Page 24 of A Change of Heart

Turning, she grinned at him. “Are you commenting on me getting ready for bed?”

“It’s a little early.”

“We’re not going out again. All we’re going to do now is snuggle down and watch films. I’d like to do that in comfort.” She had a hand on the bathroom door handle when she called out to him again. “Can you put the kettle on? And have a look through the cupboards to see if there’s any popcorn …”

He was muttering something about slave drivers when she closed the bathroom door behind her.

They decided on a Harry Potter marathon and were an hour into the first film when Trystan arrived home.

“How did it go?” Kit asked, while Seren hit pause on the remote.

He sank onto the bed beside her legs. “She wants to sell the flat.”

“What?” Seren asked, unable to hide her surprise.

“Things are definitely over.” He put a hand across his forehead and rubbed at his temples. “She either wants to sell the place or she wants me to buy her out.”

“Shit,” Kit whispered. “Sorry.”

“Are you okay?” Seren asked, putting her arms around him.

He rested his cheek against the top of her head and gave her a squeeze. “I have no idea. I still thought we might figure things out, but she was clear about what she wants. She was very matter-of-fact about it all.”

“I’m really sorry,” she said softly.

He made a pitiful attempt at a smile. “Hopefully your day was better than mine.”

“Seren dragged me into most of the shops on Oxford Street.”

“Approximately as bad as my day then?”

“Hey!” Seren gave him a playful shove. “We had a good day.”

“What do you feel like doing?” Kit asked. “We can go out and get drunk if you want?”

Trystan didn’t drink, so it was no surprise when he shook his head. “What are you watching?”

“Harry Potter,” Seren told him.

“Shuffle up then,” he said with a quick tilt of his chin.

“Are you sure you don’t want to do something else?” she asked. “Or just talk?”

“I definitely don’t want to talk.” He kicked his shoes off and pulled the covers back to get in beside her.

Seren took the remote from him when he picked it up. “I really think you should talk about this,” she said sternly. “We’re here to support you. I don’t think staring at the TV is very helpful.”

“She’s right,” Kit said. “Pour your heart out, then we’ll let you watch with us.”

He leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling. “There’s not a lot to say. Jenny doesn’t want to be with someone who doesn’t share her feelings about marriage and kids.”

“I don’t understand,” Kit said in a strained voice. “If you’re so upset about losing her, why couldn’t you marry her?”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t matter any more though. She said that even if I changed my mind about marriage it wouldn’t make any difference. She doesn’t want to be with someone who she has to pressure into marrying her.” He let out a long sigh. “I can see her point. I love her, but when it came down to it I’d rather not be with her than marry her. She deserves better than that.”

“What will you do about the flat?” Seren asked.

“I don’t know. I’m kind of used to living here without her, so I’ll probably buy her out and stay here. It’ll be easier than looking for somewhere new.”