Alex, I simply dont understand you. Have you lost your mind? What do you mean, Im leaving?
Thats exactly what I mean. Ive had a lover for ages! Shes sixteen years younger than me! Ive made my choice, and life with her will be much better!
Shes young enough to be your daughter!
Not really! Shes already twenty.
Alex walked over to her.
And besides, Lucys father has heaps of money. For once Ill live the life Ive always dreamt of! Do you see? And soon shell give me a child, unlike you!
Each word struck Tanya like a slap. Deep down, shed known it would come to this eventually, since theyd never had children.
But she had never imagined it would play out in such a humiliating fashion.
Theyd spent nearly fifteen years together. There had been ups and downs, like any couple. But Tanya had always believed that respect was the cornerstone of a proper marriage.
Tanya, couldnt you at least shed a tear, just for show? It feels a bit uncomfortable otherwise.
She lifted her head, her posture regal.
Why should I cry? Im delighted for you, truly! At least one of us is on the way to their dreams now.
Alex grimaced.
Why do you always go on about your silly paints and brushes? Thats not a job, not even close!
Well, its just a hobby. But if Id worked less and you earned a bit more, I might have spent more time at it too.
Oh please. What else could you possibly do? You cant have kids, so just keep working.
She watched as Alex struggled to fasten his suitcase.
Alex, what about your new flame? Shes not going to get a job. How will you manage? Youre not much of a worker yourself.
Thats none of your business! But since Im feeling generous, Ill tell you. We only have to survive on our own money for a little while.
When Lucys pregnant, her father will shower us with cash! Anyway, well have plentydont you worry your head.
Alex slammed the suitcase shut and swept out the flat, the door thundering behind him. Tanya winced; she always hated loud noises. She turned back to the window.
A flashy red car purred up to the front of the flats. Out leapt a young woman, who threw her arms round Alexs neck.
Naturally, all the old ladies in the square stared openly. Typical, couldnt he just leave without embarrassing her?
Yet, strangely, Tanya felt relief. Their life lately had become theatre, nothing more.
Alex barely even slept at home any more. Shed understood, but couldnt untangle the knot that was their marriage.
She picked up her phone.
Rita, hi. Plans for tonight?
Her friend was surprised.
Blimey, you finally surfaced from your gloom?
Oh shush. It was never depression, just a touch of the blues. Shall we go out tonight? A drink, a natter, especially as theres a good reason.
There was a pause on the line. Then Rita asked, cautiously:
Tanya, are you alright? What pills have you taken today? Anything for your head, or a fever? Do you have a temperature?
Rita, stop it.
If youre serious then Im all in! Im sick of seeing your miserable mug. But
But what? Cant make it?
No, its not that. Just, wont your dear Alex let you out? Whos going to bring him his dinner in front of the telly, or wipe his tears?
Rita, 7 oclock, at The Crown!
Tanya hung up. One day, she thought wryly, shed throttle her friend. And that day would come soon.
She chuckled. Shed wanted to do something drastic to Rita the moment theyd met.
Yet it had never gotten in the way of their friendship. Tanya grabbed her handbag and dashed out the door. It was already midday, more errands than time.
Rita kept glancing at her watch. Tanya never ran late, but now she was five minutes behind.
Suddenly, her friend breezed into the restaurant, and Ritas jaw nearly hit the table. Actually, so did everyone elses.
Tanya had always worn her hair long, pinned in a tidy bun. Now it was cut short in a bright blonde bob.
Make-up was never Tanyas thingjust mascara and cream after a bath. Now she wore an astonishing, flawless face.
Tanya preferred trousers but had on a flowing dress more revealing than the most skintight jeans.
Tanya, you look incredible!
Tanya triumphantly dropped her bag on the chair and sat down.
Like it?
Like! You look ten years younger. Dont tell me you threw Alex out!
Not a chance. He left of his own accord.
For a moment, the friends stared at each other before bursting into laughter.
In half an hour, a waiter set down drinks sent by a man at a nearby table. He looked slightly older, maybe five years.
Rita grinned at Tanya.
Well, already drawing admirers.
Tanya smirked, waved the man over. Ritas eyes widened.
I like you like this!
They sat up late. The mans name was George. He was clever, funny, unassumingand very handsome.
After putting Rita into a cab, George offered to walk Tanya home.
I could walk to the far side of London for you! Ive a car, but in my current state, best leave it.
No need! I live just two streets away.
They reached Tanyas house by morning. Theyd wandered, talked for hours.
Tanya, I never asked, what were you celebrating? Is it your birthday? I owe you a gift, then!
No not exactly. My husband left me yesterday.
And Tanya beamed the most dazzling smile. George looked startled.
Well, Tanya you are full of surprises.
Three weeks later, Tanya and Rita were at a café.
Tanya, hows it going with George?
She smiled.
Rita, I think Ive never been so happy. I dont keep a single thing from him. All my neuroses, and he handles them with one hand tied behind his back.
But somethings still getting to you?
Well Alex wont let it go. I have no idea why, but hes sent me an invitationto his wedding.
Goodness Why would he?
Probably wants to see his sobbing, heartbroken ex, or parade his new bride.
The cheek Take George. Turn up, offer your congrats and go. Show him whos won!
Alex looked at Lucy.
You look gorgeous
I know. Do you think Dad will show?
How could he miss his own daughters wedding?
Daughter Hes not given me a penny all year, always telling me to make my own way. Some father.
Alex hugged her.
Dont fret, he wont stay away. His girls getting married!
Theyd paid for the wedding on creditboth sure Lucys dad would soon forgive her and shower them with money.
Alex?
Well, is yours coming?
Funny you askshe called yesterday.
Youre kidding!
Nope! I bet she wants me back.
Most likely. I do love a bit of melodrama!
When Tanya explained her plan to George, he was astonished.
What time did you say the wedding is?
Two oclock. Are you busy?
Whats your ex called?
Alex. Why?
Oh Tanya, only you Of course, Ill go with you.
He told her his secret only on the way to the ceremony. Tanya was so shocked she didnt even try to change things.
Arm in arm, they strolled up the wedding path, Tanya beaming.
Alex and Lucy looked distinctly unhappy as the couple approached.
Lucy whispered, Dad?
Alex could only stammer, Tanya?
He hardly recognized her. Never imagined she could look that way.
George handed Lucy flowers and an envelope.
Its wonderful, youre married and independent now. Tanya and I are planning to travel round the world.
He clapped Alex on the shoulder:
Im sure your new mother-in-law deserves a rest. So, I entrust my daughter to your good care. Now, if youll excuse us, we must dash.
They slipped outside. Tanya wanted to laugh, though she wondered how George would take it. Suddenly, he turned.
You do realise you must marry me now?
Tanya pretended to ponder, then replied solemnly:
Well, if it must be done, it must be done
They walked off together, arms entwined, as George was on the phone booking tickets somewhere sunny, by the sea.
