‘Maybe,’ I say, still not knowing if it’s the right time or whether it’ll hurt me too much to do it.

Arnold starts the car and I turn back and spot Lola looking out at the window. I wave but she doesn’t wave back. I hope he’s right, that next week we might finally see some improvement.

Chapter 16

I’m worn out by the time Friday comes along, emotionally after last night’s session with Lola and physically after last weekend down in Westerly, but I’d agreed to meet Miles at the pub. His work colleagues all go out for Friday night drinks like it’s enshrined in their work contract. It’s a big deal to them if someone doesn’t stop by for at least one drink. I used to go nearly every week, but lately with the trips to Westerly and catching up on work I haven’t been, and with us heading to Hartland’s for our trip with the guys next week, I feel like I should make the effort.

‘Edie,’ shouts Henry, one of Miles’s colleagues, as I walk past the bar. ‘We thought Miles was lying when he said that you two were still together; we haven’t seen you in weeks. The rest are in the garden. What are you having?’

‘Um, a lime and soda. Thanks, Henry.’

He looks a little taken aback.

‘Driving somewhere, tonight?’

‘Nope, it’s hot and I’m thirsty.’

‘Then a G&T?’

‘Just a lime and soda, thanks Henry.’

He tilts his head and looks at me before turning back to the barman and ordering. I hover by him, ready to help carry the drinks.

There’s an electric charge in the air as I walk through the pub, all the office workers ecstatic that the weekend has started.

Henry passes me three glasses, and I put them together in a triangle and make my way out to the pub garden where I find Miles in the midst of a group. He gives me a quick kiss and I hand him his drink.

‘We were just talking about which altcoins are worth an investment punt.’

‘Oh right,’ I say, nodding, not really having any idea what they’re talking about.

‘Is this the Aperol spritz?’ asks Renata, leaning towards me.

‘Yes,’ I say, handing it over.

‘They’re not still talking about cryptocurrency?’ she says.

‘I think they are.’

Renata does an exaggerated yawn in their direction.

‘So how have you been? We’ve missed you. Or I at least have missed you, being stuck with these guys. Have you been on holiday?’

‘No, I’ve been down to the coast for a couple of weekends and then work’s been busy.’

‘I know how that goes. Well, you look good for it. You’ve had some sun on your cheeks.’

‘That was from not using enough sunscreen when I went paddle boarding.’