The One You Really Want Read Online Free PDF Page A

he is.’
    Looking around the living room, with its complete absence of Christmas decorations, Rennie said, ‘If she’s your best friend and you were going to be here on your own, why didn’t she invite you up there for Christmas?’
    â€˜She did. I turned her down, said I couldn’t miss my shift at the shelter.’
    â€˜And the real reason is?’
    â€˜You know what I’m like. I can get a bit mopey at this time of year. I didn’t want to inflict my moods on other people, make them feel guilty for having fun and enjoying themselves.’ Carmen wriggled herself into a more comfortable position on the sofa. ‘Plus, I never did like Jonathan. The thought of having to pretend I did was more than I could stand.’
    â€˜You see? That’s the difference between us. I never pretend to like people I don’t like. Complete waste of time. Why can’t everyone just say what they think?’
    â€˜Because world war would break out and everyone would end up dead.’ Patiently Carmen said, ‘And how would that help?’
    â€˜But what if your friend Nancy’s got it all wrong? I mean, I’ve never met her husband, and he does sound like a dickhead, but she doesn’t know for sure that he’s fooling around, does she? OK, just off the top of my head here,’ Rennie raked his fingers impatiently through his tousled hair, ‘he could have gone out a few weeks ago and bought her an emerald necklace for Christmas. Then a few days later, Nancy happens to mention in passing that she can’t stand emerald necklaces. What’s he going to do? Take it back to the shop. Buy her something else instead, like a sit-on lawnmower. But in the meantime his details have already gone into the computer. He’s been added to their Christmas card list.’
    â€˜Jonathan would never have done that.’ Carmen’s voice dripped with scorn.
    Rennie shrugged. ‘Maybe not, but it’s feasible. That’d be my excuse.’
    The phone rang. Hastily swallowing a mouthful of Viennese truffle, Carmen snatched it up before Rennie could get in first and say something hideously embarrassing.
    â€˜Hi, it’s me.’ Nancy’s voice was hushed and strained.
    â€˜And?’ Carmen’s heart went out to her.
    â€˜Mum’s just gone up to bed. I don’t want her to overhear me. God, what a day. All this pretending everything’s fine is exhausting.’
    Carmen, who knew all about putting on a brave face and pretending everything was fine, said, ‘Where’s Jonathan?’
    â€˜Out.’
    â€˜What? It’s Christmas night!’
    â€˜I know. He came back from the pub at two o’clock and we had a nice afternoon. Well, nice for Mum,’ Nancy amended. ‘I mean, everything was like normal, as far as she was concerned. Then at eight o’clock Jonathan got a call on his mobile. He said it was his friend Hamish, having trouble getting his new computer fixed up. So off he went to help, but that was three hours ago and now his phone’s switched off, and I’m a bit worried that when he does get home I might punch him.’
    â€˜OK, sshh,’ Carmen said soothingly as Nancy’s voice rose. ‘How long is your mum staying with you?’
    â€˜Until tomorrow night. That’s another thing,’ Nancy burst out. ‘This afternoon Jonathan told me we’ve been invited to a Boxing Day party at the pub. Well, I said no because I knew Mum wouldn’t be too keen. Pubs aren’t really her thing, and she wouldn’t know anyone. So Jonathan said fine, me and Mum could stay at home if we liked, but he didn’t see why he should miss out on a bloody good party. Oh God.’ Nancy took a deep breath, steadying herself. ‘It’s just awful. What’s Mum going to think if he disappears again?’
    â€˜Tell her,’ said Carmen.
    â€˜I can’t, I just can’t. She’d be