The Therapist(4)

‘Amazing,’ Tim says, looking around. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a big bedroom.’

‘It was Leo’s idea,’ I say. ‘We didn’t need three bedrooms so he had two of them knocked into one.’

‘I hope this doesn’t give Mary ideas.’

‘Mary?’ I can hear Eve’s infectious laugh and suddenly, I’m desperate to get out there and be part of it. ‘I’m sorry, I thought your wife was called Maria.’

He smiles. ‘She is, but I call her Mary. It started off as a joke because she went to a convent school, and it kind of stuck.’ He looks at the wardrobe, which runs half the length of the wall opposite the windows. It’s extra deep and has beautiful wooden-slatted doors. ‘I wouldn’t mind a wardrobe that size.’

I laugh and he moves out of the room, letting me go past him down the stairs.

‘Thank you,’ he says gravely when we get to the hall. ‘For the grand tour.’

I point towards the garden. ‘Everyone is outside so grab a glass and help yourself to anything you like. I’m just going to close the door.’

I take a moment to breathe in the quiet air at the front of the house before going to the garden. As I pass the kitchen, I see Tim at the sink, filling a glass of water from the tap. I want to tell him that there’s chilled, bottled water in the ice-bin outside but I can see Leo waving at me, so I start to weave my way through the throng of people. He’s standing with Will, who is gesticulating theatrically with his hands as he explains something to Leo. Will is an actor, a rising star and, with his thick dark hair, roman nose and chiselled lips, on his way to becoming a rising heart-throb. Eve complains that they can’t go out without him being recognised but I can tell she’s secretly thrilled.

As I get nearer, they’re joined by Geoff from number 8, who’s divorced, and – no, I can’t remember the name of the other man with the tawny hair. He came with Tamsin, so I’m a bit wary. To be honest, after what I’d overheard, I was surprised when she eventually replied to my invitation on the WhatsApp group and said she and her husband – Cameron? Connor? – would see us on Saturday. Maybe Eve persuaded her to come.

I smooth my white sundress self-consciously, scanning the garden for someone standing on their own. But there are only groups of people who’ve known each other for years and are happy to catch up with each other after the holidays. I’m a stranger at my own party, I realise.

‘Alice, over here!’

I see Eve standing on tiptoes, waving in my direction. Grabbing a bowl of crisps from the table, I make my way over.

‘Nice dress.’ Looking up, I see the man with tawny hair standing in front of me. Judging from the four glasses he’s holding in one giant hand, he’s going to get refills.

‘Thanks.’ I give him a smile. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.’

‘Connor. I’m Tamsin’s better half.’ His voice has the trace of a Scottish accent.

‘Well, I haven’t met her properly yet but I’ll keep that in mind when I do,’ I say.

He laughs and moves away.

Creep, I think, watching him go. Then I feel bad, because he was only having a joke.

I carry on to where Eve is standing with her friends and I could swear Tamsin’s eyes narrow a little when she sees me.

‘We were just saying how brave you are, moving in here,’ she says, and gets a nudge from Eve in return. With corkscrew curls framing her face and her pale green eyes, Tamsin really is stunning.

I give her a smile. ‘I’m sure I’ll get used to it. Especially with lovely neighbours like you,’ I add, in an attempt to get her on my side.

She frowns and I sense it then, she doesn’t like me. My heart sinks. Maybe Tamsin is one of those women who guard their friends jealously and my remark has made me seem presumptuous in thinking I can join their group. I need to take things more slowly.

‘Why don’t you get a drink?’ Cara, a pretty brunette says. I know she came with Paul but I can’t remember what number they live at. Two, maybe? She dips her hand into the bowl I’m holding. ‘These crisps are delicious. Where did you find them?’

‘From the delicatessen in Dean Street,’ Tamsin says, beating me to it. She gives a tight smile. ‘I’ve bought them there before.’

The rest of the evening passes in a whirlwind. By the time the last guests have left, I feel more at home than I thought I would.

‘Everyone is so friendly,’ I say to Leo as we stack glasses into the dishwasher. ‘We should start having people around to dinner in small groups so that we can talk to them properly.’

He raises an eyebrow. ‘Let’s take the time to work out who everybody is first.’

‘I already know who everybody is,’ I tease. ‘Did you meet Cara and Paul from number 2? They seem really nice.’

He straightens up. ‘I’m sure they are. But don’t make snap judgements about people, Alice. And be careful what you share about yourself. I don’t want this to be like Harlestone.’

I stare at him, thrown. ‘Why not?’

He pulls me towards him, wanting to take the sting out of his words.

‘Because I don’t want anyone knowing our business. We’re fine on our own, Alice.’ He kisses my mouth. ‘We don’t need anyone else.’