Page 80

Chapter 79

Liv

‘Do what tomorrow, Anna?’ I begin.

Anna clamps her hand against the centre of her chest as if she’s just been shot by a sniper.

‘Jesus, Liv!’ she gasps. ‘You scared me to death.’

‘Sorry,’ I reply. ‘Who were you talking to?’

Anna hesitates before she answers. ‘Nobody, just thinking aloud,’ she says. ‘I’m thinking about renting a workshop here. I thought I’d take a look around, see what spaces might be available. Get a better work-life balance. Like you have.’

She’s being over-complimentary.

‘That’s a great idea,’ I say. ‘Start treating it like a career and not a hobby.’

‘Yes,’ she nods, her face relaxing into her lie. ‘And what brings you out here so early?’

‘You, actually.’

‘Me?’ she asks. Now she couldn’t look any more skittish if she tried.

‘I saw you leaving the house and I followed you here.’

She takes a small, but noticeable, step back.

‘Why?’

‘Because I never see you anymore. Every time I text you to ask if you’re free, you’re always busy.’

‘I’m sorry, it’s been a difficult time lately. I haven’t told many people yet, but Drew and I have separated.’

‘Oh really? I’m sorry to hear that.’

‘It’s for the best.’ She smiles thinly. ‘It’s been a long time coming.’

‘You should have said something.’

‘I didn’t want to trouble you.’

‘It’s no trouble when you’re friends.’

‘Well, you have a lot on your plate after the accident and with the business and the kids. And I know Brandon’s had his hands full looking after you and building the orangery.’

‘Actually, the concrete for the floor arrives in a couple of days, so we’re going to Cornwall to see Brandon’s parents and avoid the chaos. How’s Margot, by the way? I haven’t seen much of her either. I was beginning to wonder if I’d said something to offend either of you.’

‘No, no, not at all,’ she protests. ‘You know how demanding she can be at the best of times. Especially lately, after what happened to her, as I’m sure you can imagine.’

I nod slowly. ‘Yes, I’m very aware of what she’s like. And she’s one of the reasons why I wanted to talk to you.’

Anna swallows hard. I unlock my phone and show her a clip. Her reaction suggests this is the last thing she expected to see. But if I’m reading her correctly, she is more shocked by the fact the video exists than its content. And I’m gutted by it. She opens her mouth to say something, but the words catch in her throat.

And that tells me exactly what I’m going to do next.

Fuck her.

Fuck them both.