A Fresh Start

I had my suspicions.

Even though I was sure I already knew the answer (as she’d ignored my “How’s your weekend going?” questions over the, um, weekend), I had to ask.

“So, did you change your mind and give him another chance after all?”

She looked at me and smiled.

“Well …”

My heart sank.

“… no. But I almost did. I was really going to miss the dog but he let me keep him for the weekend.”

I sympathised, as far as I was able, but tried to suggest that as he’s moved into rented accommodation she should give the separation a chance before making such an important decision.

“He’ll have paid for a month in advance you should give it a few weeks, at least.”

Stubby mulled this over and agreed with the sense of my logic.

“It felt strange to be alone after so long.”

“I know what you mean - trust me on this if nothing else - but if you’re lonely and want to talk, you know where I am. Either on the end of the phone or, if you give me twenty minutes and your address I can be at your place.”

“My friends have been very good over the weekend, inviting me out to this and that.”

“Am I not a friend?”

“Well, yes.”

“Ok then. Are we still on for a lunch one day this week?”

“Oh yes.” She actually sounded enthusiastic!

“What are you planning to get up at at weekends?”

“Nothing yet. Why?”

“You know I’m into photography?” - she’s admired the collection of snaps at my desk.

She nodded.

“Well, I was wondering if you could show me around the broads as you grew up there - you’re bound to know the best locations for photographs.”

“Yes, that sounds good.”

The words “woo” and “hoo” seem appropriate at this juncture.

Stubby’s under strict instructions to phone me this evening if she feels the tiniest bit lonely, so …