Chapter Sixty-One
‘What was all that about?’ asked Milo, as the gate reverberated on its hinges.
I leant against the studio’s doorframe feeling almost physically winded.
‘I don’t think you’d believe me,’ I said, shaking my head.
‘Try me,’ said Milo. ‘Tell you what, tell me on the way to the pub. Never mind a coffee, you look like you could do with a sharpener.’
‘More brandy?’ I gave him a wry look before whistling Cindy to heel. ‘A fly on the wall might suggest alcohol is figuring too much in my life.’ I locked the door, then turned to Milo. ‘I’ll stick to coffee, but don’t let me stop you.’
‘Coffee it is,’ he grinned as we set off.
I was relieved to see that there was no sign of Robin’s car and that he hadn’t lingered. A part of me had been anxious about him following Milo and me. Well honestly! What a turn up for the books, and too ridiculous for words.
As we walked along the lane, I told Milo about Robin’s proposal. Not just of getting back together, but also remarrying.
‘And how do you feel?’ said Milo carefully. He was gazing straight ahead.
‘You really want to know?’ I asked.
‘Of course,’ he nodded.
‘Furious. That’s how I feel. Just when I thought I’d moved on in my life, parted with eighty percent of my belongings, downsized to the point that I can fit everything that I own – apart from my car – into a garden studio, my ex-husband turns up and completely rocks my world.’
‘Has he?’ asked Milo cautiously.
I glanced at him, but he was still staring straight ahead.
‘Has he what?’ I frowned.
‘Rocked your world,’ said Milo. ‘Such expression suggests you feel all over the place. In other words, not sure which way to turn.’
‘I tell you exactly how I feel,’ I said, feeling irritated all over again. ‘Like a fish that’s been happily swimming along, content with life in its pond, going about its fishy business, then suddenly finds itself being hauled out of the water, gasping for breath, before being thrown back again. It’s like being completely’ – I momentarily struggled to find the word – ‘discombobulated.’
‘I see,’ said Milo. He opened his mouth to say something further, but I cut across him.
‘Do you mind if we change the subject?’
‘No, not at all,’ he said.
‘How’s your son?’ I asked abruptly.
‘He’s fine,’ said Milo, suddenly pensive. ‘Well, I think he’s fine. He sounded a bit distracted. I suspect he and young Polly have had words.’
‘Oh dear,’ I sympathised. ‘I thought their relationship was all fresh and shiny and new.’
‘Well, quite, but it’s still early days,’ said Milo hesitantly. ‘JJ is now in Prague with a bunch of mates. It’s meant to be a stag weekend. Apparently, Polly suggested JJ stay on in Prague after the stag do, and that she flies out on the Monday to join him. I think she was hoping they could enjoy a few days together and do some sightseeing. However, JJ blocked the idea. Unfortunately, Polly has translated it as something else entirely. In her head she believes it isn’t a stag weekend. Rather a stag week . I guess she’s imagining her boyfriend is having a raucous time with his mates, nursing hangovers in the morning and whooping it up at night. The fact that my son couldn’t tell me precisely when he’s coming home does suggest that he’s not being entirely honest with Polly. However, it’s not my relationship to comment upon.’
‘Oh dear,’ I said, secretly thinking that JJ seemed a bit of a lad. He sounded a little selfish not being upfront with Polly, even if they had only recently got together. ‘Why are relationships so tricky?’ I said gloomily.
‘Because they require us to change and evolve,’ said Milo. ‘Each person has their own perspectives, beliefs, behaviours, and habits. So, sooner or later, any differences are going to get flagged up. Where there are disagreements, there needs to be compromise.’
‘And honesty,’ I pointed out. Surely splitting his time in Prague between his mates and his girlfriend would have been a perfect compromise.
Privately I agreed with Polly. That her chap was getting up to no good behind her back. Although maybe, after Robin’s infidelity, I was too jaundiced to think otherwise.
‘Why are we having a heavy conversation so early in the morning?’ Milo bantered, as the pub loomed into view.
‘I blame Robin,’ I said, flashing a rueful smile.
‘Well, he’s given you something to think about,’ Milo pointed out, as we went through the pub door. ‘So, it’s appropriate you eat a hearty breakfast. I guess that’s where that saying comes from – food for thought. ’