Lying Together Read Online Free PDF Page A

bread, I mention that I’m pleased because I think I’ve sorted things out for Evie.
    â€˜What? This thing that’s been going on for weeks? Her and Radnor?’ Steve picks up a chicken bone, savages it with his teeth. Then a thought strikes him and he looks up. ‘You’ve been to see him, haven’t you?’
    I should have known he’d guess; he’s got antennae a mile long where Radnor is concerned. ‘Well?’ He sits there, holding the chicken bone, brow furrowed.
    â€˜Well what?’
    â€˜Well, did you?’
    â€˜Ten out of ten. This chicken’s terrific, by the way. Good thing I like garlic.’
    â€˜Bugger the garlic. Are you completely mad?’
    â€˜What d’you mean?’
    â€˜You know what I mean.’
    â€˜Not really. And anyway, I don’t want a big scene about this. I was only getting him to see sense.’
    â€˜And?’
    â€˜And I did.’
    â€˜And?’
    â€˜And that’s it.’
    â€˜That’s it? I thought women liked to share things. Details. So we men are always being told.’
    â€˜Well, I’m just bucking the trend. Especially when you’re so paranoid about everything to do with Radnor.’
    â€˜I’m not paranoid. It’s just that every time you talk about him – or even think about him – you get upset.’
    â€˜Rubbish.’ I concentrate on the chicken breast, cut it up very small.
    â€˜Why do you always deny it?’
    â€˜Because you always exaggerate. He’s in the past.’
    â€˜Oh yes?’
    â€˜Okay, then. Tell me. Am I upset now?’ I look him full in the face. Surely even Steve can’t tell how fast my heart is beating.
    â€˜Don’t pretend with me. I can practically see his face behind your eyes. Just like last night. And the night before. In fact, I’m fucking sick of being in bed with him.’
    â€˜Now you’re being stupid.’
    â€˜Stupid. Thanks, Anne. Yes, that’s my level. I’m not Doctor Professor bloody Radnor, M.A. Ph.D., honorary this, prize-winning that. I just don’t match up, do I?’
    â€˜What’s so great about a couple of degrees? When he’s such a psycho underneath? You’re miles better than him in every way. Why don’t you believe it?’
    â€˜Why don’t you?’ He looks at me fiercely.
    I try evasive action. ‘Why does it matter so much anyway? What d’you think he did – seduce me on top of his desk?’
    â€˜I wouldn’t put it past him.’
    â€˜Or me, apparently.’ I get up, remove the plates, move out of his sight line.
    â€˜Okay, I didn’t mean that. Sorry.’ Steve grabs for my hand as I pass. ‘It’s just the way he goes around looking so stiff-necked and pleased with himself. I just want to punch him in the face.’
    â€˜You don’t need to prove anything to me, Steve.’
    â€˜So you keep saying. But then you go and do something that makes me feel I have to –’
    â€˜I know, I know. I’m sorry. But Evie was so desperate.’
    â€˜You care more about her than about me, then.’
    â€˜Please don’t put it like that, Steve. It wasn’t a choice.’
    I didn’t do it just for Evie. No one’s that altruistic. But I didn’t mean to upset Steve, either. I don’t really know what I had in mind when I made that phone call. Up till then, I’d managed to avoid a face-to-face with Radnor. It hadn’t been difficult; he’s never been a social animal – and the rest of us had got used to Evie arriving everywhere without him, breezing in with a ‘Hi, gang!’ and a raft of excuses for why he was occupied elsewhere. Over the years, he and I had found ourselves in the same room a number of times, but I’d given him a wide berth; hadn’t met his eye; hadn’t addressed him at all. I’d keep repeating to myself all the time, like a mantra,