After dropping his mistress off, John Bidwell said a gentle goodbye and made his way home.
He paused outside his flat for a moment, silently weighing up what hed say to his wife. Climbing the stairs, he unlocked the door.
Hello, John called out. Olivia, are you in?
Im here, his wife replied, calm as ever. Hello. Shall I start the chops for supper?
John resolved to act decisivelyboldly, in a way befitting a man. He would put an end to his double life, while the memory of his lovers kiss was still fresh, before he sank back into the dull routines of ordinary life.
Olivia John cleared his throat. Ive come to tell you we ought to separate.
Olivia took the news with her usual composure. It was nearly impossible to throw her off balance. In fact, John used to tease her about her icy calmness.
What do you mean? Olivia asked from the kitchen doorway. Shall I not bother with the chops then?
Its your call, John replied. If you want to fry them, go ahead. If not, dont. Im leaving you for another woman.
Most wives John imagined would go for their husbands with a rolling pin at this point, or at least put on a blazing row. But Olivia was not most wives.
Well, arent you the dashing Romeo, she said drily. Did you pick up my boots from the cobbler?
No, John faltered. If its that important to you, Ill nip back right now and fetch them!
Oh, John Olivia sighed. Thats you all over. Send you for the boots and youd come back with someone elses.
John felt stung. The conversation wasnt going at all as hed envisioned: no heated emotions, no passionate outburst, no righteous fury! But then, what could he expect from the iron-nerved woman he called Olivia the Cold?
It feels as if youre not listening! John said, raising his voice. Im telling you, officially, that Im leaving you for another woman. Im walking out, and all you care about is the boots!
Well, quite, Olivia replied calmly. Unlike me, you can go wherever you pleaseyour boots arent at the cobblers. Nothing stopping you from wandering off in them.
Theyd been together for years, but John still couldnt always tell when Olivia was being sarcastic or serious. Her level-headedness, her practical nature, and her economy with words were exactly what attracted him in the first place. Not to mention her tidy ways and lovely figure.
Olivia was steady, loyal, and as unflappable as an admirals anchor. But now, John was in love with someone elsepassionately, recklessly. He needed to make a clean break and set off for a new life.
So thats it, Olivia, John said with a mix of pride, regret, and sadness. Im grateful for everything, but I love another now. I dont love you.
Well, fancy that, said Olivia. Doesnt love me, what a catch. My mum, for example, loved the chap next door. My dad loved snooker and whisky. So what? Look at the fine result they gotme.
John knew better than to argue with Olivia. Each word she spoke carried more weight than a sack of bricks. His resolve fizzled out; he didnt feel like having a row any longer.
You are wonderful, Olivia, he admitted weakly. But I really do love someone else. With all my heart, sins, and sweetness. And I mean to go to her. Do you understand?
Who, exactly? Olivia asked. Are you talking about Gemma Norris?
John took a step back. A year ago, he had indeed had a secret affair with Gemma, but he never suspected Olivia even knew her!
How do you? he began, but stopped himself. Anyway, no, its not Gemma.
Olivia yawned.
Then is it maybe Chloe Turnbull youre running off to? she prodded.
John felt a chill run down his spine. Chloe had also been involved with him, but that was history. If Olivia knew why had she never said a thing? Of course, she was made of stoneyou could never drag a word from her.
No, not Chloe or Gemma, John said. This is someone different, someone amazingthe woman of my dreams. I cant live without her, and no, dont try to stop me!
So, its probably Maya, then, Olivia observed. Honestly, John, youre about as mysterious as a crossword clue. The woman of your dreamsMaya Valentine. Thirty-five, one child, two terminations yes?
John clutched his head, utterly undone. The arrow had hit its mark: he was indeed seeing Maya Valentine.
But how? John stammered. Who told you? Were you spying on me?
Its obvious, John, Olivia said. Perhaps you forgetIm a GP with years of experience. Ive seen nearly every woman in this town as patients, while youve only seen a select few intimately. Its not hard for me to put two and two together and know where youve been, love.
John steadied himself.
All right, say youre right! he declared. Even if it is Maya, nothing changes. I love her, and Im leaving.
John, you silly goose, Olivia replied. You couldve at least asked me. Theres nothing especially amazing about Mayashes much the same as every other woman, take it from me as a doctor. Have you even seen the medical file of your so-called dream woman?
N-no John admitted.
There you go! First, straight to the shower with you, Olivia instructed. Tomorrow, Ill ring Doctor Simmons and book you in at the clinic, jump the queue. Then well talk. Honestly! A doctors husband, and he cant even find himself a healthy woman!
So what am I supposed to do now? John asked, feeling lost.
Im going to make those chops, Olivia said coolly. Go wash, do what you like. If you ever want help finding your dream womanwithout all the ailmentsjust ask. Ive plenty of sound recommendations.
Life, John realised as he listened to the sizzle from the kitchen, doesnt always play out with grand scenes or dramatic speeches. Often, the truth surfaces quietly, wrapped in plain words and steady hearts, and sometimes the partner were searching for is the one who already knows us best.
