Before Martin mumbled a reply, Isaac barrelled on.
‘Given that you’ve decided you’re dating people, I would like to take you to the party next week. As my date. A long time ago, you told me that you aren’t interested in a fling. The truth is, that’s the last thing I want. I know I’ve made some bad decisions in the past, but I wouldn’t have gone out with any of those women if I’d known you. I understand that you need to be careful, and take things slowly. I’m not asking for more than a date, right now, but you probably ought to know, Connie – you’re it for me. I’m fully intending you to be the last woman I ever go out with. I am completely, utterly in love with you. Can I please take you to the surprise party next week?’
Everyone within hearing distance held their breath. That is, apart from Martin, who shuffled in his chair and muttered something about how this wasn’t really on.
Connie had been looking straight up at Isaac the whole time, her face serious. She glanced at Wilf now, who was quivering with anticipation on a blanket near her feet, before smoothing down her skirt as the hint of a smile began to crease the corners of her eyes.
‘You can. Thank you for asking.’
Isaac’s whole body flinched in surprise, he crossed and uncrossed his arms a couple of times, unsure of what to do until Wilf sprang up and offered him a high-five.
‘On the understanding that this is one date. There’s no pressure or expectation for anything more.’
‘Of course,’ he breathed in relief.
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
‘Um, is it okay if I pull up a chair?’
‘No worries, mate,’ Martin said, hauling himself up like a man defeated. ‘You might as well have mine.’
* * *
The following Sunday, all Arthur’s preparation was about to come to fruition. We’d spent several evenings together, as he insisted on going over his proposal plans numerous times. It was hard to offer advice, given my concerns about the whole idea, but he wasn’t backing out, so I decided the only option was to support him as best I could.
Elliot and Isaac had joined us for a last-minute meeting of the Boys to Men project, where we’d gone over suitable topics of conversation when meeting Elsa’s family, and Isaac had asked for our opinion on a date outfit.
‘How about you, Elliot?’ Arthur asked, when he’d eventually covered every possible aspect of the engagement party. ‘This’ll be my last meeting, and maybe Isaac’s. Has the Boys to Men project hit the target from your perspective?’
‘He’s still as solidly single as ever, so I’m guessing that would be a hard no,’ Isaac said. ‘There’s only so much Jessie can do with a man who refuses to be moved.’
It took every last drop of willpower to keep my eyes firmly on my tea mug. I’d spent another week avoiding Elliot wherever I could, including staying late at work, hanging out with Connie and hiding in my bedroom.
‘If you remember, my target wasn’t about dating. I asked Jessie if she’d help me with the Harriers. We won our first match, and have two new players joining us next season, so from my perspective, it’s already a resounding success. I’ve beaten you boys to it.’
‘Only thing you will be beating us in this year.’ Isaac grinned. ‘Shame your Chimney Cup performance isn’t as successful.’
‘The football result wasn’t anything to do with the project, though, was it?’ Arthur said. ‘Your new clothes, the new recipes you’ve been trying out. You still don’t feel ready to open yourself up to the wonderful world of women?’
‘And this, ladies and gentlemen, is how Arthur Wood talks about datingafterhe’s had weeks of relationship coaching.’ Isaac grimaced.
‘My relationship coach knows where I stand on that,’ Elliot said, his voice a deep rumble that vibrated through my insides. ‘I’m still waiting for her opinion before I take it any further.’
Oh my goodness.
Cue various whoops and probing interrogation from the others, while I tried not to boil in my own embarrassment.
‘Jessie?’ Arthur asked, after Elliot refused to go into any more detail. ‘What are your thoughts? Have you met this mystery woman?’
‘I…’ I wrenched my eyes up to find Elliot’s burning into me across the table. I sat there, with my brother and his best friends, and realised that I’d done it again. I’d let things get completely out of hand, and now someone – everyone – was going to end up hurt and having to deal with the consequences. ‘I suddenly remembered I have to do something…’
It wasn’t a lie. I scrambled up the stairs, flung myself on the bed and called my mum.
39
When I bumped my bags down the stairs half an hour later, my housemates were waiting in the hallway.
‘What’s going on?’ Isaac asked, face creased in concern.
