‘It was, but’ – I sigh, a little frustrated – ‘it was an old number and I don’t think it’s right. Or maybe I’m still blocked? I’ve had no reply anyway.’ I lick my lips. ‘In fact, I was thinking of messaging someone else on my list – maybe Will or Idris? Or getting over my humiliation and sending Paul a text to see if he wants to meet up when he’s back in town?’
Lou frowns. ‘But you won’t give up on Alex, right? There must be other options you can try, other than an old phone number.’
‘Maybe,’ I say dismissively. ‘But I don’t want to lose momentum with all this. Especially now it seems increasinglyclear that Alistair’s never going to happen.’ At the bar, my first love is paying for the biggest round in human history while Bibi shouts in his ear.
Lou sighs deeply. ‘Do you really think he’s a no-go?’ She rests a heavy head on my shoulder. ‘I’m so sad, I was rooting for you two.’
I squeeze her arm. ‘Me too. But this is the whole point of exploring all seven exes. Maybe I’ll text Paul tonight – you never know, he might be popping down to London in the coming weeks, maybe he’d be free for a drink.’
She turns to face me, nodding carefully. ‘OK. But don’t give up on Alistair just yet, promise? There’s clearly something there between you that needs exploring.’ We both look over at him now, as he pays for the drinks. He fumbles trying to tap his credit card and giggles awkwardly as he misses. His arms are too long, I remember how they were always getting in the way. It made him clumsy. He looks adorable now as the long-suffering bartender gets annoyed and Alistair – so hopeless and goofy – tries again for a third time. It makes me want to squeeze him and do things for him forever.
‘I promise,’ I smile widely at Lou.
She nods again, more authoritatively now. ‘Good. Now let’s go to the loo, we might pass Nick on the way. We really should talk to him more, don’t you think?’ She side-eyes me. ‘That beard really suits him. There’s something about men with a beard and glasses. It’s like they’re wearing a sexy disguise.’
I roll my eyes but she adds, ‘Plus, we need to go to the loo because you have, like, a LOT of lipstick on your teeth.’
My face drains of all colour as I count up the people I’ve greeted in the last half an hour since applying it outside. ‘WHAT?’
CHAPTER TWELVE
‘Explain to me again how this has happened?’ Bibi is hissing in my ear, her elbow grinding into my ribcage.
‘I’m honestly not sure,’ I murmur, my confusion all too real.
‘I think it’s exciting!’ Lou declares, wrapping her coat closer around her body against the gusts of cold wind knocking us about.
We’re standing outside our building while I await collection by football A-team’s Alistair Morris and Nick Wilde for a road trip up to Milton Keynes. My fifteen-year-old self would’ve been utterly bewildered by this turn of events. And, actually, my twenty-nine-year-old self is, too.
‘Show me the texts from last week,’ Bibi says, still perplexed, and I hand her the phone.
Paul D’Silva (work)
Friday
Estheeeeeeeeeeeer! Hello there myfavourite MIA pal, how are you? I know it’s been years and sorry for messaging out of the blue but – and this will sound mad as anything if I’m wrong – were you outside my work last week?!! One of my chefs said a group of women were asking after me and his description sounded a little like you?!!! Random, I know. Either way, it would be so nice to catch up soon? I fucking miss you. It’s been far too long and I’m dying to see that gorgeous face. Paul (Saul) xx
9.12pm
OMG PAULLLLLLL! I have
9.13pm
Sorr, quiet drunk, didn’t ean to sen
9.14pm
Just owt with old schoo fiends
9.15pm
Anywaay, ssooo nice to hear fom u! No that defo wastn me or bibi or Sofia or Loulou outside your restaurant & he rilly overrreacteded by getting all scarred and weird
9.16pm
I want to c u toooooo!!!!!!! Wen are u back in London?
9.17pm
