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going back to my empty flat with only the television for company. Besides, it was only a drink, it wasn’t as if he was asking to marry me.
    ***
    We ended up in a wine bar down by the river and despite my earlier protestations that I couldn’t eat or drink another thing, as soon as I sat down and Alex suggested sharing a bottle of Prosecco, it was as if there was nothing more in the world I desired at that moment.
    For a moment I felt a twinge of self-consciousness wondering what was I doing there and what we would possibly find to talk about, but I needn’t have worried, Alex’s confidence and easy charm put me completely at ease. I plastered on a big smile as he handed me a filled glass and I took a sip, the bubbles having an instant restorative effect.
    â€˜To Tom and Angie,’ said Alex raising his glass to mine. ‘Wishing them all the best for a long and happy marriage.’
    â€˜To Tom and Angie!’
    Alex’s earlier comment came back to taunt me. I’d always had doubts about Tom as marriage material, or even boyfriend material come to that, but then I didn’t know him nearly as well as Angie or Alex did. Was it really possible Alex knew something I didn’t? Had he been trying to tell me that earlier? I couldn’t bear the thought that there was something amiss, something I didn’t know about. Or more worryingly, something Angie didn’t know about.
    â€˜So, you never said,’ I asked, trying for absolutely dead-casual, really not bothered one way or the other, ‘what chances do you give the happy couple for a long and happy marriage then?’
    He gave me a rueful smile.
    â€˜I didn’t think we were allowed to think along those lines. Look I’m sorry if I upset you earlier, it was just an off the cuff comment. I didn’t mean anything by it.’
    â€˜You do think it will work out for them though, don’t you? I’ve never seen Angie looking so happy.’
    â€˜Yeah, well I hope so,’ said Alex, carefully avoiding my question and my gaze. ‘Tom is a great guy. I guess they have as much chance as any other couple out there.’
    â€˜Hmmm.’ I wasn’t sure if Alex’s lukewarm response was due to his reservations about Angie and Tom as a couple or if he was anti-marriage in general. I suspected the latter. ‘Can you see yourself getting married one day?’ I asked.
    He tilted his head to one side, pondering on my question before pursing his lips.
    â€˜Possibly.’ He tilted his head the other way, narrowing his eyes.
    â€˜Maybe.’ He looked me directly in the eye.
    â€˜Definitely,’ he said, laughing.
    â€˜Well that’s conclusive,’ I said, laughing too.
    â€˜I don’t know if I ever will,’ I said, uncertain why I felt the need to tell Alex this riveting piece of information, and not realising I even felt that way until the words were out there.
    â€˜That’s rubbish. I barely know you, but you strike me as the marrying kind. Here, let me have a look at your hand.’ He took hold of my hand and turned it over, stroking his thumb across my palm. He pushed my fingers back and then gently traced the lines on my hand in a movement that was so light it was almost imperceptible, but still managed to send shivers down my spine at the same time. I looked up into his eyes and our gaze locked for the briefest moment, before I had to look away.
    â€˜Aha, just as I thought, I can see it all here, there’s a very exciting future ahead for you.’
    â€˜Is that right?’ I knew he was teasing me, but I was more than willing to play along with the game. ‘So tell me then, what can you see?’
    â€˜Definitely a marriage. Within two years, I’d say. A big white wedding, I think.’
    â€˜Really, well I suppose I ought to get a move on and meet this mystery man then. Two years isn’t that long to meet someone and then decide I’m going to