The Marriage Act(74)
‘My grandparents are Italian.’
‘I have Italian blood on my father’s side, Sardinia, I think,’ Jeffrey said. ‘I was raised on food like this.’ The truth was he had no clue or desire to know of his family ancestry.
‘Oh, are we done now?’ asked Noah. ‘Conversation over?’
‘What else is there to say?’ asked Luca. ‘If we continue, it’ll go the same way all our conversations do. You’ll say one thing, I’ll disagree, then you’ll storm off.’
Noah looked to Jeffrey. ‘I’ve been reading through the contract you so helpfully like to remind us of and it says that people on our support list are supposed to rally round and help when a couple is Levelled up.’
‘That’s right.’
‘Well, where are they?’ Noah turned his head to take in the room and held his phone to his ear. ‘Because I don’t hear the phone ringing or anyone knocking at the door asking us if we’re okay.’
‘It’s a moral contract, not a legal obligation.’
‘How convenient.’
Jeffrey was noticing a gradual shift in Noah’s attitude. Evidence of confrontation and antagonism remained, like his behaviour now over dinner. But for the most part, there had been a reluctant acceptance that Noah no longer had control over anything outside the hospital where he worked. Past experience with other clients suggested it wouldn’t require much more pressure before their relationship collapsed completely.
Noah poured himself another drink, the tonic an afterthought.
‘We’re not supposed to be drinking while we’re in therapy,’ said Luca. He looked at Jeffrey who nodded.
‘I thought we’d finished for today?’ said Noah.
‘Do you cook much, Noah?’ asked Jeffrey.
‘Not since Luca talked us into going vegan. I know what to do with a steak, not so much with an aubergine, unless it’s an emoji.’
‘You could ask him to teach you. The more you do for one another, the more the other person feels appreciated.’
‘Here we go . . .’ said Noah and pushed a meatball around his plate, flecks of red sauce splashing his forearm.
Jeffrey blinked away a memory of Tanya’s blood doing the same thing when he’d slashed her wrists.
‘Can you remember when you last told Luca that he did a great job with dinner or keeping the garden tidy?’
‘Why? If I say I don’t remember are you going to add that to your notes? Perhaps it can join the list of reasons why I’m an abysmal husband?’
‘Stop it,’ said Luca.
‘Stop what?’
‘Behaving like a child.’
‘Perhaps that’s how I’m treated in this house.’
‘Compliments are an important positive affirmation in a relationship,’ Jeffrey continued. ‘We all like to be praised when we’ve put effort into something. It’s just something to keep in mind.’
Noah mimed pressing an invisible keyboard button with his finger. ‘Unsubscribe,’ he said and downed the contents of his glass. His focus remained on Jeffrey until he crunched the last remaining ice cube between his teeth.
‘Are you . . . are you wearing my clothes?’ Noah said. He couldn’t hold back his reddening cheeks.
‘Of course not,’ Jeffrey protested. But the new outfits he’d recently purchased had all been deliberately similar to pieces he’d seen Noah wearing.
‘Yes, yes you are!’ Noah persisted. ‘I have that exact same blue shirt and jean combination. Even our trainers are similar.’ He lifted his foot to prove his point. ‘Christ, Luca, can’t you see what he’s doing? He’s moved himself into our house and now he’s trying to replicate me.’
‘I can assure you I’m not,’ said Jeffrey.
‘Look at yourself!’
The tension was broken by the Audite.
‘Email: Friday May third, Message received. From New Northampton Health Partnership. Dear Mr Noah Stanton-Gibbs, We regret to inform you that your scheduled interview has now been cancelled as the position has been filled internally. Your details will be kept on file should any suitable further positions arise. Yours sincerely, Donna Hillyer, Chief Executive.’
Noah placed his fork and spoon on the table, dabbed at his mouth with the napkin and pushed his chair out. He reached for the bottle of gin but left the tonic, and, without saying a word, calmly left the room. Jeffrey noticed Noah had barely eaten his food.
Luca hesitated. He half rose, then half sat again, opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it once more.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, standing up. ‘I know we’re not supposed to be talking away from the sessions. But he really wanted that job. The interview was just a formality.’
‘Go and be with him, we can pick up on this tomorrow,’ Jeffrey replied.
Once alone, Jeffrey helped himself to more food, roused by the thought of returning home to a meal like this every night once Noah was out of the picture.
56
Anthony
Jada was alone in her office, kneeling on the floor surrounded by matching textured cushions and floor tiles. Behind her, a wall of digital wallpaper alternated, offering changes in patterns and colour. Her eyes were hidden behind virtual reality glasses. The room’s decor couldn’t be more at odds with Anthony’s preference for minimalist styling. Jada had once described it as organized, colourful chaos. He envied her vibrant mind.