‘Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about,’ Cath replies. ‘It’s this “two sides” thing that concerns me. It might be nothing. I might be barking up the wrong tree completely. It’s only because we’re so close that I can talk honestly to you about it. I don’t have a good feeling about Tom. Just be careful, alright?’

‘Careful? Are you serious? You make it sound like he’s dangerous and I’m foolish.’

‘Yeah, well maybe that’s not so far from the truth. I’ve warned you. That’s all you need to know.’

‘Right. If that’s the way you want it to be, that’s fine.’

‘Yeah, well that’s not the sort of things best friends do to each other, Grace. They tend not to stab each other in the back. Especially not after everything I’ve done to support you when you needed me. Thanks a lot. Thanks a fucking lot.’

With that, Cath turns and heads back inside the pub.

10

Cath and I sat in silence for the rest of the meal. Ben and Tom realised something was up, but it was pretty clear neither of us wanted to explain what had happened. Not in front of everyone else, anyway.

I didn’t say a word on the drive home, either. Tom drove back — we’d planned for him to stay at mine tonight anyway — and he didn’t push or make any attempt to force me to tell him what had happened. He seemed to get it, seemed to understand. And I reckon quite a big part of him knows it was stupid of him to have said such a thing.

‘Look, I’m sorry,’ he said, as he parked his car up outside my place.

‘What for?’ I say, knowing damn well what for but wanting to hear him say it.

‘For the Bridezilla comment. I just—’

‘Just what?’

‘I don’t know. I was just trying to defend you, that’s all.’

‘Defend me? Why the hell were you discussing me and Matt with her anyway? That’s none of your business. You weren’t even on the scene then. I managed perfectly well before you came along, so I don’t need you defending me now.’

There’s a look of sorrow on Tom’s face. ‘Sorry.’

‘And what kind of idiot would mention the Bridezilla comment? What on earth possessed you to think she wouldn’t fly off the handle when you told her about that?’

‘I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry, I really am. I know you’re capable of standing up for yourself, but I felt I needed to defend you. To keep you safe. She was saying things about you, and it didn’t feel comfortable. I was just looking out for you.’

‘Saying things? What was she saying?’

‘It’s nothing. Really. I’m sure she didn’t mean it. I wouldn’t want to cause any problems between you.’

‘Tom. Tell me.’

Tom shuffles awkwardly in the car seat. I can tell he doesn’t want the confrontation or drama. ‘She just mentioned something about you being jealous about her wedding and things going well for her, that’s all. Something about you not acting like you cared. I was just pointing out that you’ve had a lot on your plate. That’s why I mentioned the Matt thing. I care about you, Grace. I know she’s your friend and it’s not my place to say anything, but it felt like she was attacking you. I’m sure she’s just worked up about the wedding. I just wanted to be there for you, that’s all.