The Friends We Keep(95)

She was starting to accept that this was the body she was supposed to have now. As tempting as it had been to do keto, paleo, intermittent fasting, to take pills, cut out all carbohydrates and sugar, go vegan, she was fifty years old, too old to get back on the crazy diet roundabout she was on for years when young. Until she started accepting herself exactly as she was, she would never be at peace, and she was starting to get over the shame of no longer being a size two.

“Who is he, anyway, this handsome man who has excellent taste in women?” Evvie said, changing the subject.

“He’s our neighbor,” said Maggie. “You know all the huge new houses that line our road?”

“The ones you’re always taking the piss out of because they’re so aspirational?” asked Evvie. “Wisteria Hall?”

“Indeed. That, in fact, is lord of the manor of Chestnut Hill.”

“Chestnut Hill Manor? Didn’t you say you used to be friends with them but you’d fallen out?”

“We had. Maybe we’re falling back in,” whispered Maggie as James headed back to the table with drinks.

“May I join you?” he asked. “My friends are leaving and I’d love to have another drink, if that’s okay.”

Evvie didn’t wait to confer with the others. “Of course!” She slid over on the bench to make room for him.

“So I understand from Maggie here that we’re neighbors.”

“Oh, really? Gosh, how unexpected. Where are you living?”

“We’re all living with Maggie,” Evvie announced with a flourish.

There was a pause as he frowned, trying to understand. “You are?”

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to start complaining about the noise.” Maggie couldn’t help herself.

“I haven’t heard any noise. I had no idea. How does that work then? Have you divided up the house?”

“Haven’t needed to,” said Topher. “Have you seen the place? It’s enormous.”

“Well, cheers!” said James, raising his glass. “Welcome, new neighbors!”



* * *



? ? ?

Jesus,” Maggie said, sliding over to Topher, her head falling awkwardly on his shoulder. “I think I’m a bit drunk.”

“I’m not drunk,” said Evvie, “I’m completely fucking arsed,” and she started giggling.

“We’re going to pay for this tomorrow,” said Topher, blinking until he could actually focus on James. “James, I blame you. This was supposed to be an hour’s quick drink. This is all your fault.”

“This isn’t my fault! This is Evvie’s fault. If she wasn’t here, I wouldn’t have come over. Evvie, you are a very naughty girl.” He wagged his finger at her, and Evvie burst out laughing.

“Stop flirting with her. She’s too old for you,” said Topher.

“Psssssshhhh,” said Evvie, looking at James. “Don’t be so rude. Anyway, he’s married and that’s a road I’m definitely not going down again.”

“Oh, really? Is there more to this story?” asked Topher as Evvie paled, shaking her head.

“What time is it?” James pulled out his phone and tried very hard to focus on it. “Oh shit.”

“Last orders!” called Karen from the bar. She came to the table. “I think maybe you lot should be making your way home. Will you be okay?”

“Karen?” Maggie stood up and swayed a bit. “Have I ever told you that I love you?”

“No, darling, but I love you, too, and I think it’s time you all got yourselves safely tucked up in bed. Do you need Pete to chaperone you home? He’s upstairs but I can go and get him.”

“No,” said Maggie, falling on Karen and giving her a hug. “We will be fine. Next time will you do a lock in? It’s only eleven. You should do a lock in tonight and let us stay all night.”

“Maybe next time,” said Karen, steadying Maggie. “You’re sure you’ll all be all right?”

“Sure,” said Maggie as they all stood up and swayed, giggling as they tried to get their coats on.

“James, you walk with me,” said Maggie, pulling him away from Evvie. “I don’t want you to get into trouble.” She slipped her arm through his and they stepped outside into the cold air.

“You’re quite nice, you know,” she said as they walked. “Even though you drive a Tesla and you’re part of the whole new yummy-mummy crowd, you’re all right. I like you.”

“What have you got against Teslas?”

“Nothing. I haven’t got anything against them. You should come over for dinner one night. I’ll cook. I’m a very good cook. Bring Emily. Bring your children. Bring your dog. Do you have any cats? Bring them too. Let’s all be best friends again.”

The two of them started laughing as they turned the corner and wandered down the road, shortly finding themselves in front of Chestnut Hill Manor.

“Oh fuck,” said James, patting his jacket. “I don’t think I’ve got the key.”

“Ring the doorbell,” said Topher, swaying with Evvie at the end of the driveway.

“My wife will kill me,” he said.