After some awkward small talk, they reached his practice.

‘Well, see you around,’ he said before disappearing inside.

Jemima stared at his closed door. Eventually, she turned and stomped back to her flat, her mind whirring with irritation. Not that she was interested, she stewed, but why didn’t he want a date?

Chapter 22

Meagan

Meagan pulled a pristine album cover from her collection. She blew an invisible speck of dust off the heavy black disc and placed it on the turntable.

‘What is Jem up to again?’ Meagan asked as she moved the needle across and Stevie Wonder’s ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ spilled from her strategically positioned speakers.

‘She stayed up reading yesterday so she’s getting an early night,’ Simi said picking at the foil of the champagne bottle on Meagan’s coffee table.

‘No, Sim. We’re not drinking that,’ said Meagan.

‘Well, Todd didn’t send it to be an ornament?’

‘If we drink it, he’ll think I want him to keep sending me stuff. Last week it was flowers, the week before, chocolates. My life’s turning into a Nineties R&B video. And anyway, I’ve got something much better,’ she said, pulling a bottle of whisky from the top of her book-free bookcase.

‘No way. The last time I had whisky was that New Year’s Eve party.’ Simi shuddered.

‘Oh, yeah. We played drunk lady KerPlunk on you.’

‘And I woke up covered in crap!’ moaned Simi.

‘Okay, you win,’ Meagan puffed pushing the whisky bottle back onto the shelf.

She planted herself back on the sofa and popped the champagne cork, pouring two glasses.

‘What is it?’ she said, feeling Simi’s gaze on her.

‘Nothing…’ Simi began, ‘it’s just, Todd’s being so sweet and you’re already, you know, doing it. Why aren’t you two together?’

‘Because I’ve got my plan! Nothing’s gonna get in the way of that,’ Meagan said sitting up. ‘I’m gonna be 30 soon—’

Simi went to speak.

‘And, no,’ Meagan said cutting her off, ‘I don’t want a party this year either.’

‘But it’s your thirtieth!’ Simi pleaded.

‘I mean it. Low key to the point of no-existence is how it’s always been. Deal?’ said Meagan.

‘Deal,’ grizzled Simi.

‘So, that gives me three years to meet someone. I’ll have my first kid by 34 and last by 40. Then I’ll get married and by my early fifties they’ll all be old enough to be left alone without burning my house down. At that point me and Mr Meagan will travel the world, popping back for the odd graduation or wedding. Good, eh?’ said Meagan, pleased.

‘Yeah…’ said Simi.

Meagan knew what was wrong. According to her plan, at 35, Simi was already behind schedule.

‘Stop worrying, Simster. Look at Jem. She’s not worrying about all that.’

‘I’m not sure she even wants to meet a guy let alone have kids,’ said Simi glumly.

‘Of course she wants to meet a guy. Why else would she put herself through this game?’

‘Maybe,’ said Simi.