.
I didn’t deign to answer, but it was true that the outer edges of my mouth were curving upwards.
Milo’s eyes locked with mine. I held his gaze. Quite brazenly, I thought. Neither of us spoke. Neither of us glanced away. The look went on and on. Something was happening here. Something seriously wonderful – aside from a stirring in my loins and a warmth in some erogenous zones.
Do NOT give him any come-hither looks, warned Cindy.
And still we continued to gaze at each other. Ignoring Cindy, I gave Milo my best smoulder. He shifted in his seat. Leant forward slightly. I mirrored his body language. He opened his mouth to speak, and I found myself holding my breath. This was it. He was going to suggest we have a date together. Omigod! This was amazing. After all the crap with Robin. After feeling rubbish at being replaced by a younger woman. After Lisa chucking me out so she could get it on with Juan. After feeling like the only woman in the world who wasn’t wanted by someone, things were about to change.
‘I am,’ he said quietly.
‘Fantastic,’ I murmured, leaning forward a bit more. Any second now, I’d be in his lap.
‘In fact’ – he suddenly leant backwards, and his next words took the wind right out of my billowing sails – ‘I’ve been dating for a while.’