Trying to Throw my Arms Around the World

Ghosts

Ghosts

On Sunday evening Lou, Vic and I were eating kebabs to help with our hangovers when Claire called my mobile.

“Hey stud,” I said. “Did you need Rohypnol for that or did you do it all on your own?” Lou rolled her eyes at me but I couldn’t help it that Claire was going to be her boss. She was my ex first and I could speak to her whichever way I wanted.

“Contrary to your beliefs, Lee, I do still have some charm left.”

“Some being the key word.”

“You could have said that you slept with her.”

“Would it have made a difference?” I signalled to Lou that I would continue the call outside.

“It’s hard to say at this point. Anyway, can you give me her number?”

“Why do you want that for?”

“Usually it’s to call someone.”

“Maybe the fact that she didn’t give it to you voluntarily is a sign.”

“Either way, I’d like to call her.”

“Well well, Claire Burns is going soft. Midlife crisis?”

“I like her. Is that allowed?”

“Of course, but are you sure you want to get involved with a straight woman on the brink of divorce?”

“That’s my business.”

“I’ll call her and see what she says. I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks, Lee.”

“And that’ll be the last favour I do you in a while.” I went back inside to finish my food, shared the developments with my fellow diners and went back out to call Roz.

“Only a few days ago you assured me you weren’t that way inclined, Roz. I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

“Oh God, Lee. A little attention is all it seems to take these days. What’s happening to me?”

“Don’t ask me, you’re the mental health professional.”

“Richard and I had a big emotional show-down yesterday afternoon. I was feeling particularly tender and susceptible to flattery.”

“It happens to the best of us. Claire seems to have taken a shine to you, though. She asked me for your number.”

“I kind of snuck out this morning. I didn’t feel up to letting her down gently.”

“You probably did the right thing. Claire isn’t really one to take no for an answer.”

“What should I do?”

“I can tell her you’re not interested.”

“You don’t have to do my dirty work, Lee. I’ll deal with it, but just so you know, I’m not interested.”

“Good.”

“By the way, I didn’t really get a chance to talk to her a lot, but I like Lou. She’s tough, but she has a certain kindness in her eyes.”

“Yeah, she’s a keeper.”

We walked back to Lou’s place, my arm curled around her right one and Vic’s wrapped around her left one.

“This is about as perfect as it gets,” she said. “Squeezed in-between my two favourite girls. The future bright and the possibilities endless.” My thoughts drifted off to Claire, home alone, waiting for a call from Roz. For the first time in my life I felt a little bit sorry for her. Then my phone started vibrating in my pocket again.

“Someone’s popular,” Vic joked. “Another lady suitor?”

“It’s probably Claire again,” I said as I pulled my phone out. It wasn’t. It was Sarah Loqmani, another ghost from the past.

To be continued…