Fourteen Days(10)

Richard shuffled in his sitting position. “This couch is itchy, that’s all. I can’t get comfortable.”

Turning to face him, she scowled. “No, you can’t keep still because you’re bored.”

“That’s not true,” he replied, still trying to find a better position. “I’m not bored. And I don’t mind watching a film.”

“No, you’d rather be sat in front of that computer.”

Sitting up straight, he moved away from her. “So what if I do? It’s not only work-stuff I use the PC for—what about the Internet?”

“I think you can survive two bloody weeks without checking your e-mails and surfing for bloody porn.”

He frowned, as if shocked and offended by her statement. “What are you talking about? I don’t look at porn.”

She gave out a loud fake laugh. “Of course you do. I’m not na?ve. You know, for someone who works for a computer company, you don’t know an awful lot.”

“What the hell are you going on about?”

“The computer has a ‘History’ section,” she said. “And sometimes I check.”

Silence gripped him as he searched for a quick answer. When he couldn’t think of anything, he said, “Well, you shouldn’t be checking up on me.”

“I don’t care if you look at porn. You can do what you like.”

“Then why would you feel the need to check up on me?”

“I check the ‘History’ to look at shopping websites I’ve visited. How sad do you think I am? I know all men look at porn and I don’t care. I’m not a complete prude.”

Shaking his head in irritation, he couldn’t think of a suitable retort.

Nicky sat, pretending to be still watching the movie. She then picked up the remote control and switched it off.

“What are you doing? I thought you wanted to watch the film?”

Standing, she dropped the remote onto the couch. “I’m going to bed.”

“Don’t be like that, Nic.”

“I’m not being like anything.”

“Yes you are—you’re in a mood with me over nothing.”

She turned to him. “I’m not in a mood, I’m just tired.”

Exhaling, he watched her exit the living room, closing the door behind her. “Bloody women,” he muttered.

He sat back and scanned through the channels, looking for something of interest. After finding nothing he switched it off. All these channels and nothing on, he thought, as he stared at the blank screen. He considered following her up to bed, but not wanting to give in too soon he opted to stay downstairs for a little while longer—at least until she had calmed down.

Deep in thought, he watched his reflection mirrored on the television screen. I can’t wait to get back to the office. If anything, just to catch up with Mike. Never thought I’d miss his sick jokes. I wonder what stinker he shagged last weekend. I bet she was rough. Maybe I’ll call his desk tomorrow. No, I better not. Leah might find out and think I’m checking up on her. No, better leave it. Only another week or so left. I’ll catch up with him then. He groaned. Another week stuck in this house is gonna finish me off. God help me if I was ever unemployed. I’d go nuts.

Well, at least I could surf for porn in peace.

As he trailed off into his thoughts, he saw the living room door open in the screen’s reflection. Well, there’s a first: Nicky coming down to apologize before me. It’s a bloody miracle. He turned his head to greet her.

The door was still closed.

He shuddered. “Nic?” he whispered. With no response, he got up and opened the door, expecting to see his wife standing outside. The hallway was deserted, and the only light was a faint glow coming from the upstairs bathroom. Perplexed, he turned the downstairs lights off, checked that the front door was locked, and headed up to bed.

Nicky was still in the bathroom, so he waited outside the door. “Nic?” he called out, tapping the door.

“Yeah?” she replied, turning the faucet off.

“You still mad with me?” he asked, half-joking.

The door opened and out walked his wife, grinning. “Of course I’m not mad. Sorry, it was a stupid tiff.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry too. Friends?”

Smiling, she kissed him on the lips. “Friends.”



Richard stared up at the ceiling, listening to the rain smash against the bedroom window.