Today has truly made me reflect on what a winding road life can be. I always thought Id get married young, like my friends from school, but as the years rolled by and I hit thirty still single, I started to panic. I was never exactly a beauty, just pleasantly plump with friendly features, but it always seemed enough. Still, for reasons I cant quite fathom, love eluded me until I met Peter. Of course, at first, I didnt realise he was married. He hid it well. Once he saw how fond Id grown of him, how Id let myself fall for him, he stopped even trying to disguise it. I cant blame him though; I suppose I shouldve been more careful.
I never even had it out with Peter over his lies I bottled it up, blaming myself instead. Its mortifying to admit I became the other woman, but my loneliness was more frightening than my dignity. I was stuck in a rut, knowing I deserved more but unable to let go, scared of facing the emptiness if I did.
Then, out of the blue, my cousin Simon popped over. He was in London for work and came by for a bite, just like we used to when we were kids. We made sandwiches and chatted about everything work, family, the mess my love life had become. He listened, even let me shed a few tears without judgement. Just then Mrs Green from next door called me over to help her pick out some new curtains shed bought. I left Simon in my flat with a cup of tea, thinking nothing of it.
Apparently thats when trouble arrived. The doorbell rang and Simon, thinking Id forgotten my keys, answered the door in his joggers and t-shirt with a half-eaten ham sandwich in hand. Peter. Simon clocked the situation immediately.
Is Alice in? Peter asked, shifting awkwardly.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon replied coolly.
And you are…? Peter stammered.
Her partner. Common law, Simon said in his deadpan way, stepping closer. Youre not that flash married bloke she told me about? Listen, mate. Turn up here again, and Ill have you down the stairs, alright?
Peter didnt need telling twice dashed down the stairs, out of sight.
When I got home and heard the story, I was horrified. Why on earth did you do that? I sobbed. Hell never come back now.
Thats a good thing! Simon told me. No more tears, Alice. You deserve better. I know a bloke in my village, a widower called Alex. Decent chap, all the ladies fancy him but hes kept to himself since his wife passed. Ill introduce you when Im next here. Dont argue.’
Dont be ridiculous, I protested. Thats mad I cant meet some stranger like that. Its embarrassing!
Dont be daft, Simon shot back. Its only embarrassing if you carry on seeing a married man. No ones forcing you to do anything. Plus, its my Lucys birthday you cant miss it!
Before I knew it, Simon had dragged me out to their little village near Shropshire. Lucy set out a lovely spread in the garden, inviting neighbours and friends and there was Alex, Simons mate, quietly polite, eyes still shadowed with the loss of his wife. He seemed gentle, almost old-fashioned, nothing flashy.
After the meal, heading back to London, I found my mind drifting to Alex. He hardly said a word but there was something kind in his manner. Hes still grieving, bless him, I thought. Not many men left like that.
A week later, the bell rang on a quiet Sunday and there was Alex himself, standing awkwardly with a shopping bag.
Er, hello, Alice. I was passing through on my way to the market. Thought Id drop in now weve been introduced, he nudged out shyly.
I let him in, surprised but not displeased. He sat in the kitchen with me over a cup of tea. Then, from his bag, he handed over a modest bouquet of tulips. I must have smiled like a schoolgirl. We talked about the weather, market prices, nothing important all very British. As he left, fiddling with his coat, he stopped in the hallway.
Id kick myself if I didnt say this, he blurted out. Ive thought about you all week. Couldnt wait for Sunday to come round. Got your address from Simon, hope you dont mind?
I blushed, suddenly shy. But we hardly know each other
I know, but am I repulsive to you, then? Can we be on first name terms? Full disclosure, Ive a daughter, shes eight and staying with her gran just now.
My heart twinged with hope. Having a daughter is lovely. I always wanted a little girl.
He seemed heartened by that. Then he took my hands and gently pulled me closer for a kiss. There were tears in my eyes, but only good ones.
Do you really not mind? he asked softly.
No, I never expected to feel this comfortable, this right And its honest. Im not stealing anything from anyone.
We started seeing each other every weekend after that. Two months on, we registered our marriage and moved into the village. I picked up a job at the local nursery, and a year later our daughter was born. So, two girls grew up in our cottage both truly loved.
Alex and I only seemed to blossom with time, happier and closer every year, like a bottle of aged claret quietly improving in the dark. At every family do, Simon would raise his glass and wink, Well, Alice, didnt I find you a good one? You just get lovelier! Secretly, I think he was right sometimes all you need is a nudge in the right direction.
