The Friends We Keep(18)

“There has to be an explanation. I’m going to find him tomorrow, and I’m going to ask him.”

“Please don’t,” said Evvie. “He’s not worth it. It was a drunken kiss. It meant nothing. Don’t humiliate yourself further. Please.”

“You’re only saying that because you’ve always hated him. He’s leaving, and we still have a whole year here. If I don’t say something, I’ll never know because none of us will ever see him again.”

“Don’t go chasing after him. You’re too good for that. Please.” Evvie sighed. “Oh God. I guess I’ll have to be ready with a box of Kleenex tomorrow for your tears.” She shook her head as she left to serve another customer.



* * *



? ? ?

Maggie didn’t have to go chasing after Ben the next day. Topher came rushing into the kitchen, where Maggie was trying to forget about the night before by making homemade pasta. She hadn’t been successful, neither at the forgetting nor at the pasta, which was thick and doughy.

“You won’t believe this, but I just passed Evil Ben in the coffee shop.” Topher dumped his jacket on the sofa of the house they were sharing. “He’d just ordered egg and chips, so I think he’s still there if you want to go and grill him on his disappearing act.”

“Oh God. I don’t know now. I’m scared.”

“You’re allowed to rethink in the cold light of day. I think that’s why it’s called the cold light of day.”

“No.” Maggie stood up. “I’m going. I owe it to myself. I’ll probably never see him again so what do I have to lose?”

Topher shrugged. “Nothing. Just all your dignity and self-respect.”

“Fuck off,” Maggie laughed as she grabbed her purse. “Wish me luck.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” said Evvie as Maggie paused, then nodded, and the two of them put their jackets on and ran out.



* * *



? ? ?

He’s still there,” Evvie hissed, returning to the doorway they were using to spy on Evil Ben.

“I’m going in,” said Maggie, who had marched across the road before Evvie could stop her.

Evvie shook her head and reluctantly followed her in, standing at the counter and ordering a hot cross bun so she could watch.

Maggie walked over to Evil Ben, and sat down opposite him.

“Hi,” she said, suddenly short of breath, nerves getting the better of her.

“Hello.” He frowned at her and continued eating.

“How are you feeling today?”

“I’m all right. How are you?”

“I’m . . . fine. No, that’s a lie. I’m not so fine. Do you want to tell me what happened last night?”

Evil Ben looked confused, before putting down his knife and fork with an apologetic grimace. “What happened last night?”

“You’re joking, right?”

“I wish I was. It was a bit of a night. Too much to drink. I don’t remember a lot. A mate apparently brought me home after I passed out.” He squinted at her. “You were at the party then? Did I embarrass myself?”

Maggie stared at him. “You’re serious? You don’t remember anything?” What else could she say? Now was not the time to point out that they had passionately snogged, not when he was back to being the same old Evil Ben he was before she ran into him with her parents and thought there was more to him. This was the Evil Ben who had never seemed the least bit interested in Maggie, the Evil Ben who scowled and refused to meet her eye.

“I don’t.” He shrugged as Maggie felt her eyes welling up with tears. She turned away quickly, but not before he noticed.

“Christ. I did something to you last night, didn’t I? I must have been rude. I’m really sorry, Maggie. I can sometimes be a bit of a dick when I’m drunk. I am so sorry if I offended you.”

“You weren’t a complete dick. In fact, you were anything but.” Maggie couldn’t believe that he didn’t remember anything. How was that possible? He didn’t seem that drunk, just tipsy. Could he be pretending not to remember? She sighed and shook her head.

“What?”

“Nothing. I just . . . I’m surprised you don’t remember anything. The garden? The stone wall?” She paused. “Chatting?”

He frowned and shook his head. “I wasn’t rude to you then? Well, that’s a relief. But then, what did I do? Whatever it was, I’m really sorry.”

“Forget it.” Maggie stood up, scraping her chair back. “Have a great life.” She turned and walked quickly outside, so he wouldn’t see her blinking back the tears.





nine


- 1989 -



Toward the end of their last year, they finally got to meet Topher’s mother. Maggie’s perfect family had been up, and Evvie’s mother had finally come, bearing roti and curry, rice and peas, and black cake, which Maggie insisted on getting the recipe for, and had made continually for about six weeks until they all begged for a change.

But Topher’s parents remained a mystery until his mother announced she had a charity event in Bath and would be coming to visit. The day arrived, a Mercedes pulling up outside, driven by the most glamorous woman Evvie and Maggie had ever seen, who looked less like a mother than someone’s stunning older sister.