The Friends We Keep(76)

“I feel the same,” said Topher. “I live with Benedict, and I love him, but it’s not my home. If I’m really honest, other than Larry, who really was my home, the only other people and place I felt most myself was with you guys.”

“We know each other so well, that’s why,” said Evvie. “And we lived together so well. If we hadn’t got on when we lived together, then it wouldn’t be the same, but we had so much fun. And yeah, it does feel like no time has passed.”

“Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could live together again?” Maggie said dreamily, downing her drink quickly when the waiter interrupted to ask if they wanted another round. They all did. “Didn’t we once make a pact that said something like that? When we were all fifty we would live together again if we were on our own. You could all move in with me!”

“That sounds perfect,” Evvie laughed. “As long as your house is big enough for us to retreat. When Topher gets on my nerves I have to be able to disappear until he stops annoying me.”

“You mean when you get on my nerves,” Topher said archly. “Co-living. I like it. But I’m not on my own. I have Dickie. Can I bring him with? You’re going to love him.”

“If you love him, we’ll love him, so yes. He can come. I love the sound of this.” Maggie clapped her hands. “I know it’s only a fantasy, but wouldn’t it be amazing? We could do our own thing, work, do whatever we do during the day, but all come together for a big evening meal.”

“That really would be like being back at college. I’ll be in charge of the music. I’ll make sure Prefab Sprout and the Housemartins are playing in the background.” Evvie couldn’t believe she even remembered the music they used to listen to.

“The Housemartins!” they all said at once, laughing at the memory.

“Can I be in charge of the gardens?” asked Topher. “I’m slightly obsessed with gardening of late, even if it is only in theory, but I do think I’d be an excellent gentleman farmer. Would I get to wear a tweed waistcoat?”

“Honey, you can wear whatever you want,” Evvie said.

“Oooh, oooh, ooh! Let’s make this happen!” Maggie shouted suddenly, realizing that she was a little bit drunk, but she was also happy. Truly happy, being with these friends, reverting to who she was before she met Ben, who she was before denial, guilt, and shame locked her away and made her feel like she was living a shadow of a life. “You would bring my house back to life, and my mum will finally get off my back about finding a bloody flat in bloody Bath!”

There was a brief silence.

“Seriously, guys,” Maggie said, leaning forward. “Could we actually do this?”

“It would solve my loneliness,” said Evvie, without thinking.

“You’re lonely?” Maggie sat up in astonishment, and then, unexpectedly, felt a lump in her throat, and before she could do anything to stop it, tears were falling.

“I’m sorry.” She wiped the tears away with her sleeve. “It’s just . . . this is so nice. I’ve been so miserable for such a long time, and being with you two makes me feel happy again. I can’t think of anything I want more than the two of you moving in with me right now. If you’re serious, it would be life changing for me.”

“Oh, darling.” Topher put an arm around her. “You’ve been that bad since Ben died? I’m so sorry I haven’t been in touch. I had no idea. You guys were so perfect together, I can’t even imagine what—”

“We weren’t perfect,” Maggie said. “We were as far from perfect as anyone you’ve ever met. On the day he died, I texted him to tell him I was leaving him and wanted a divorce.” She started crying again now. “Our marriage was a disaster. We looked like the perfect couple, with the perfect house and the perfect marriage, but it was based on deceit and lies.” She was sobbing, and Topher comforted her by rubbing her back, and Evvie sat back, stunned, trying to take in what Maggie had just said.



* * *



? ? ?

    Their marriage was a disaster? What did that mean? Now was not the time to ask, but it was all Evvie could think about as she sat next to her, watching Topher calm her down.

Eventually, Maggie’s sobs subsided into hiccups. “Oh God.” She smiled. “Too much gin. It always makes me emotional. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” said Topher. “I think our plan to live together is an excellent one. I’m serious!” He looked at Evvie. “Come on, Evvie. We did make that pact, and you’re dying a slow death on your own in Westport. I’ve spent my entire adult life dreaming of moving back to England, and now my mother’s in Weston-super-Mare, so this would be perfect. I know this started off as a fantasy, but why the hell not? Isn’t life too short? Let’s at least explore it. Frankly, I could do with a new adventure. And maybe your house really could be perfect, Maggie. Why don’t we all come up and see? If nothing else, I’m desperate to see your house.”

“Really?” Maggie’s eyes lit up. “Are we really exploring this?” She looked at Evvie, who broke from her reverie to shrug and nod.

“Let’s do it!” she said, clapping her hands, a fire now in her eyes. “Come up! When? Tonight? Tomorrow? Wouldn’t it be amazing if this actually worked?”