‘I suppose so . . .’
‘So you never did find out why he didn’t come with you?’
‘No. I just assumed he’d changed his mind.’
‘Did you ever think that something might have happened?’
She shook her head. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Something may have happened to stop him from coming.’
‘Nope. I was so young back then. And our arrangement had been to meet at the train station at a certain time. If he wasn’t there I would know that he wasn’t coming. I just thought it wasn’t meant to be. Until . . .’
‘Hmm?’ Margaret waited for Beth to elaborate.
Beth waved her hand dismissively. ‘It might sound daft, but when I first saw him in the pub a few weeks ago I couldn’t believe it. I felt like a teenager again. My heart was racing and it felt as though there was still a connection across that crowded bar. I mean how stupid does that sound? Decades have passed and we haven’t had a proper conversation . . .’
If truth be told, Beth hadn’t been able to push away thoughts of Callum since seeing him that night.
‘Didheever try to get in touch with you back then?’ asked Margaret.
‘No, but it was very different back then. We didn’t have social media in the way people use it to connect now. And I changed my name.’
Margaret nodded. ‘Yes, your dad explained that to me. Not sure I would have agreed to do that. I mean Elizabeth Taylor is a splendid name.’
‘I know. I wouldn’t do it now. I was young and thought I had to do what I was told if I wanted to get ahead.’
‘I understand that. Changed days now, thank God. What are you going to do?’
Beth shrugged. ‘I’m not sure there is much I can do. I can hardly ask him. That would be weird. Anyway, his life has moved on.’
‘Well everyone’s life has moved on since then, Beth . . . It was a long time ago. I mean, I’m sure you’ve had plenty of men in your life since. For all he knows you could have been married and divorced three times.’ Margaret looked at her inquisitively.
Beth nodded. Her heart hammered as she wondered if this was the time to tell Margaret about Tim. He was a whole other story though. Perhaps she would share that another day. ‘Well things have changed for everyone, but most certainly things have changed for him. He has definitely moved on.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He’s a dad now. He has a daughter.’
‘Ah, I see,’ said Margaret. ‘Though not unexpected at your ages and stages of life. Most people have baggage. And is he married? Does he have a partner?’
‘I have no idea,’ said Beth. ‘It would be a bit weird if that was my opening question to him.’
Margaret leaned towards her. ‘I have been around the block a bit my love. It’s called growing older. But I can tell you, the way he was looking at you would suggest to me that he is a man who is unattached.’
Beth smiled without conviction. ‘I’ve got no idea about his personal life.’
‘It sounds like you could do with asking your friend Kirsty a few questions.’
‘That would be weird and stalkery though.’
‘Rubbish. There’s always a way. I think the first thing you should do is see Kirsty for a coffee and ask her.’
‘I don’t think I can.’
‘Of course you can, you’re a journalist. You ask people questions for a living.’
‘What would I say?’
