It was a peculiar evening, the kind where the air hummed with unspoken thoughts, and Lucys friend Emily sighed wistfully as she leaned against the office desk.
Youre so lucky, Lucy, Emily mused, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. James picks you up from work every day. The flats just been redone. And now that promotionhonestly, its enough to make anyone jealous. But dont get me wrong, Im happy for you!
Lucy zipped up her bag, glancing at the clock. James would be there any minute, and she hated keeping him waiting.
Oh, come off it, Em, she said with a tired smile. Its not all sunshine. We nearly split up during the renovation. And that promotion? Five years of grinding for it. You werent even here when I started eyeing that desk. Grass isnt always greener.
Emily pouted like a child denied sweets.
You dont see how good youve got it, she muttered. My Toms a proper layaboutmessy, lazy, and burns through money like its confetti. Six months Ive been nagging him to find decent work. And whats his grand plan? Im tired of working for someone else, Em. Ill start my own business. With what? The quid he blows on video games? Bloody entrepreneur
Lucy studied her friend. Theyd only known each other a year, but shed grown fond of Emilyand well acquainted with her domestic woes. Tom really did fray her nerves daily, with no sign of stopping.
Itll sort itself out, Em, Lucy said as her phone buzzed. Oh, James is here. Right, Im off. See you Monday, yeah?
Emily nodded, but her gaze lingeredodd, distantas Lucy hurried out, unaware.
The car ride was quiet, the hum of the engine filling the space until James frowned.
Something up at work?
Lucy shook her head.
Emilys problems. Toms driving her mad. I dont think shell last much longer.
James shrugged. Not our circus, not our monkeys.
Lucy shot him a look. Sometimes his indifference grated. But she let it go. Emilys troubles werent worth an argument.
…Shed been right. A month later, Emily arrived at work with puffy, red-rimmed eyes.
Were divorcing, she blurted. And Toms chucked me out. Me! Like some mangy stray! Where am I supposed to live now?
Lucy hugged her tightly.
Dont panic. Stay with us for a bit. Sort yourself out, yeah?
Emily sobbed into her shoulder.
Lucy, youre a lifesaver. I dont know what Id do without you.
Lucy patted her back, already dreading breaking the news to James.
He wasnt thrilled, but he held his tongue over dinner as Emily prattled, mixing complaints about Tom with gushing praise for the flat.
Tom never lifted a finger in five years. But this placeyou can tell real thought went into it. Lovely!
Lucy glowed. Most of the decor had been her idea. The praise warmed her.
…Emily was the perfect housemate. Quiet, tidy. By the third day, she insisted on cooking so Lucy could relax after work.
Shepherds pie tonight, Emily announced from the backseat. Got everything we need. God, its so much nicer getting home by car than the bus. Worlds apart.
Lucy smiled. Emily had settled in quickly but made it clear she wasnt overstayingshe was already flat-hunting.
Dinners grew livelier. Emily and James shared a taste in music, dissecting albums for hours, critiquing lyrics, praising vocals.
Lucy watched, surprised, as her usually reserved husband opened up. Emily had cracked his shell.
*And more than that*, Lucy realised one evening, catching them locked in a fervent kiss by the car park.
Couldnt you at least pick a less public spot? she said flatly.
They sprang apart like schoolkids caught snogging. James spoke first.
Lucy, listenits not what it looks like
Exploring each others fillings, were you? Lucy cut in. And you, Em. I took you in, helped you through your divorce, and you stab me in the back. Some friend.
Emily lifted her chin.
Whats the big deal? We fell in love! James said himself hes happier with me! He hasnt felt like this with you in ages!
James paled.
Emily, what are youLucy, love, I
Save it, Lucy snapped. Ill stay at Mums tonight. Pack your things. And take the beddingI dont even want to think about it. Keys.
James handed them over silently. Lucy started the car, gripping the wheel.
*Dont cry. Dont give them the satisfaction.*
Behind her, Emilys voice rang out.
Why should we be the ones to leave? Huh?
At her mums, Lucy drank tea until her stomach sloshed, tears streaming. Her mother soothed her, but the guilt ate at her.
Why did I even help her? Mum, this is all my fault!
Her mother stroked her hair.
Dont blame yourself, love. You couldnt have known.
Now Ive lost my husband and my best friend, Lucy hiccuped.
Itll work out, her mum murmured.
Lucy nodded, unconvinced.
The next morning, she dragged herself up, wanting to burrow under the duvet forever. Avoid Emily, James, the divorce. Forget.
When her alarm blared a third time, she kicked the covers off.
Enough, she muttered. Im stronger than this.
At work, Emily ambushed her by the desk.
We need to talk! Why should we move out? Youre the one who should go! Its two against one!
Lucy kept her voice steady.
Not here, Emily.
She avoided her all day, but there was no escaping home. The flat felt hollow as James packed the last of his things.
Lucy maybe its not too late?
She shook her head.
No. I wont spend my life wondering if youre eyeing someone else.
The doorbell rang. Emily stormed in, furious.
Why are we leaving? Its your shared flat! James has rights!
Lucy almost laughed.
Now I see. You envied methe husband, the flat, the car. So you took what you could. She tilted her head. But theres a flaw in your plan. The flats in my name. The car was bought with my inheritance. All youve got is James. Take him.
Emily staggered back.
Its not yours together?
I called it ours because it felt like home, Lucy said. Then it clicked. Waityou didnt really divorce Tom, did you?
Emily flushed scarlet.
You flaunted your lifeof course I wanted it! What did you expect?
Lucy barked a laugh.
Oh, Em. You shouldve done your homework. But never mind. Both of youget out.
Emily screeched curses as James dragged her away, throwing one last pleading glance at Lucy.
But it was too late. All that remained was ashes.
