Alien Virus Read Online Free PDF Page B

y’know. Work things”
    “Can you tell me about them?”
    Gareth squirmed a little in his chair and
frowned. “Not really – it’s difficult to explain.”
    “I’m a good listener – you know that.”
Gareth did know that. But he couldn’t really tell her what was on
his mind – not without betraying the secrecy of the group. His
relationship with Emily was becoming more and more difficult as the
weeks went by. Since he’d found out about the virus, all his
dealings with people had suddenly changed – but most of all his
relationship with Emily. She’d accepted him not eating meat any
more fairly easily – a lot of her friends were vegetarian; and she
even tolerated his over–use of salt, as she saw it. But she told
him clearly that she could never, ever go veggie herself – and she
was becoming increasingly suspicious of his meetings in
Morningside. He said he played rugby down there. Then one morning
(after staying over at her place), he said he was going straight to
the rugby pitch for a match – but he didn’t have his rugby kit with
him. Her first thought was that he had another woman.
    Gareth loved Emily, but he knew the
relationship wasn’t going to work – not unless she could ‘come
over’ to his side – which would be his dream come true. But now he
couldn’t see that happening, and he felt under increasing pressure
to end the relationship before he said something he shouldn’t. But
that wasn’t going to be easy. He looked back at Emily. She was
still waiting for an answer.
    “Hello, is there anyone home?”
    “I’m sorry it’s just that... it’s not really
about work at all – it’s about us.”
    “Emily’s heart started to pound quicker. She
didn’t like the sound of this – not one bit. Ever since meeting
Gareth on the rebound from a previous relationship, she had been
happy – happier than she’d been at any other time in her life. She
didn’t want to lose him now – not now, not ever.
    “What about us?”
    “It’s the veggie thing…”
    “If you want to give it up, that’s fine by
me. I won’t think you’re a failure.”
    “No, it’s not that… I don’t want to give it
up; I want you to give it a try.”
    “Gareth, we’ve been through this before.
I’ve told you I don’t want to – and you said you respected that.”
Now he had opened this can of worms, he had to see it through to
the end – whatever that was.
    “I know that…. but that was then.”
    “What do you mean – ‘that was then?’” she
challenged him as he squirmed again.
    “I’m not comfortable with you… you know,
eating meat. And then there’s the salt thing…”
    “Look, I’ve been very tolerant with ‘the
salt thing’ – particularly now they’re saying that any amount of salt is too much. I’ve stopped already…”
    “What? That’s very dangerous Emily – please
don’t do this!”
    “You’re taking it too far, Gareth. And I
respect you for sticking to your principles – you know I do. Only
don’t try to inflict your views on me. Killing yourself is one
thing – trying to make me sink in your boat is another.” Gareth
looked at his feet and nodded to himself. Then he looked up at
Emily squarely. He knew what he had to do.
    “That’s just it Emily. We’re in two
different boats. On the same sea, but in two very different
vessels, going in two different directions. You don’t want to get
into mine, and I’m not prepared to get into yours. I’m sorry
Emily.” And with that he stood up, grabbed his coat from behind his
chair and left without looking back – leaving her open mouthed.

    ***

Seven
     
    We made good time and arrived in Edinburgh
around nine. Although Tony had given me his address, it seemed
better to go to Audrey’s flat first. I thought Sandi would be more
comfortable with Frank’s mother.
    Finding a quiet side road for the car, we
walked briskly to the apartment and rang the bell. Audrey’s
surprise turned quickly into a broad