I snuffle up the snot streaming from my nose and give her a weak smile, then stuff the pastry into my mouth and chew.
I can’t do anything about Nick leaving, but I can make the most of my last day on Capri.
Or try to.
* * *
Nick
I’ve used my key to let myself into Pippa’s house, settling onto her plush sofa, but now I’m second-guessing myself. Will shewantto find me here when she gets home from the airport? Maybe not, but I can’t let this go any longer.
It’s like the final scene inWhen Harry Met Sally, only the opposite: when you realise youdon’twant to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want it to be over as soon as possible.
God, I’m an arse.
An arse who’s been racking his brain for the right way to end things with Pippa – during the entire journey to London, all through the night, and every moment since I dragged myself out of bed this morning.
But when someone’s been a constant in your life for a decade and a half –andyou care for them – no approach seems right.
As the minutes tick over, my imagination takes hold and I slip into screenplay mode.
INT. PIPPA’S HOUSE – WEYBRIDGE – MORNING
Pippa enters wheeling a large case behind her, her shoulders slumped and eyes red-rimmed. She stops short in the doorway to the lounge.
PIPPA
Nick, what are you doing here? I thought you’d still be in Italy.
NICK
I wanted to be here when you got home. We need to talk.
She enters the lounge and drops onto the sofa opposite Nick.
PIPPA
Is this about the wedding?
NICK
Yes, but how did you?—
PIPPA
Dan told me that he told you. Don’t worry, I don’t think we should get married either. It was a mistake planning a surprise wedding and I’m sorry. We should break up.
Without a doubt the worst line of dialogue I’ve ever written and it’s almost a relief when Pippa’s key turns in the lock.
Almost.
I sit up straighter, wishing I could time travel to a week from now when the dust has settled and I’ll no longer feel like the shittiest boyfriend who ever lived. Sorry,fiancé.
‘Nick.’
She looks better than I expected – polished and put together, rather than travel weary and heartbroken. Though there’s every chance I’m about to change that.
I pop up, staying close to the sofa and keeping the coffee table between us.