All the Single Ladies

by Jane Costello

  There are some things, however, that are going to be different now. I was offered my old job back with BJD Productions, but am in the rather lovely position of having another option. One I’m really excited about. I was approached a few months ago by the boss of a rival events company in Manchester, who recently decided to go it alone and set up her own business. I’ve worked with her on five or six events in the last three years and she is wonderful. She wants me to be her partner. We’ve exchanged endless emails and I’ve got a meeting lined up with her tomorrow to discuss how we’re going to get started.

  I don’t feel too guilty about not going back to BJD. Especially as, from what I hear, the place is ticking over nicely. That’s thanks to Anna, who has proved to be an absolute star, and no thanks – you’ll be unsurprised to hear – to either Natalie (now retraining as an eyelash technician) or Deana, who was sacked after three weeks with Piers and is working in a bar on Hanover Street.

  Jamie has been in touch once in the last six months; he emailed me to say hi and to let me know he’s returning to the UK. He spent four months in South America but the trip wasn’t all he’d hoped for. He didn’t explain why exactly, although Lisa – who Skyped me so often it was like having my own personal Sky News correspondent – says he simply didn’t enjoy the travelling as much as he had when he was younger.

  If I had any romantic feelings left for him, I might feel a bit frustrated by this. All that turmoil to end up back at Phones-A-Go-Go.

  But I don’t. I feel nothing for him except a vague fondness and the recognition that, while we had some great times together, those times came to an end. Times I shouldn’t have clung on to for dear life when the relationship was on its last legs. Still, I wish Jamie all the best, I really do. And I hope he finds happiness one day, even if I haven’t any more of a clue than he does what form that might take.

  Luke, on the other hand, is happy. Gemma has him wrapped around her little finger, so much so that he’s asked her to move in with him. He’s confident she’ll keep the tea towels in a better state than Jamie did.

  As for Mum, Dad and Julia . . . well, I have nothing to report. Nothing at all. Despite the massive, dramatic revelations that unfolded six months ago, everyone remains exactly as they always were. Julia sees Gary a lot, of course, and has built up a great relationship with him. They visit each other once a month. But that’s about the only thing that’s different – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

  As I approach the gates to St Luke’s church I feel more nervous than I have before for any date, ever. Which is silly, because it’s not as though we haven’t had plenty of contact in the last six months. Skype calls every other night, constant texts and emails. But they’re a poor substitute for the feel of someone’s skin against yours, the warmth of a strong hand.

  As I enter the gates of the church, Ben is on the same bench where we sat on our first date. With blood pumping through my ears I try to keep my walk steady, calm. But when he looks up from his newspaper and stiffens, smiling, I lose my cool and break into a spontaneous giggle.

  I’m in front of him in seconds with his hands clasping mine, our faces inches apart. When our lips touch, my body melts and I want to cry and laugh at the same time. Instead, I pull back, with emotion soaring through me, and whisper, ‘Ben Moran, I love you too.’