Carla Burgess - Stuck with You - the perfect feel-good romantic comedy!

‘Well, no,’ she admitted, ‘but I don’t want to start slagging him off only for you to decide you’re going to stay with him for ever and ever and resent me for all the things I said.’

‘Oh,’ I frowned. ‘I didn’t realise you hated him that much. I just thought you found him boring.’

Rachel laughed. ‘I’m joking. I don’t really hate him. But he is a bit dull, and you know I’ll support you no matter what.’

I smiled at her and sighed. ‘Well, you’re right. I haven’t made my mind up about anything yet.’

‘Are you worried about the flat?’

‘Not at all. It’s his flat. I’d just walk away. But it seems like such a backwards step to go back to my parents’ house.’

‘Come and live with me!’

‘You’ve only got the one bedroom and you’ve got this new man in your life. How’s it going with Patrick anyway?’

‘Pretty good, actually.’ Rachel’s face lit up and she went pink. She looked as glamorous as ever today. Her dark red hair was swept up off her face in a chic up-do, and she was wearing a vintage green dress that matched her eyes. Her winged eyeliner and red lipstick were immaculate, despite a long day working in her florist’s shop.

‘Ooh, tell me more!’

She shrugged, looking coy. ‘He’s taking me away for the weekend. To Paris.’

‘Paris? Wow!’

‘Yes!’ she squealed with excitement, clutching my hand. ‘We’re spending this weekend with Gemma, his little girl.’

‘Ah, lovely! How old is she again?’

‘Just four. She’s so cute.’

‘What about the mum?’

‘Remarried, so no problems there.’

‘Well, that sounds wonderful.’

‘I know!’ Her smile faded and she looked at me sadly. ‘Oh, but I’m sorry if that sounds smug when you’re having problems with Alex.’

‘Not at all. In fact, you should have stopped me droning on and told me your happy news instead.’

‘Don’t be silly. You know I’m always here if you ever need to talk. And if you need my help packing up or anything…’

A shard of fear pierced my stomach and I flapped a hand. ‘Thanks. It’ll probably blow over though. I’m probably premenstrual or something and he’s stressed at work. I’m just letting off steam. We’ll sort it out.’

Rachel’s brow creased in concern. ‘I don’t think so, Elena. If your heart’s telling you to get out, you need to get out. Life’s too short to spend it with the wrong man.’

Forcing a smile, I glanced down at my watch. ‘I ought to go, actually. I’ve still got to go food shopping.’

Rachel pulled a face. ‘At least it will be quiet at this time. It was bedlam when I went on Saturday.’

I smiled and finished off my tea before reaching for my bag. ‘It’s great to catch up,’ I said.

‘I know, although I wish we’d had more time to talk.’ Rachel looked troubled as she got to her feet. ‘We’ll have to make a night of it. Maybe next week?’

‘Yes, that’ll be great.’ I smiled as I hooked my bag over my shoulder.

Weaving my way through the tables to the exit, I stepped out into the early evening sunshine. It had been raining on and off all day, and the spring air was fresh and cool. I drew it deep into my lungs.

Rachel gave me a Chanel-scented hug and kissed me on the cheek. ‘Call me if you need anything,’ she said, before turning to walk off up the street.

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