The Secret to Happiness, page 22
‘I don’t want to, but…’
‘I know.’ He held her gaze and she knew he’d felt it too. Something had shifted between them but, right now, she couldn’t think about what that meant. Right now, she needed to get home and face the music.
Glancing at the clock on the dashboard, Karen shuddered. Half an hour had passed since Ryan stormed off. He was going to be livid when she got home. Let him be, though. What right did he have to give her orders like that, in front of a client too? Was Jay just a client, though? He hadn’t felt like one when he’d held her that second time. She shook her head. Too complicated. Focus on Ryan. What a nerve he had. She should have told him to stick his demands where the sun didn’t shine, but she’d been that surprised and embarrassed that she’d never thought to challenge him. He wouldn’t know what hit him when she got home, though.
He was sitting in the kitchen, nursing a tumbler of dark liquid. A bottle of Jack Daniels sat on the table, and it looked like there were only a few shots left. How many of those had he had already? She dreaded to think. And since when had he started drinking that stuff? He’d given her a glass of it when her stalker had started following her, but she’d never known him to drink it before.
‘That was a long five minutes.’ He necked the liquid then poured another generous measure. ‘What have you been doing?’
Electricity zipped through Karen again as she thought about that hug. She hoped she didn’t look as guilty as she felt. ‘Why were you on the seafront tonight? Checking up on me?’
‘I’d forgotten you were going to be late. I came to see if you wanted to grab a bite to eat.’ He took a swig of his drink. ‘Just as well I did. Caught you in the act.’
‘Oh, for God’s sake. There’s nothing going on with Jay. He’s a client and a friend. That’s all.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, really. It’s completely innocent.’ She swallowed hard. It had been a hug. Only a hug. And hugs were innocent, weren’t they?
Ryan picked up his phone, pressed a few buttons, then thrust it into her eyeline. ‘Doesn’t look completely innocent to me.’
Grabbing the phone, Karen’s heart raced at the photo of her and Jay in the car park, arms round each other. From the angle it was taken, it looked like they were kissing.
‘Oh my God, Ryan! Were you spying on me?’
‘No.’
‘So where’s the picture come from?’
‘Your bloody stalker, I presume, deciding to torment me now.’ Ryan grabbed the phone back off her. ‘I came straight home to wait for you, like I said I would. And I waited, and waited, and waited. Then my phone pinged and this little beauty arrived so I knew exactly why you were late. Care to explain?’
Outraged, Karen thrust her phone at him, the text conversation with the stalker showing on the screen. ‘Care to explain?’
She watched his eyes widen then narrow. ‘Thanks for defending me.’
‘As if I’m going to defend you to some weirdo who’s sending me anonymous texts. All I want is for it to end. I thought… hoped… they might admit they were making it up if I pushed them.’
‘Looks to me like you believe them.’ Ryan downed the rest of his drink. ‘So why don’t you piss off with your ginger friend, then? I’m sure he’ll make you very happy.’
Karen grabbed the Jack Daniels bottle and tipped the remainder down the sink.
‘Oi! I was drinking that.’
‘I think you’ve had enough, don’t you?’
He stared at her then nodded. ‘Yes, I have. I’ve had enough. I’ve very definitely, positively had enough.’
‘Of what?’ she shouted as he stormed out of the kitchen. ‘Jack Daniels? Or of me?’
‘Of everything,’ he yelled, before slamming the front door behind him.
He wasn’t going to drive, was he? Karen dashed down the hall and was about to thrust open the front door when she spotted Ryan through the glass, running across the road. At least he wasn’t stupid enough to get behind the wheel. Where was he going, though? To see his other woman? Or was he going to Steff’s? She was convinced more than ever that he had done something stupid to jeopardise their relationship. Would the stalker be true to their word and provide some evidence tomorrow or would they continue to play games?
Returning to the kitchen, Karen rang Steff to warn her that Ryan might be on his way over and that he was in a dark mood and drunk. Steff assured her she’d text if he appeared. Then she sank down into a seat at the kitchen table, her head in her hands, her mind in a spin. What an evening. What a horrible, awkward, embarrassing evening. Yet that hug with Jay… It had been a long time since Ryan had held her like that or made her feel like Jay just had.
While Karen was getting ready for bed, a text came through:
* * *
✉︎ From Steff
No sign of Ryan all night. I’m guessing he’s gone to the pub to drown his sorrows, stupid arse. Really sorry xx
* * *
✉︎ To Steff
Thanks for letting me know. You’re probably right. This evening was horrendous. Not sure how much longer I can keep doing this xx
* * *
✉︎ From Steff
It breaks my heart to read that, but I can’t say I blame you. It’s like he’s had a personality transplant. I want the old Ryan back
* * *
✉︎ To Steff
So do I. But I’m worried that he’s never going to come back. He’s been on the Jack Daniels. Dread to know how much!
* * *
✉︎ From Steff
Jack Daniels? OMG! Since when did he start drinking spirits? Whatever you decide, I’ll support you. I really hope it’s not the end for you, though. I always thought the two of you were strong enough to survive anything that life threw at you xx
* * *
✉︎ To Steff
Me too. And we probably could have done, except I don’t know what it is that life’s throwing at us and that’s the issue. I can’t fix the problem when I don’t know what the problem is
* * *
At about 3.45 a.m., the sound of a key in the lock jolted Karen awake.
‘Hi honey, I’m home,’ Ryan called, then laughed.
Lying back against the pillows, she clenched her fists. He’d better not think he was crawling into bed beside her, the state he was obviously in. She listened as he clattered about in the kitchen, flinching at the sound of a glass smashing.
Her heart thumped rapidly as she heard his footsteps on the stairs, a thud as he must have missed his footing, then footsteps again. The sound of one of the bedroom doors opening on the floor below filled her with relief. If he’d made it up to the top floor and into their bedroom, she’d have had to go and sleep in one of the spare bedrooms so he’d saved her the bother.
What he hadn’t saved her from was a sleepless night yet again. She opened the blinds then lay back on the bed, staring out the window. The inky-blue night sky gradually lightened, then turned into a stunning vista of peach, lemon and baby-pink, with the occasional streak of baby-blue. Birds chirped their morning songs and the world seemed happy and content. The complete opposite to how she felt.
43
Karen
Karen crept down the top flight of stairs the following morning. As she reached the landing on the first floor, Ryan opened the door to one of the spare bedrooms. A heady stench of sweat and alcohol hit her and she reeled back, fighting the urge to cover her mouth and nose with her hand. He looked at her for a moment, but didn’t speak. She wasn’t surprised. What could he say after all? Sorry? She had no words either. She had nothing to be sorry for and no idea what to say without opening up raw wounds again.
He crossed the landing to the bathroom and closed the door.
Feeling numb, she made her way to the ground floor, hoping to find the strength to face the day in a cup of coffee and a bowl of porridge. Large chunks of what looked like a pint glass, plus smaller shards were scattered across the tiled floor. Great. First task of the day was to clear up his mess.
As she swept the broken glass into the dustpan, the toilet flushed upstairs and, a few moments later, his heavy footsteps resounded across the landing before the spare bedroom door slammed shut.
She pictured his face as he’d looked at her, his expression completely devoid of any sort of emotion. No regret, no guilt, and no love.
His bruises had started to heal. The deep purple had faded and a greenish/yellowish tint had appeared around the edges. Shame the same couldn’t be said about their relationship; it was definitely far from healing. It was in dire need of open-heart surgery and rapidly on its way to flatlining. She glanced down at the fragments in the dustpan. Broken. Just like her trust.
Karen was on the beach, setting up for mid-morning bootcamp, when Steff joined her.
‘I’ve got the morning free and I figured I could spend it doing the washing and cleaning. Yawn. Or I could come to the beach and see if you could use some moral support. No brainer really.’
Karen smiled gratefully. ‘Some moral support would be amazing. Thank you.’
‘Did he come home last night?’ Steff asked.
‘Yes, but not till an hour before dawn. He staggered up the stairs, ricocheting off the walls by the sounds of it, and slept in one of the spare bedrooms again.’
‘It’s come to that, eh?’
‘Looks like it. He didn’t speak when I saw him first thing although probably just as well. I couldn’t have faced starting the day with a screaming match.’
‘I wish I knew what to say, but you’re not the only one he’s shutting out.’ Steff shrugged and shook her head. ‘I can’t remember the last time I had a proper conversation with him.’
The session went brilliantly again. The teamwork was amazing to watch and, this time, the dynamic had switched between Alison and Danniella, with Alison being the one supporting and motivating Danniella who was clearly very weak after her ordeal.
Karen looked around the group after their cool-down. ‘Steff and I think you were all amazing today but we’re unanimous that today’s Awesome Award goes to Alison.’ She grinned as Alison’s jaw practically dropped to the sand and the others laughed and cheered.
‘Congratulations, Ali. Five bootcamps in and I can already see a massive difference in you. I’m in awe of your enthusiasm, the effort, the attitude and the amazing teamwork throughout today.’
‘Thank you so much.’ Alison sounded genuinely astounded. ‘I loved today’s session. That seedling might have sprouted.’
‘Yes!’ Karen punched the air. ‘I knew you were going to be one of those who grew to love bootcamp. I’ll take your photo. Everyone else, I’ll see you on Thursday.’
Alison hid behind the flag again as Karen took her photo
‘How was it for you?’ she asked Danniella.
‘Great bootcamp but so frustrating. I feel like I’ve taken a massive step back in fitness levels.’
‘It’s inevitable after what you’ve been through but it’ll come back quickly. Don’t push yourself too hard too soon, though. Maybe just stick to the bootcamps this week then introduce the running again from next week.’
Danniella nodded. ‘Okay. How are you? And how was Ryan?’
‘Did they catch the mugger?’ Alison added.
Karen pulled the flag out of the sand, shaking her head. ‘I’m not convinced he was mugged, especially as he’s still got his phone. As for us, it’s been a horrendous couple of days and I don’t think it’s going to improve anytime soon.’
‘Have you got time for a coffee back at mine?’ Danniella asked. ‘You’re welcome to join us too, Steff.’
Karen looked at her watch. ‘My PT session got rescheduled so I’ve got a bit of time. Steff?’
‘I’m free, if you don’t mind,’ Steff said.
When they were settled in Danniella’s flat with drinks, Karen updated them on the situation with Ryan and her fears that there was more to it than a mugging. During the conversation, Ryan rang three times.
‘You can get it if you want to,’ Danniella said after Karen had scowled at the screen on the third call and put the phone back down on the arm of the sofa with a sigh.
‘I don’t want to,’ she admitted. ‘I’ve got nothing to say to him at the moment and, besides, I don’t know why he keeps ringing me. As far as he’s aware, I’m in a PT session and wouldn’t be answering anyway. So, what do you all think? Guilty?’
‘Of something,’ Alison agreed. ‘It might not be that he’s seeing someone else, though. I used to work with this lass who was convinced her boyfriend was seeing someone else because he kept getting mysterious texts and calls. Turned out he’d organised a surprise trip to New York to propose to her and an engagement party for when they returned.’
Karen smiled. ‘Loving that story, but sadly I don’t think we’re going to have a happy ending like that. If he was doing something sweet like secretly planning our wedding, we wouldn’t be fighting all the time.’
‘And he’d have told me,’ Steff said. ‘Ryan’s my best friend. Or he used to be. I don’t know who he is at the moment.’
Karen’s phone beeped. ‘Oh for God’s sake. Sorry, girls.’ She picked it up and frowned at the screen. ‘It’s an email this time.’
‘He’s obviously desperate to get hold of you,’ Steff said.
Karen felt sick as she glanced down at her email. It wasn’t from Ryan, but the subject header told her exactly who it was from.
* * *
You wanted proof. Hope you can handle it.
* * *
‘It’s a video,’ she said, aware that the others were watching her expectantly. ‘I’ll grab my iPad and watch it on there. Sorry. Back in a bit. Talk amongst yourselves.’
Retrieving her iPad from her backpack in the hall, she wandered into the kitchen with it, her stomach churning. Sitting at the table, she opened the case and propped it up, took a deep breath, then pressed play.
The words, ‘In the beginning…’ were written on a black screen. A dance track that Karen didn’t recognise played in the background.
‘What’s your fantasy?’ an unfamiliar female voice asked, while the camera panned across a table containing empty bottles of wine, half-empty glasses, a couple of empty tumblers and a bottle of Jack Daniels.
‘I’m not telling you that,’ a male voice answered. Karen recognised the voice instantly: Ryan.
‘Go on. I told you mine.’
‘I don’t have one,’ Ryan said.
The camera continued to focus on the drinks, then moved to some candles flickering.
‘Everyone has a fantasy,’ the female purred. ‘I bet yours is dirty.’ There was a pause then the female shrieked with laughter. ‘Oh my God! It is, isn’t it? You’ve got a dirty fantasy.’
‘I’m admitting nothing.’
The screen turned black again, the words, ‘Later that night…’ materialising on it.
Karen’s heart raced as she kept her eyes glued to the screen.
‘It’s time to tell me your fantasy,’ the same female said. This time the camera focused on Ryan slumped in a chair, barely able to keep his eyes open. He looked absolutely wasted and his speech confirmed it.
‘Promise you won’t tell anyone?’ His eyes kept closing and his head lolling forward.
‘Your secret’s safe with me.’
‘A threesome,’ Ryan muttered. ‘Would love a threesome.’
The female shrieked with laughter again. ‘You dirty dog. Another man?’
‘Noooo! Ew. Girls. Karen and… I dunno. Whoever. She won’t, though.’
‘You’ve asked her?’
‘Mentioned it, but she’s not up for it.’
‘What’s her fantasy?’
Ryan grinned. ‘My name’s Bond. James Bond.’
‘How predictable.’
‘She’s not ’dictable. Love her. And Dirty Dancing fantasy.’
‘The film?’
Ryan nodded. ‘Lake scene. She loves that.’
‘Then why don’t you give your boring, predictable little fiancée her fantasies, and maybe she’ll give you yours?’
Ryan drunkenly wagged his finger at the camera. ‘She’ll never do it.’
‘Then why don’t you find someone who will?’
He laughed. ‘You volunteering?’
There was a pause before the female answered, ‘I might be. And I know someone else who’d be up for it. Just say the word and it can be arranged.’
Ryan’s eyes widened for a moment and he smiled, then his head slumped to his chest as sleep obviously overcame him.
Karen’s mouth felt very dry as she struggled to catch her breath. The screen went black again, captioned with: ‘Well, somebody had to…’
Heavy breathing emanated from the iPad, seeming to bounce off the walls and fill the kitchen. She knew exactly what she was about to see yet couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away from the screen. Please let it be a prank. Please let it be a PT session. But her gut told her it wasn’t.
Karen started shaking as the caption gave way to film; an erotic film containing two women, one man, one fantasy. She didn’t recognise the blonde woman, and the brunette’s long hair was obliterating her face. But there was absolutely no doubt who the man was.
‘What’s he sent you, then?’ Steff asked, appearing in the doorway. ‘Some soppy apology?’
Karen looked up at Steff, eyes wide, breathing shallow. ‘It’s not from Ryan.’
At the same time, the heavy panting must have hit Steff’s ears as she rushed to the table to look at the film. ‘Bloody hell,’ she cried.
The other two came rushing in from the lounge. ‘What’s going on?’ Alison cried.
‘I know.’ He held her gaze and she knew he’d felt it too. Something had shifted between them but, right now, she couldn’t think about what that meant. Right now, she needed to get home and face the music.
Glancing at the clock on the dashboard, Karen shuddered. Half an hour had passed since Ryan stormed off. He was going to be livid when she got home. Let him be, though. What right did he have to give her orders like that, in front of a client too? Was Jay just a client, though? He hadn’t felt like one when he’d held her that second time. She shook her head. Too complicated. Focus on Ryan. What a nerve he had. She should have told him to stick his demands where the sun didn’t shine, but she’d been that surprised and embarrassed that she’d never thought to challenge him. He wouldn’t know what hit him when she got home, though.
He was sitting in the kitchen, nursing a tumbler of dark liquid. A bottle of Jack Daniels sat on the table, and it looked like there were only a few shots left. How many of those had he had already? She dreaded to think. And since when had he started drinking that stuff? He’d given her a glass of it when her stalker had started following her, but she’d never known him to drink it before.
‘That was a long five minutes.’ He necked the liquid then poured another generous measure. ‘What have you been doing?’
Electricity zipped through Karen again as she thought about that hug. She hoped she didn’t look as guilty as she felt. ‘Why were you on the seafront tonight? Checking up on me?’
‘I’d forgotten you were going to be late. I came to see if you wanted to grab a bite to eat.’ He took a swig of his drink. ‘Just as well I did. Caught you in the act.’
‘Oh, for God’s sake. There’s nothing going on with Jay. He’s a client and a friend. That’s all.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, really. It’s completely innocent.’ She swallowed hard. It had been a hug. Only a hug. And hugs were innocent, weren’t they?
Ryan picked up his phone, pressed a few buttons, then thrust it into her eyeline. ‘Doesn’t look completely innocent to me.’
Grabbing the phone, Karen’s heart raced at the photo of her and Jay in the car park, arms round each other. From the angle it was taken, it looked like they were kissing.
‘Oh my God, Ryan! Were you spying on me?’
‘No.’
‘So where’s the picture come from?’
‘Your bloody stalker, I presume, deciding to torment me now.’ Ryan grabbed the phone back off her. ‘I came straight home to wait for you, like I said I would. And I waited, and waited, and waited. Then my phone pinged and this little beauty arrived so I knew exactly why you were late. Care to explain?’
Outraged, Karen thrust her phone at him, the text conversation with the stalker showing on the screen. ‘Care to explain?’
She watched his eyes widen then narrow. ‘Thanks for defending me.’
‘As if I’m going to defend you to some weirdo who’s sending me anonymous texts. All I want is for it to end. I thought… hoped… they might admit they were making it up if I pushed them.’
‘Looks to me like you believe them.’ Ryan downed the rest of his drink. ‘So why don’t you piss off with your ginger friend, then? I’m sure he’ll make you very happy.’
Karen grabbed the Jack Daniels bottle and tipped the remainder down the sink.
‘Oi! I was drinking that.’
‘I think you’ve had enough, don’t you?’
He stared at her then nodded. ‘Yes, I have. I’ve had enough. I’ve very definitely, positively had enough.’
‘Of what?’ she shouted as he stormed out of the kitchen. ‘Jack Daniels? Or of me?’
‘Of everything,’ he yelled, before slamming the front door behind him.
He wasn’t going to drive, was he? Karen dashed down the hall and was about to thrust open the front door when she spotted Ryan through the glass, running across the road. At least he wasn’t stupid enough to get behind the wheel. Where was he going, though? To see his other woman? Or was he going to Steff’s? She was convinced more than ever that he had done something stupid to jeopardise their relationship. Would the stalker be true to their word and provide some evidence tomorrow or would they continue to play games?
Returning to the kitchen, Karen rang Steff to warn her that Ryan might be on his way over and that he was in a dark mood and drunk. Steff assured her she’d text if he appeared. Then she sank down into a seat at the kitchen table, her head in her hands, her mind in a spin. What an evening. What a horrible, awkward, embarrassing evening. Yet that hug with Jay… It had been a long time since Ryan had held her like that or made her feel like Jay just had.
While Karen was getting ready for bed, a text came through:
* * *
✉︎ From Steff
No sign of Ryan all night. I’m guessing he’s gone to the pub to drown his sorrows, stupid arse. Really sorry xx
* * *
✉︎ To Steff
Thanks for letting me know. You’re probably right. This evening was horrendous. Not sure how much longer I can keep doing this xx
* * *
✉︎ From Steff
It breaks my heart to read that, but I can’t say I blame you. It’s like he’s had a personality transplant. I want the old Ryan back
* * *
✉︎ To Steff
So do I. But I’m worried that he’s never going to come back. He’s been on the Jack Daniels. Dread to know how much!
* * *
✉︎ From Steff
Jack Daniels? OMG! Since when did he start drinking spirits? Whatever you decide, I’ll support you. I really hope it’s not the end for you, though. I always thought the two of you were strong enough to survive anything that life threw at you xx
* * *
✉︎ To Steff
Me too. And we probably could have done, except I don’t know what it is that life’s throwing at us and that’s the issue. I can’t fix the problem when I don’t know what the problem is
* * *
At about 3.45 a.m., the sound of a key in the lock jolted Karen awake.
‘Hi honey, I’m home,’ Ryan called, then laughed.
Lying back against the pillows, she clenched her fists. He’d better not think he was crawling into bed beside her, the state he was obviously in. She listened as he clattered about in the kitchen, flinching at the sound of a glass smashing.
Her heart thumped rapidly as she heard his footsteps on the stairs, a thud as he must have missed his footing, then footsteps again. The sound of one of the bedroom doors opening on the floor below filled her with relief. If he’d made it up to the top floor and into their bedroom, she’d have had to go and sleep in one of the spare bedrooms so he’d saved her the bother.
What he hadn’t saved her from was a sleepless night yet again. She opened the blinds then lay back on the bed, staring out the window. The inky-blue night sky gradually lightened, then turned into a stunning vista of peach, lemon and baby-pink, with the occasional streak of baby-blue. Birds chirped their morning songs and the world seemed happy and content. The complete opposite to how she felt.
43
Karen
Karen crept down the top flight of stairs the following morning. As she reached the landing on the first floor, Ryan opened the door to one of the spare bedrooms. A heady stench of sweat and alcohol hit her and she reeled back, fighting the urge to cover her mouth and nose with her hand. He looked at her for a moment, but didn’t speak. She wasn’t surprised. What could he say after all? Sorry? She had no words either. She had nothing to be sorry for and no idea what to say without opening up raw wounds again.
He crossed the landing to the bathroom and closed the door.
Feeling numb, she made her way to the ground floor, hoping to find the strength to face the day in a cup of coffee and a bowl of porridge. Large chunks of what looked like a pint glass, plus smaller shards were scattered across the tiled floor. Great. First task of the day was to clear up his mess.
As she swept the broken glass into the dustpan, the toilet flushed upstairs and, a few moments later, his heavy footsteps resounded across the landing before the spare bedroom door slammed shut.
She pictured his face as he’d looked at her, his expression completely devoid of any sort of emotion. No regret, no guilt, and no love.
His bruises had started to heal. The deep purple had faded and a greenish/yellowish tint had appeared around the edges. Shame the same couldn’t be said about their relationship; it was definitely far from healing. It was in dire need of open-heart surgery and rapidly on its way to flatlining. She glanced down at the fragments in the dustpan. Broken. Just like her trust.
Karen was on the beach, setting up for mid-morning bootcamp, when Steff joined her.
‘I’ve got the morning free and I figured I could spend it doing the washing and cleaning. Yawn. Or I could come to the beach and see if you could use some moral support. No brainer really.’
Karen smiled gratefully. ‘Some moral support would be amazing. Thank you.’
‘Did he come home last night?’ Steff asked.
‘Yes, but not till an hour before dawn. He staggered up the stairs, ricocheting off the walls by the sounds of it, and slept in one of the spare bedrooms again.’
‘It’s come to that, eh?’
‘Looks like it. He didn’t speak when I saw him first thing although probably just as well. I couldn’t have faced starting the day with a screaming match.’
‘I wish I knew what to say, but you’re not the only one he’s shutting out.’ Steff shrugged and shook her head. ‘I can’t remember the last time I had a proper conversation with him.’
The session went brilliantly again. The teamwork was amazing to watch and, this time, the dynamic had switched between Alison and Danniella, with Alison being the one supporting and motivating Danniella who was clearly very weak after her ordeal.
Karen looked around the group after their cool-down. ‘Steff and I think you were all amazing today but we’re unanimous that today’s Awesome Award goes to Alison.’ She grinned as Alison’s jaw practically dropped to the sand and the others laughed and cheered.
‘Congratulations, Ali. Five bootcamps in and I can already see a massive difference in you. I’m in awe of your enthusiasm, the effort, the attitude and the amazing teamwork throughout today.’
‘Thank you so much.’ Alison sounded genuinely astounded. ‘I loved today’s session. That seedling might have sprouted.’
‘Yes!’ Karen punched the air. ‘I knew you were going to be one of those who grew to love bootcamp. I’ll take your photo. Everyone else, I’ll see you on Thursday.’
Alison hid behind the flag again as Karen took her photo
‘How was it for you?’ she asked Danniella.
‘Great bootcamp but so frustrating. I feel like I’ve taken a massive step back in fitness levels.’
‘It’s inevitable after what you’ve been through but it’ll come back quickly. Don’t push yourself too hard too soon, though. Maybe just stick to the bootcamps this week then introduce the running again from next week.’
Danniella nodded. ‘Okay. How are you? And how was Ryan?’
‘Did they catch the mugger?’ Alison added.
Karen pulled the flag out of the sand, shaking her head. ‘I’m not convinced he was mugged, especially as he’s still got his phone. As for us, it’s been a horrendous couple of days and I don’t think it’s going to improve anytime soon.’
‘Have you got time for a coffee back at mine?’ Danniella asked. ‘You’re welcome to join us too, Steff.’
Karen looked at her watch. ‘My PT session got rescheduled so I’ve got a bit of time. Steff?’
‘I’m free, if you don’t mind,’ Steff said.
When they were settled in Danniella’s flat with drinks, Karen updated them on the situation with Ryan and her fears that there was more to it than a mugging. During the conversation, Ryan rang three times.
‘You can get it if you want to,’ Danniella said after Karen had scowled at the screen on the third call and put the phone back down on the arm of the sofa with a sigh.
‘I don’t want to,’ she admitted. ‘I’ve got nothing to say to him at the moment and, besides, I don’t know why he keeps ringing me. As far as he’s aware, I’m in a PT session and wouldn’t be answering anyway. So, what do you all think? Guilty?’
‘Of something,’ Alison agreed. ‘It might not be that he’s seeing someone else, though. I used to work with this lass who was convinced her boyfriend was seeing someone else because he kept getting mysterious texts and calls. Turned out he’d organised a surprise trip to New York to propose to her and an engagement party for when they returned.’
Karen smiled. ‘Loving that story, but sadly I don’t think we’re going to have a happy ending like that. If he was doing something sweet like secretly planning our wedding, we wouldn’t be fighting all the time.’
‘And he’d have told me,’ Steff said. ‘Ryan’s my best friend. Or he used to be. I don’t know who he is at the moment.’
Karen’s phone beeped. ‘Oh for God’s sake. Sorry, girls.’ She picked it up and frowned at the screen. ‘It’s an email this time.’
‘He’s obviously desperate to get hold of you,’ Steff said.
Karen felt sick as she glanced down at her email. It wasn’t from Ryan, but the subject header told her exactly who it was from.
* * *
You wanted proof. Hope you can handle it.
* * *
‘It’s a video,’ she said, aware that the others were watching her expectantly. ‘I’ll grab my iPad and watch it on there. Sorry. Back in a bit. Talk amongst yourselves.’
Retrieving her iPad from her backpack in the hall, she wandered into the kitchen with it, her stomach churning. Sitting at the table, she opened the case and propped it up, took a deep breath, then pressed play.
The words, ‘In the beginning…’ were written on a black screen. A dance track that Karen didn’t recognise played in the background.
‘What’s your fantasy?’ an unfamiliar female voice asked, while the camera panned across a table containing empty bottles of wine, half-empty glasses, a couple of empty tumblers and a bottle of Jack Daniels.
‘I’m not telling you that,’ a male voice answered. Karen recognised the voice instantly: Ryan.
‘Go on. I told you mine.’
‘I don’t have one,’ Ryan said.
The camera continued to focus on the drinks, then moved to some candles flickering.
‘Everyone has a fantasy,’ the female purred. ‘I bet yours is dirty.’ There was a pause then the female shrieked with laughter. ‘Oh my God! It is, isn’t it? You’ve got a dirty fantasy.’
‘I’m admitting nothing.’
The screen turned black again, the words, ‘Later that night…’ materialising on it.
Karen’s heart raced as she kept her eyes glued to the screen.
‘It’s time to tell me your fantasy,’ the same female said. This time the camera focused on Ryan slumped in a chair, barely able to keep his eyes open. He looked absolutely wasted and his speech confirmed it.
‘Promise you won’t tell anyone?’ His eyes kept closing and his head lolling forward.
‘Your secret’s safe with me.’
‘A threesome,’ Ryan muttered. ‘Would love a threesome.’
The female shrieked with laughter again. ‘You dirty dog. Another man?’
‘Noooo! Ew. Girls. Karen and… I dunno. Whoever. She won’t, though.’
‘You’ve asked her?’
‘Mentioned it, but she’s not up for it.’
‘What’s her fantasy?’
Ryan grinned. ‘My name’s Bond. James Bond.’
‘How predictable.’
‘She’s not ’dictable. Love her. And Dirty Dancing fantasy.’
‘The film?’
Ryan nodded. ‘Lake scene. She loves that.’
‘Then why don’t you give your boring, predictable little fiancée her fantasies, and maybe she’ll give you yours?’
Ryan drunkenly wagged his finger at the camera. ‘She’ll never do it.’
‘Then why don’t you find someone who will?’
He laughed. ‘You volunteering?’
There was a pause before the female answered, ‘I might be. And I know someone else who’d be up for it. Just say the word and it can be arranged.’
Ryan’s eyes widened for a moment and he smiled, then his head slumped to his chest as sleep obviously overcame him.
Karen’s mouth felt very dry as she struggled to catch her breath. The screen went black again, captioned with: ‘Well, somebody had to…’
Heavy breathing emanated from the iPad, seeming to bounce off the walls and fill the kitchen. She knew exactly what she was about to see yet couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away from the screen. Please let it be a prank. Please let it be a PT session. But her gut told her it wasn’t.
Karen started shaking as the caption gave way to film; an erotic film containing two women, one man, one fantasy. She didn’t recognise the blonde woman, and the brunette’s long hair was obliterating her face. But there was absolutely no doubt who the man was.
‘What’s he sent you, then?’ Steff asked, appearing in the doorway. ‘Some soppy apology?’
Karen looked up at Steff, eyes wide, breathing shallow. ‘It’s not from Ryan.’
At the same time, the heavy panting must have hit Steff’s ears as she rushed to the table to look at the film. ‘Bloody hell,’ she cried.
The other two came rushing in from the lounge. ‘What’s going on?’ Alison cried.
