“I thought these might cheer you up.” Liv produced the chocolates from the carrier bag and handed them over.
Mel seemed on automatic pilot as she sat on the sofa, opened them, and stuffed one into her mouth. “Apparently Russel’s train broke down.” She let out a hollow laugh. “Likely story.” She sighed. “I bet it wasn’t even him in that picture. It’ll be of some random dude whose photo he nicked off the internet.” She ate another chocolate. “How could I have been so stupid?”
Hannah sat down next to her. “You’re nothing of the sort.”
Liv took the seat on Mel’s other side, while Dorothy sat in a chair.
“I won’t have you talking about yourself like that,” Liv said.
“Why not?” Mel stuffed yet another chocolate into her mouth.
“Because it’s not true,” Dorothy replied.
“I really wanted to believe him about the video call. You know. When he said his camera was broken. But I knew deep down he was lying.”
“He might not have been,” Hannah said, trying to sound hopeful.
“Nowyou’retreating me like I’m stupid.” Mel ate another chocolate.
That had been far from Hannah’s intention. The last thing she wanted was to make Mel feel worse. “Have you had a proper meal today?”
Mel shook her head.
“Did you eat yesterday?” Liv asked.
Again, Mel shook her head.
Dorothy rose to her feet. “Leave it with me.” Taking her casserole dish with her, she headed off in search of the kitchen.
“Liv, do you fancy running our friend here a bath?” Hannah asked.
Liv stood. “With pleasure.”
As Liv exited the room, Hannah took the box of chocolates from Mel and put it to one side. She sat in silence, waiting for her friend to speak.
“He keeps messaging,” Mel finally said. “Begging me to tell him what he’s done to upset me.” A sob escaped her mouth as she took a deep breath and exhaled. “You’ll be pleased to know I haven’t answered. I’ve wasted enough time on that man.” Falling quiet again, another sob escaped Mel’s lips, but she gathered herself. “You and Liv probably think I was naïve and foolish for trusting him in the first place.”
“We thought no such thing.”
“But you didn’t read the things he said to me. You didn’t see how he made me laugh. He’s got a way with words that makes you feel special. And I know we’d never met, but…”
“You developed feelings for him?”
Mel nodded. “Ridiculous, hey?” Fat globules of silent tears suddenly ran down her cheeks.
Hannah understood Mel’s heartbreak. Hannah didn’t think she’d ever forget the pain she’d experienced when she found out Carl wasn’t the man she’d thought he was. The anguish had coursed through her veins and seared in her chest. Back then Hannah couldn’t eat or sleep. Neither did she have the energy or inclination to look after herself.
At times, Hannah thought she’d die her heart was so broken. But she hadn’t had the luxury of giving up all together. She had to keep going for Beth and Archie’s sake until gradually the agony began to lessen. “It gets easier,” Hannah said. “I promise.”
Mel’s bottom lip quivered. “I wish I could believe you.” She began to properly cry.
Hannah pulled Mel close and hugging her, let her bawl her eyes out.
“Bath’s ready,” Liv said. Entering the room, she fell silent at the sight of Mel’s sorrow.
Mel straightened up and wiping her eyes with her sleeve, pulled herself together. She looked from Liv to Hannah. “Thank you for coming. I think I really need a friend or two right now.”
“Make that three,” Dorothy said, giving Mel a warm compassionate smile as she appeared in the doorway.
