Chapter 11 #2
‘If you get a job by then; if not, you’ll be with us.’ There was a tiny bit of hope in Sandra’s voice that she almost wanted him to not get the job so that he could stay.
‘There’s the positivity. I’ll be fine.’
Paul walked into the room, giving Sandra and Peter big hugs.
‘Right, we better get going to beat the traffic.’ Peter hadn’t stopped checking his watch since he’d arrived.
‘What traffic?’ said Noah. ‘It’s Saturday.’
‘There’s always traffic in London. Plus, kick-off is at two and I don’t want to miss it.’
Sandra chuckled. ‘And there’s the real reason. Take my advice’ – she leaned towards me – ‘never marry someone obsessed with sports … Are you dating anyone, Lucy?’
‘Not at the moment.’
She took hold of my hand and gave it a squeeze. ‘It’ll happen. Lovely girl like you. You’ll soon be snapped up.’
I caught Noah’s eye and he looked away. Just not by him.
‘Right, we better be off,’ said Peter. ‘Pleasure as always to see you two.’
‘Don’t be a stranger, girls.’ Sandra gave Amy a hug, before turning to me. ‘I know Noah would love it if you came to stay whilst he was there.’
‘Mum,’ he said, almost prising her off me. ‘Thanks for having me, Luce.’
Unlike the warm hug that his mum had just given me, he barely gave me a tap on the back. It was the kind of hug you did when you were trying to make as little contact with someone as possible.
‘I’ll see you out,’ said Amy, ushering everyone down the stairs, whilst I stayed in the kitchen.
I glanced at the fridge at the photo we took yesterday. How much could change in twenty-four hours? Look at us grinning at each other. It’s the type of photo that we’d have proudly framed if we’d got together. The type that you’d laugh and say, that was the moment when we knew.
Only we didn’t. And now it’s just another photo of us as friends.
‘Happy birthday, me,’ I muttered, not knowing how my proper birthday had started on a such a massive high and finished with me feeling this low.
Text message – Noah to Lucy: April 2008
Hey, I’m back in London tomorrow for an interview – thanks to Mags’ friend. I’m meeting her after for a drink to say thanks. Wanna come?
Facebook messenger – Lucy to Noah: June 2008
L: Hiya, long time no see! How’s the new job over at the dark side working out? Do you fancy meeting for drinks Saturday night? We can get the gang together.
N: Actually, I’ve asked Mags out on a date for Saturday.
L: Wow! I’m so happy for you guys :) Wait, did she say yes?
N: Yes, she did. Can’t quite believe my luck. And thanks, we’ll see what happens.
L: I’m missing out on all the gossip now we work on different floors.
Voicemail – Noah to Lucy: January 2009
Hey Luce, sorry we missed you last night.
We’d been planning to make your party, but the drinks at Mags’ friend’s was more of a sit-down dinner than we’d expected.
There were name tags on the table and everything.
Fancy. Anyway, I tried to call but all the lines were busy.
New Year’s, eh? Hope you had a good one.
And um, happy new year. Hope this year goes well for you.
Facebook messenger – Gillian to Lucy: February 2009
Hey Lucy!!!! I’m not sure if Dad called you??? Me and my mate Delia wanna go see Katy Perry at KOKO. Can we crash at yours? Do u live nearby???
Email – Mags to Lucy: April 2009
OMG – I’ve been looking into this online glasses idea in the UK and I think there’s something in it.
If only so I can stop paying bloody customs fees for mine.
But have a look at the links below; think it’s worth considering?
?? And, no, just because you’ve changed jobs does not mean that I’m going to let you off the hook from joining me.
PS Mega proud of you. Fucking Francis is raging!
PPS Do you fancy coming out with me and Noah at the weekend?
Text message – Noah to Lucy: October 2009
Noah:
Just heard that Amy’s moving out. You OK? You got anyone to move in?
Lucy:
Thanks, I’m super sad, but pleased for her and Paul. I’m sure it’ll be like a second home! I’m going to advertise the room. I did think of Mags but she told me that she might be getting a different roommate soon. Happy for you guys :)
Voicemail – Amy to Lucy: March 2010
Holy shit, Paul proposed. I’m ENGAGED! Can you believe it?
You’re a bridesmaid natch. We’ve not set a date or got any idea where it’s going to be, but all I know is I will look fantastic and you and Caz will be by my side.
Call me as soon as you get this, I am literally climbing the walls not sure what to do.
Email – Mags to the Group: July 2010
You guys – I am now officially a CEO – LOVELY LENSES is now online and open for business.
Obviously I’m looking at you, Paul, as the lone glasses wearer, but to the rest please share far and wide.
And, Lucy – get that resignation letter typed and ready to send.
I have a feeling this is only the start :)
Email – Caz to List: Amy’s Hens: October 2010
Ladies! The time is approaching to give Amy the send-off she deserves.
We thought it only fitting that we’d take her back to Canterbury to all the old haunts where her and Paul met.
Expect trips to The Canterbury Tales, pub crawls, Mexican food in the best Mexican restaurant outside of Mexico, and whatever that club in the town with all the floors is called now.
Bring lots of booze and your dancing shoes.
Facebook wall posts: February/March 2011
Happy birthday, Mr Matthews! Hope you and Mags have a good time skiing. XX
Happy birthday, LUCY! Have a good one x
Text message – Amy to Lucy: August 2011
Thank you for going above and beyond and being the world’s best bridesmaid. Gutted that you didn’t catch the bouquet. Not quite sure I see Mags being the marrying type …
Also, if you get a chance, chat to Caz before she heads back home to see if she’s OK? I think she’s having problems with Nick. She kept rambling when she was drunk about a French man called Bert something xx
Voicemail – Noah to Lucy: October 2011
Hey, I am just ringing as a totally impartial person that may have just read the expansion plan that Mags put together for the loan.
Tell me you’re going to finally jump on board, mainly so that she stops telling me how much she misses you at work?
But seriously, it looks solid, and she in no way is making me say this, ouch, no tickling …
sorry, um, anyway call me, call us. No, apparently call Mags. Laters.
Facebook messenger – Lucy to Noah: December 2011
Hey! Just wanted to see if you and Mags are both free on the 28th? I’ve managed to pin the newlyweds down and I’ve invited Graham over too. I know you guys were keen to meet him. I thought if we couldn’t all get together before Christmas, this would be the next best thing.
Text – Caz to Lucy: January 2012
Hey, hope you’re OK! Just a quickie: do you think anyone would mind if I brought Bertrand to Dublin? He said he’d fly over from Paris to meet us? Don’t know if it made the group too big? Xx
Email – Mags to Lucy: February 2012
Hey, just checking in to see if you’ve made a decision?
Sorry to push, I know it’s a big one to weigh up and I know that I’m not offering as much as you’re on now, but I promise you this is only the start and it’ll grow and you’ll be cruising to the office in a Porsche before you know it – or actually probs still the Tube as the parking is shocking around the office, but you know what I mean.
Either way, let me know as if you don’t want to take it, I’ll have to try and find someone else. M xx