Chapter Forty-Nine
Jake left the office just as my boss returned.
‘What?’ Leslie questioned. He stared at my tearstained face and puffy eyes. ‘What have I missed?’
Lisa glanced at Candice and the others. Her expression dared anyone to comment.
‘You haven’t missed anything,’ Candice assured.
‘Although I think Tilly might be coming down with something,’ Lisa piped up. ‘I reckon she should go home.’
‘It’s fine,’ I protested. ‘ I’m fine.’
‘You don’t look it.’ Leslie peered at me. ‘You look awful.’
‘Tilly started feeling unwell soon after you left,’ said Lisa. ‘And, as her bestie, I think you should let me take her home and look after her.’
‘Do you?’ said Leslie wryly. He tutted. ‘Oh, go on then.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘But come Monday morning, I expect the pair of you back in the office bright and early.’
‘Of course.’ Lisa flashed our boss a grateful grin.
‘There’s really no need,’ I objected. ‘I’m not ill, just a bit-’
Leslie’s hand shot up.
‘If you’re about to tell me it’s women’s problems then that’s too much information.’
‘It is women’s problems,’ Lisa agreed. ‘But I’ll look after her. It’s Tilly’s age you see. When a woman is heading towards fifty, her ovaries-’
‘I do not want to know.’ Leslie edged away from my desk. ‘Just go, Tilly. And look after her, Lisa. Have a good weekend and I’ll see you both on Monday.’
‘You will,’ said Lisa cheerfully, before turning to me. ‘Right, come on, madam. Let’s get you home. Have those legs up on the sofa.’ She gave me a meaningful look, as Leslie disappeared inside his office. ‘In other words, I want the full story of you and Nicholas rehashed with absolutely nothing missed out.’
‘You’ve heard it all,’ I muttered, as I logged off the system. ‘There’s nothing left to tell.’ I picked up my handbag and jacket. ‘And anyway, I’m meant to be packing up my stuff and moving into Milo’s studio.’
Lisa rolled her eyes.
‘So despite this afternoon’s drama, you’re still intent on living in a garden shed?’
‘Yes,’ I said obstinately. ‘But if you’re offering to help me pack my stuff, load up Octavia, and then have a recovery drink at the Starlight Arms, then you’re on.’
‘Damn right,’ said Lisa, picking up her own handbag. ‘Let’s go.’ She turned to Candice and the other girls. ‘Bye, everyone. See you Monday.’
Lisa fairly skipped out of the office, but I was slow to follow. I felt exhausted. Shattered. All I really wanted to do, was crawl under a soft duvet and sleep for a million years.
Needless to say, I perked up a bit once back at Lisa’s. After all, a new chapter was about to unfold in my life. Another new chapter. And this time it was going to be a serene precursor to buying my own place. One without Lisa’s shenanigans interrupting my equilibrium.
Together we boxed up my worldly goods – which wasn’t much – and shoved everything into Octavia. Cindy hopped onto the Fiat’s front seat, leaving no room for anyone else.
‘No worries,’ said Lisa. ‘I’ll follow you. After all, I’ll need to get myself home again later.’ She leant into the passenger side and patted Cindy’s head. ‘I hope you settle into the garden shed quickly. Make sure you’re a good girl for your mummy.’
I’m always a good girl.
‘Do you know, Tilly, sometimes I swear your dog knows what I’m saying.’
I do.
‘Aww,’ said Lisa, looking at Cindy fondly. ‘Coochie-coo, coochie-coo, my little poochie-poo,’ she baby-talked, all the while ruffling Cindy’s ears. She then lifted them outwards before wrapping them under her chin, as if they were ribbons on a bonnet. ‘You’re such a sweetie.’
I know.
‘Aunty Lisa is going to miss you.’
Likewise.
‘But not your parps,’ she added.
Likewise.