Page 132 of Wife After Wife

Oh, Harry, I’m so sorry to hear about your wife, that’s very sad. I’m recently divorced and I have no children. No special talents, but I’m a reasonable cook. Although I’m a travel agent, the farthest I’ve ever been is New York! I’m saving up to visit Europe, it’s always been my dream.

Harry was tempted to send her a ticket to London then and there. He chided himself. Anki wasn’t Chloe. She was probably over fifty, large of waist, and loud of voice.

But he gave her the benefit of the doubt. Over the past weeks, via their avatars, they’d developed what felt like a genuine friendship. They shared a similar sense of humor and particularly enjoyed private jokesabout some of the other avatars they interacted with. Anki was enormous fun and, he sensed, kind.

He invited Chloe0573 to join him in his new igloo in the Lands of the North.

Eros03: Would you care to snuggle with me under my fur rug? We can watch the northern lights through the strangely transparent ice window above our heads.

Chloe0573: This is cozy! Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the real thing?

Eros03: When you’ve got your real-life ticket, I’ll show you the sights of London.

Chloe0573: That would be awesome! I will save every cent.

Eros03: Will I recognize you by your white hair which reminds me of a palomino horse? Will you be wearing the metal-paneled skirt and pointy bra thing?

Chloe0573: You’ll have to wait and see! And will you wear your tight blue jeans and check shirt?

Eros03: Sadly too tight. I need to eat less.

Chloe0573: Me too! Oreos are my downfall. Um, how about we swap photos?

Eros03: I will if you will.

Chloe0573: Maybe next time?

Eros03: Maybe.

But it was some time before Harry logged on again. Away from the intensity of the online conversations, and especially when he was in one of his dark moods, he wondered what he’d been thinking. Perhaps she was trying to scam him for money or angling to be an internet bride. Perhaps, somehow, she already knew he was a multimillionaire?

He was also working late most nights. On top of his usual load, plans for the new premises were moving forward. After extensive consultation with his team, he’d gone with the unfurling-rose concept. This was partly because word had reached him of another development, just up the river. At ninety-five stories high, it would be London’s tallest tower. Not wanting to get into a phallic battle, Harry had decided his would be something different.

Then there was the matter of his own move. The Richmond Park mansion had been perfect, and he’d be exchanging contracts soon.

Also, he’d joined a gym. It was in Knightsbridge, and membership was so expensive it couldn’t possibly fail. A personal trainer called TJ was easing him gently into daily exercise, and the gym’s nutritionist was designing a diet that would help him shed the excess weight.

Last, but by no means least, he attempted to go cold turkey on the painkillers. Lisa was away, and he dropped the children for an overnight stay at Megan’s, confiding in her as to the reason. She made him promise to phone if it got too difficult.

It was terrifying. He felt like he was dying. Hewantedto die. It was like the worst case of flu he’d ever had, times ten, combined with suicidal thoughts and the feeling that nothing good would ever happen again.

And the ghosts came back. Black shadows, lurking in corners, behind doors. He could feel their pain, and their menace. Everything was his fault.

It was impossible. The only way to do this would be slowly, one step at a time. With help. He took a handful of painkillers and felt human again.

•••

England was inching toward summer with the first warm days of the year. The children were in bed, and the balcony doors were open. The hum of voices floated up from the walkway below, mingling with the sound of the Thames softly lapping the sides of the marina.

For the first time in a while Harry clicked onAlt Life. A three-week-old message from Anki was waiting for him:

Hi! Haven’t heard from you in a while. I miss you! How’s life in London, England?

He found Chloe0573 gardening the vegetable patch outside her log cabin.

Eros03: Boo! Sorry I didn’t answer your message. I’ve been very busy at work IRL and also moving house soon. How are you?

Chloe0573: Howdy! I’m still saving! I think I might be able to come to London next year. I hope we can meet up for one of your famous British cups of tea.