Three Amazing Things About You(114)

Hallie didn’t want another drink, but buying one for Bea gave her a minute or two’s leeway in which to think. It was hard to concentrate on what her best friend was saying when her brain was in a complete flat spin with the news that Luke and Christina had broken up.

‘Here.’ She handed Bea a big glass of Pinot Noir. ‘Shall we go and get some more food? Have you had any Scotch eggs yet?’

‘No. Oh, who am I kidding? It’s the third time it’s happened in two weeks.’ Bea heaved a sigh, slumping on to a stool and abandoning the pretence. ‘He says he’s coming over, then cancels at the last minute.’ Now that Luke had moved away and it was just the two of them, she could admit the truth. ‘I’ve checked his company website, too. They don’t have a Georgian manor house in Winchcombe on the books.’

‘Oh dear.’ Poor Bea; Hallie felt for her. It wasn’t the first time this had happened to her.

‘Shall I call him back?’

OK, it wasn’t the first time this had happened either. Hallie shook her head. ‘No, don’t.’

‘I could get a taxi and go over to his place.’

Yet another familiar ploy. As if it had ever worked before. ‘Listen to me,’ said Hallie. ‘It wouldn’t be a good idea.’

‘But—’

‘Really.’ It was time to get firm. ‘No.’

‘OK, this is a teeny-weeny bit embarrassing,’ said Bea.

‘It is?’ Tess Hannigan looked intrigued. ‘Why’s that, then?’

Hallie deftly slid a couple of empty glasses out of the way before Bea and her alcohol-fuelled arms accidentally sent them flying. It was now ten thirty, and their turn to have a chat with the new doctor.

‘Because I’ve had a few drinks and I’m a little bit tipsy . . .’ When she was like this, Bea had a habit of blinking like an owl; she was doing it now. ‘And you’ve come over to talk to us and you’ve never met us before, so now you’re going to think I’m the village drunk, but I promise you I’m not. It’s true, isn’t it?’ She turned to Hallie for confirmation. ‘I’m a very moderate and sensible drinker as a rule, but tonight’s been a bit crappy, to be honest. I expect you’ve already heard about Hallie and her brand-new heart? Well, mine’s old and broken.’ Bea clapped both hands over her left breast. ‘Right here. Shattered into little pieces. By my boyfriend. Well, ex-boyfriend now. Bastard.’

Hallie pulled an apologetic face at the new doctor. It was her own fault; if she’d confiscated Bea’s phone, Bea wouldn’t have been able to lock herself in one of the toilet cubicles and call Ross. Hallie, on the other side of the cubicle door, had heard Bea say shakily, ‘Ross, just tell me the truth, are you seeing someone else?’

Hallie had held her breath until the ensuing pause was broken by Bea declaring, ‘Oh I knew it.’

After that, the drowning of the sorrows had begun in earnest. And now, fairly predictably three sheets to the wind, Bea was earnestly informing the new doctor that she really didn’t have a liver the consistency of a bath sponge.

Bea finally reeled off into the garden, leaving Hallie with Tess Hannigan.

‘She’s telling the truth,’ said Hallie.

‘I know, I can tell.’ Tess nodded easily. ‘It’s OK, I’m here to help people, not judge them.’

She really was different from her predecessor. Hallie relaxed. ‘That’s good to hear.’

‘And you’re Hallie Kingsley. I’ve obviously heard all about you from Luke.’ Tess paused and smiled. ‘You’re looking very well.’

‘Thanks. Feeling it too. It’s quite weird, getting used to not being ill. I mean, like now, look at me.’ Hallie gestured to her legs. ‘Standing up! No oxygen, no wheelchair, no endlessly having to clear my lungs. I’ve been so lucky. It’s like a miracle.’

‘A whole new life ahead of you.’ Tess’s voice was warm.

‘Yes.’

‘Boyfriend?’

‘No.’ Hallie shook her head.

‘Love life’s been pretty rubbish, has it?’

‘You could say that. Well,’ she managed a rueful smile, ‘it wasn’t exactly a priority.’

Tess’s grey eyes sparkled. ‘So that’s something else to look forward to. It’s all going to start happening for you now. Anyone you might have your eye on?’

Honestly, talk about up front. Definitely not backward in coming forwards. Praying she wasn’t going pink, Hallie said, ‘Not yet, no.’

‘Ah well, plenty of time,’ said Tess.