Chapter 38

“When his dad did our loft conversion, it meant we could have him over for the odd night,” I said, deciding on the spit-roast chicken.

As expected, the subject soon changed to the collapse of Mary and Jerry’s relationship.

Mark told Mary we were sorry they’d split up, but Jerry was the one who had lost out.

“Thanks.” She sighed. “It’s true what they say. The best ones are either married or gay.”

I smiled.

“I really thought he was Mr. Right, you know?”

I gave her hand a squeeze. “I know.”

Mary talked, and I offered the occasional word of sympathy, knowing she needed to get it out of her system.

The waiter arrived and took our orders. Once he’d gone, a change of subject seemed in order. Mark got Mary to dish the dirt on my past friendship with her. This provided them with plenty of laughs at my expense. I didn’t mind. The anecdotes brought back happy memories of when Mary and I worked together.

The food arrived and conversation all but ceased as we tucked in.