The rain tapped lightly against the window as Emily shook the droplets from her umbrella and hung her coat on the hook in the hallway. You shouldve seen the queue at the clinic, she sighed, smoothing her damp sleeves. Three hours just to see the GP.
Come in, sit down, Charlotte said, filling the kettle and reaching for the biscuit tin. What did the doctor say?
Same as always. Blood pressures all over the place. Needs tablets regularly. Not much room for jokes at our age, Lottie.
The two had been friends for over thirty years, ever since theyd met pushing prams in the park. Their sons had grown up together, shared the same schools, the same milestones. Holidays had been celebrated as families, weekends spent in the countryside.
Charlotte set two teacups on the table. Something odd happened yesterday, she began. Coming back from the supermarket, I saw Geoffrey. Arm in arm with some young woman. Spotted them from a distancehe didnt see me.
Emilys eyebrows lifted.
Maybe a colleague? Work discussion?
On a Sunday? And they werent exactly behaving professionally, Ill tell you that. Laughing, her clinging to him. At first, I thought I was imagining it.
And then?
Then I got a proper look. Definitely my Geoffrey. Wearing that new jacket I bought him for his birthday.
Emily poured the tea, stirring sugar absently. Char, has it ever crossed your mind that somethings off between you two? Hes been different lately.
Different how?
I dont know. He used to join us all the timebarbecues, trips to the cottage. Now hes always got an excuse. Work, fatigue, something else.
Charlotte frowned. Her friend wasnt wrong. Geoffrey *had* been distant, slipping away on vague errands.
Maybe its just his age, she ventured. Hell be fifty-five soon.
Or the oppositea midlife crisis, Emily said carefully. You know how men get. Suddenly terrified of getting old, doing daft things.
Charlottes cup clinked sharply against the saucer.
What exactly are you implying, Em?
Nothing concrete. Just thinking aloud.
But Charlotte knew that tone. Emily was holding something back. There was a flicker in her eyesfamiliar, but unplaceable.
At least Daniels grown now, living his own life, Emily continued. Imagine the damage if his dad just up and left.
*Emily!* Charlottes cup slammed down. What are you on about? Who said anything about leaving? We were just talking about Geoffrey being seen with someone!
Of course, of course. Emily waved a hand. Im not accusing. Just musing.
They finished their tea, drifting into safer topicsgroceries, the weather, the neighbours. But as Emily stood to leave, she hesitated at the door.
Charlotte did you mention that encounter to Geoffrey?
No. Why would I?
Just curious. Wondering what hed say.
After Emily left, Charlotte paced the flat, unease gnawing at her. Why would her best friend plant such doubts?
Geoffrey came home for dinner as usual. Kissed her cheek, washed his hands, sat down. Nothing out of the ordinary.
How was your day? he asked, serving himself potatoes.
Fine. Emily dropped by, went on about her doctors visit.
Oh? What did they say?
Blood pressure. Needs medication.
Geoffrey nodded, focusing on his plate. Charlotte studied him, weighing whether to bring it up.
Geoff where were you yesterday?
Yesterday? He looked up. Popped into town. Needed new shoes.
And after?
Came straight home. Why?
Just curious. I saw you near the shopping centre.
Not a flicker of hesitation.
Yeah, thats where I was. Nothing decent in stock.
Who were you with?
With? Nobody. I was alone.
She searched his face. Either he was lying effortlessly, or shed been mistaken.
That night, she lay awake, listening to his steady breathing.
The next morning, Geoffrey left early*important meeting*. Charlotte was tidying when Emily called.
Char, can I come over? Need to talk.
Emily arrived breathless, clutching papers.
Sit down, Charlotte said. Tea?
No time for tea. Emilys voice was tight. Its about Geoffrey. I found out hes having an affair.
The floor seemed to tilt.
How do you know?
Sarah Wilkinsremember her? Works at his firm. Shes seen them together. Him and the new receptionist.
The receptionist?
Young thing. Twenty-five, pretty. Sarah says *everyone* knows. Except you.
Emily shoved printed photos across the table. There was Geoffrey, unmistakable, wrapped around a smiling blonde. Kissing. Happy.
Where did you get these? Charlotte whispered.
Sarah took them. Wanted you to know.
Charlotte stared. Twenty-eight years of marriage, and this?
What do I do?
I dont know, love. But I couldnt keep it from you.
Emily stood, pacing to the window.
Maybe its for the best? Youre still young, attractive. You could find someone better.
*Better?* Charlotte hissed. Were a *family*! A home, a sona whole *life*!
Emily whirled around. What kind of family is it if hes cheating? Open your *eyes*, Charlotte! If he loved you, he wouldnt be sniffing around some girl!
The vehemence startled her. Too passionate. Too invested.
Emily why do you *care* so much?
Youre my best friend! I *hate* seeing you lied to!
But the words rang hollow. Charlotte noticed thingsEmilys fresh haircut, the expensive blouse shed never seen before.
Nice top. New?
Emily glanced down. Ohyes. Got it on sale.
Where?
The mall. Cant recall which shop.
Three hundred quidEmily, a part-time librarian, never splurged like that.
Later, Charlotte called her son.
Daniel, quick questionwhere exactly does your dad work?
Finance department. Senior analyst. Why?
Any receptionists there?
Daniel laughed. In *finance*? Its just old Mr. Harris and Brenda, whos practically retired.
Her pulse quickened. If Geoffreys office had no young women who was in the photos?
She studied them again. The mans face was blurred, but*wait*. The nose was wrong. The eyes.
Emily had lied.
But why?
That evening, Geoffrey came home solemn.
Charlotte we need to talk.
Her stomach dropped. About?
Tonight.
He left for work, and she called Emily.
Come over. Ive got something to show you.
Emily arrived, wary. Charlotte slid the printed messages across the table*Geoffreys* messages.
*”Thanks for checking in.”*
*”Cant meet, Charlottes suspicious.”*
*”Ill think about what you said.”*
Emily paled.
Its not what you think
Then what *is* it? Charlottes voice was ice.
Emily crumpled. I love him. Have for years. Hes *miserable* with youhe told me!
Charlotte stood. Take him, then. But remembera man who betrays his wife after twenty-eight years will betray *anyone*.
Emily fled, slamming the door.
Geoffrey returned that evening, grim.
Emily confessed shes in love with me.
Charlotte froze.
And?
I told her Im a married man. That I love my wife. He took her hand. Im sorry I ever replied to her. I thought she was just being a friend.
Charlotte exhaled, leaning into him.
Geoffrey are you really unhappy?
*What?* Never. Youre my life, Char.
Across town, Emily packed a suitcase. Geoffreys final text burned in her mind:
*”Do not contact me again.”*
Thirty years of friendship, ended in betrayal. And now?
Now she had nothing.
