Imperfect Strangers Read Online Free Page B

, tell them what you like. I don’t really give a damn . To the thought I add, ma’am , a rhyming play on words, one of many invented by Steve that enter my mind without permission. I don’t really give a damn , ma’am , buzzes through my head in Steve’s voice, and though it amuses me, it has a sting of annoyance.
    “She’s kicked Steve out again,” Kerry blurts, making no attempt to disguise how much she relishes the disclosure. “For good this time. Apparently ! Shagged some bridesmaid at her cousin’s wedding.”
    “He didn’t do that!”
    “You sure?”
    “Yes.”
    “Really?”
    “He just snogged her… and, kind of squeezed her bum a bit.” I don’t actually believe it was quite so innocent, but I can’t help feeling that any defamation of Steve also taints me.
    “Oh, ’scuse me, I suppose that’s al l right then.”
    Wouldn’t you just know it, tears come to my eyes, but I hold them back and return Kerry’s cold-lilac gaze. For a best friend she can be a real bitch at times. “No, Kerry, it isn’t all right. That’s why I’ve kicked him out.”
    Kerry looks away, up the steps that lead to the office block, her lips bunched into a tight pout. Looking away like that, I’ve come to learn, is Kerry’s apologetic look, the nearest she will ever go to an actual apology. It’s a victory of sorts, but one that feels rather hollow because I sort of agree with her. She always said he was no good. Then again , being a lesbian – though she’s never actually declared the fact – she inclines towards thinking all men are no good. Dump him , she told me, he’s a shit . “Maybe I will take him back, when I’ve cooled off.” Kerry doesn’t even glance back. “I don’t intend to, but…”
    Colleen steps into her role of elder comforter by offering me a tissue. She places a hand on my shoulder as Kerry and Philippa make their way up the steps. Like a little kid, Philippa kicks at a drift of rusty leaves.
    “Perhaps you should take the day off.” Colleen suggests. “You’re obviously upset. Work will be here long after we’re gone. I’ll let Mr Smith know.”
    Work will be here long after we are gone . Sounds like something my dad would say. Do I want to sit in an empty house? I shake my head and at once regret it. Why did I drink all that wine? And why do we ask ourselves questions that we already know the answer to? I drank it out of spite. You’d cut off your nose to spite your face, Sally – one of mum’s. “I may as well stay Colleen; I’m here now. Kerry’s words only hurt because they ring true.”
    “Don’t let it get to you. Kerry wouldn’t, and Philippa certainly wouldn’t. Did you see her face back there? I think she actually enjoyed that little scene.” Colleen tuts, and looks up at Philippa and Kerry laughing. Despite being a mere thirty-three, Colleen seems so much older than the rest of us. No surprise really, married with a son of fourteen and a daughter of eleven. Heck another two years and she could legally be a grandma. In the brown-twill skirt-suit she’s wearing she looks to be practicing for the part already.
    “You need a nice dependable man, like my Paul,” Colleen says, turning her attention back to me. “Someone you can trust. Someone who will think more about you than they do about themselves.”
    “Or take a leaf out of my book and don’t bother with one at all,” Kerry snipes over her shoulder from six steps above.
    When I look up I’m met with the view up Philippa’s short-skirt and a flash of silky white panties decorated with crimson hearts. Men would pay for such a sight.
    “We’re not all like you, Kerry.” Philippa says, turning to wink at me, as if she knows exactly what I was thinking. “What about when she wants a shag?”
    Colleen’s jaw drops. “Philippa! Language like that, out here on the steps.”
    “Wha-a-a-t?” Philippa’s eyes glint with devilment, as she elevates her shoulders into a provocative shrug. “Girls have