Page 26 of The Second Chance Supper Club

Later, in the bath, resting her aching and rather battered body, she noticed the purple-green bruise that was blooming on her left thigh where she’d taken the biggest impact.

It looked rather like a potato that had tarnished in the sun, coming out of the earth too soon.

With a strange pang, she felt that’s what had happened to her too, it was all happening too fast, this friendship, she’d been coming out of her shell far too soon.

She should never have agreed to it, it had just made things worse.

These weird feelings of longing (uh-oh) when she was with him, the subsequent embarrassment, and uneasiness.

Despite her efforts to steer clear of any new romantic relationships, she still found it difficult to say no …

and that’s how life got messed up. She needed to retreat from Will, just a little, and look to the group gatherings to bolster her.

The supper club, with safety in numbers, could be her refuge.

She was heading downstairs in her comfy pyjamas to catch up on a little easy-watching TV, when she heard the ping of a message coming in. This one was from Trevor…

Hi Cath, Hope you are fine. Lovely to catch up the other day. Thanks so much for seeing me and for the meal which was great – as always. Sorry that I hadn’t thought to let you know I was coming up. It was amiss of me, but I was just so desperate to clear the air between us.

She read it through twice. Hah, he was missing her cooking most likely.

Perhaps this Steph might be a whizz in bed but not in the kitchen, lol.

Then there were three dots pulsing on her screen showing that he was writing some more.

They looked like little heartbeats. Cath waited, feeling in no rush to reply.

His next words: Thanks again, and I do miss you. Xx

She didn’t quite know how to feel, and left it a good half hour before responding, making herself a cuppa and watching an episode of MasterChef in the meanwhile.

Trevor didn’t deserve to get her time and attention back that easily.

But her feelings were still conflicted, with so much history, so much past love and new hurt between them.

She wanted time to think how best to respond.

Friendly, but not too personal, seemed the best option.

She needed to learn how to get the balance right, how to be as an ex. There should be a guide book.

Finally, she came up with a simple: You’re welcome. And it was good to clear some things between us.

To kiss or not to kiss?

NOT!!! He’s still been a bastard to you – a sassy new kick-ass voice in her head shouted at her. Do not be too nice, too soon .

She must have nodded off. The News at Ten had just started, and her ringtone woke her. Her phone tucked beside her on the sofa.

‘Ah, hel-lo?’ She sounded a bit dopey.

‘Hi, hey, it’s me, Will. Sorry, I know it’s a bit late, but I just wanted to check you were all right? That was quite some knock you took.’

‘Ah, yeah, I’m okay … Well, a bit sore, and bruised. But I’ve had a nice bath, feel a bit better after that.’

‘And your head’s okay? No headaches, dizziness? No feeling sick?’

‘No, nothing like that.’

‘Ah, that’s good.’ Bless, he’d evidently been worrying about her. There was a beat or two of silence, then he added, ‘I’m sorry it had to end up like that, the bike ride … such a shame. It had been a nice day. Well, I enjoyed it.’

It had been good, up until that damned crash. But Cath was determined not to get too chummy, not allow herself to get sucked back in. ‘Yeah,’ was all she permitted herself to say. ‘Well, I’ll let you go. Get yourself a good night’s sleep. And hey, I’m really glad you’re okay.’

‘Thanks. Night, Will.’

‘Night.’

She closed the call. Her emotions were doing a whirly-gig; first Trevor getting in touch, and then Will, who was just being kind, she reminded herself.

No doubt it was all part of his training with the fire brigade and as a serious cyclist, checking up after someone has been injured.

But did it also mean he cared … ? Argh, stop it, woman, there was no point even thinking about it.

Cath felt like some company the next morning.

With still a week to go to the next supper club, she felt rather strange and at a loose end.

Seeing Trevor in person again and his message last night had fired up all kinds of emotions, and so had her bike ride with Will – though that one she’d keep to herself.

She also realised she was missing her old friendship group – that camaraderie, having someone to chat things over with.

She had Nikki’s number. Hmm, she had a feeling she’d be easy to talk with and someone on her side, so she fired over a quick text:

Don’t suppose you fancy going for a walk with me some time? Could be followed by a coffee or a quick drink in the pub. x

A reply soon came back:

Hah, what kind of a walk are we talking? Be warned I’m no hiker. x

Followed by: Am pretty full on with work most days, but might be able get away for a short walk after school-pick up time – if I have a bit of notice to organise the boys.

And then: Can deffo fit in a Prosecco at the pub, sometime though! x

Cath sent back : Not too far. Short walk in the hills perhaps. Be nice to have some company. And yes, be good to have a quick drink afterwards. x

Nikki: You okay, hun? How did things go with Trevor after that supper night? X

A text was no place to open her heart nor let down her guard. Cath’s answer was brief: Okay. Let’s chat some more when we see each other. x

An hour or so later, and Nikki had got herself sorted.

They settled on the next day, when Nikki’s Hamish had rugby training and Angus was already going back to a mate’s house for tea.

There had only been her youngest Scott left to sort, and Granny had jumped in to pick him up from school.

That would give them an hour for a walk, plus time for a quick drink afterwards.

Perfect , Cath had replied, delighted that Nikki was open to meeting her outside of the supper club. She was already looking forward to it. Cath felt that this was the friendship she should be nurturing. A far safer friendship zone.