Youre so lucky, Emily, to have a bloke like yours, sighed Natasha wistfully. Picks you up from work every day in the car. The flats just been done up. And then theres your promotion. Makes a girl envious, honestlybut dont take it the wrong way, I mean it in the best possible sense…
Emily finished packing her bag. Edward would be there in five minutes. She didnt fancy keeping him waiting.
Oh, come off it, Natasha. Weve had our share of rows. Nearly split up during the refurbishment. And that promotion? Five years of grinding for it. You werent even here when I set my sights on that role. Grass isnt always greener, you know.
Natasha pouted like a child.
You dont know how good youve got it, Em. My Charlie? Bone idle, filthy, and spends money like water! Six months Ive been trying to get him to find proper work. And what does he say? Im tired of working for the man, Nat. Want to start my own business. With what? The wages he blows on video games every month? Businessman my foot…
Emily studied her friend. Theyd known each other barely a year, but shed grown fond of Natashaand knew all the ins and outs of her marriage. Charlie really did give her grief daily, with no sign of stopping.
Itll sort itself out, Im sure, Natasha Emilys phone buzzed on the desk. Oh, Edwards here. Right, Im off. See you Monday, love.
Natasha nodded, watching her go with a strange, thoughtful look Emily didnt catch.
By the time theyd pulled away from the office, Edward had noticed his wifes expression.
Rough day?
Emily shook her head.
Natashas Charlies driving her mad. Dont think shell last much longer.
Edward shrugged.
Their business, not ours.
Emily frowned. His coldness grated sometimes, but she let it slide. Natashas troubles werent worth a row.
…Shed been right. A month later, Natasha arrived at work red-eyed.
Were getting divorced, she blurted. And Charlies kicked me out. Me! Like some stray! Where am I supposed to live now?
Emily hugged her.
Dont fret, Nat. Stay with us for a bit. Sort the divorce, find a place, get your head straight.
Natasha sobbedloud, messy, hiccupping tears.
Emily, I dont know what Id do without you!
Emily patted her back, already dreading breaking the news to Edward…
As expected, he wasnt thrilled about their guest. But he bit his tongue over dinner while Natasha prattled, mixing complaints about Charlie with gushing praise for the flat.
Charlie wouldnt lift a finger in five years. But this place? Perfect! You can tell real thought went into it.
Emily flushed. Most of the décor had been her idea, and the praise warmed her.
…Natasha turned out to be the ideal lodger. Quiet, tidy. By day three, shed taken over cooking so Emily could relax after work.
Stew tonight, Natasha announced from the back seat. Got everything in this morning. Oh, its bliss not taking the bus anymore. Worlds apart!
Emily smiled. Natasha had settled in quickly but made it clear she wasnt overstayingalready flat-hunting in earnest.
Dinners grew livelier. Natasha and Edward shared a taste in music, dissecting albums for hours, critiquing lyrics, praising vocals.
Emily watched her usually reserved husband slowly unfurl. Natasha had cracked his shellthen, it seemed, cracked more than that.
Couldve at least picked somewhere discreet, Emily said dryly, catching them snogging in the car park.
They sprang apart like schoolkids caught smoking. Edward recovered first.
Emily, love, its not what it
Checking each others fillings? With tongues? Emily cut in. And you, Nat. I took you in, helped you through the divorce, and this is how you repay me?
Natasha lifted her chin.
Whats the harm? We fell in love! Edward said he hasnt felt this way in years!
Edward paled.
Natasha, what are you Emily, darling
Save it. Im staying at Mums. Pack your thingsand take the bedding. Dont want to imagine what youve done on it. Keys.
He handed them over meekly. Emily started the engine.
Dont cry. Dont give them the satisfaction.
Natashas voice followed her:
Why should we leave? Youre the one who should go!
At her mothers, Emily drowned in tea and tears.
Why did I even offer to help? This is all my fault!
Her mother stroked her hair.
Dont blame yourself, love. You couldnt have known.
Lost my husband and my friend in one go.
Itll pass, youll see.
Emily nodded, unconvinced.
Next morning, dragging herself up felt impossible. The alarm rang three times before she kicked the duvet off.
Enough. Im stronger than this.
At work, Natasha pounced.
We need to talk! Why should we move out? Youre the one who should leave!
Emily kept her voice even.
Not here, Natasha.
She avoided her all day. But at home, there was no escape. Edward was packing. The flat already felt hollow.
Em, its not too late to fix this. I swear itll never
No. Id always wonder. Is he straying? Eyeing someone else? Is that the life youd want?
The doorbell rang. Natasha stormed in.
Why are we leaving? This is your shared flat! Edwards entitled to half!
Emily snorted.
Now I see. You envied methe husband, the nice flat, the carand decided to steal half by pinching Edward. Clever.
Natashas silence spoke volumes.
Flaw in your plan, though. The flats in my name. Pre-marriage. Car tooinheritance money. Edward just drove it because I hate to. All youve won is Edward. Take your prize.
Natasha gaped.
Its not jointly owned? You always said our flat!
I meant it as our home. Didnt think details mattered. Waityou didnt even divorce Charlie for this, did you?
Natasha flushed scarlet.
You flaunted your lifeof course I wanted it!
Emily laughed harshly.
Shouldve done your homework, darling. Too late now. Both of youout.
Natasha shrieked curses as Edward dragged her away. His final glance begged forgiveness, but the ashes of their marriage were cold.
