Right Here Waiting for You: A brilliant laugh out loud romantic comedy. Rebecca Pugh

which was something she hadn’t had in a long time.

      Sophia would be lying if she said she hadn’t thought about the girl who had helped shape some part of her younger years in the time that had passed; hadn’t wondered what she was up to, whether she was married or had any children. One time, Sophia had become so curious about the woman, she’d searched for her name on social media, just to see what the results would bring. It turned out the answer to that was nothing. No profiles, no pages. Zilch.

      Once dinner was served, the four of them crowded around the small table and tucked in. Harry and Esther were delighted to be seated beside each other and, for the first time in a long time, Sophia was pleased to see her daughter actually eating some vegetables, Harry joining in too. Michael couldn’t compliment the food enough. She had to admit, she had done a good job. The chicken was beautifully prepared, the roast potatoes buttery and soft. She was pleased, and thrilled to be seated with her favourite people in the world.

      Afterwards, nursing full stomachs, they moved back in front of the television until late afternoon, when, stretching his arms above his head, Michael announced it was time for them to leave. Sophia stood beside the front door as they put on their shoes and prepared to get going.

      ‘The pleasure was all mine,’ she smiled, giving Harry’s shoulder a little squeeze. Esther was there too, watching grumpily as Harry put on his coat and Michael zipped it up with ease.

      ‘And you’ll think some more about the reunion?’ urged Michael, turning to her as he opened the front door.

      ‘I promise.’ Sophia waved them off.

      The following morning, she met up with Michael for coffee in their usual haunt. She spotted him huddled in the corner with a book in his hands, head dipped low as he read and occasionally sipping at his drink.

      ‘Sounds grizzly.’ She nodded at the book in his hands. ‘Don’t you ever fancy dipping into a soppy romance novel?’ She thought of the numerous romance reads that were stacked beside her bedside table back home. She had to admit, she’d gone a bit mad on them recently. She adored the sexual tension between hero and heroine and the inevitable ‘something’ that would keep them apart. She’d often found herself wishing for something like that in real life.

      ‘No, thank you. It’s all nonsense, isn’t it?’ Michael laughed as he cornered his page and Sophia tried not to wince at the barbaric action. Why did people do that? Why didn’t he just use a bloody bookmark? ‘Have you thought any more about the reunion?’ he asked.

      ‘I don’t know,’ she mumbled, hiding behind her mug. She was worried about telling people she was still here, living in town, having not achieved much in life at all. To her, being a mother, as tough as it often was, was a huge deal, but would her old friends look at it in the same away? Or would they snigger behind their hands at how little Sophia Good’s life was?

      ‘Oh, come on, Sophia!’ urged Michael. ‘It’ll be good fun. You don’t get out much, and neither do I. It’s the perfect opportunity. I’ll even hold your hand if you’re that nervous about it.’ He leant forward across the table, eyes fixed on her face. ‘You have nothing to worry about. It’s just a school reunion where you’ll see old faces, people will ask what you’ve been up to, and then you’ll probably all get smashed. Maybe even have a little boogie on the dance floor. Now there’s an offer you can’t turn down, surely?’

      ‘Oh, fine. You win.’ Sophia laughed and Michael punched the air in triumph. He was right though. Above everything else, it would be fun, and as for the other things she was worrying about? She would just have to face them if they happened, but the more she thought about it, the less likely it seemed that she would turn up. She was probably halfway across the world, sipping cocktails and living the high life. What on earth would she want to come back to Worthington Green for? ‘I’ll get in touch with Hannah,’ said Sophia. ‘She’s my babysitter, although I haven’t spoken to her in a while. I’ll see if she’ll look after Esther for the night.’

      ‘Do you think she’d mind looking after Harry too?’ asked Michael eagerly.

      ‘I’m sure she wouldn’t mind at all. She loves taking care of the little ones and she’s great with them, as long as they behave themselves, mind.’

      ‘Ask her and let me know. It doesn’t matter if not; I’m sure I could find someone myself.’

      ‘I will.’ Sophia scooped up some froth from the top of her cappuccino and popped the spoon into her mouth. ‘What?’ she laughed, when she spotted Michael watching her. His gaze lingered on her lips.

      ‘Nothing. You’ve just got a bit of… Here, let me get it.’ Michael leant across the table and used the tip of a finger to dab away a bubble of froth. They looked at each other awkwardly. ‘Sorted,’ he said quietly.

      Sophia cleared her throat. ‘Thanks.’

      ‘So, that’s a definite yes then?’

      ‘Yes. It’s a definite yes.’ Sophia’s stomach was slowly beginning to tighten with tension. Gulping down more coffee, she tried her best to ignore it. ‘I suppose now I have to find something nice to wear, don’t I? I don’t think jeans and a T-shirt will cut it.’

      ‘Nope. I refuse to let you show up in jeans and a T-shirt. That’s completely against the rules and you know it.’

      ‘I suppose it’s about time I wore something else besides these old things.’

      ‘It’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you RSVP so we’re definitely down on the list. Do it today, as soon as you’re home. Man, I’m looking forward to this.’

      ‘I’ll do it!’ she laughed. ‘As soon as I get home.’

      ‘Good. Anyway, I’ve got exciting news. As of last night, I’m back in the dating game. I signed myself up to one of those dating sites. I’ve decided it’s time to move on and take back the reins of my love life.’

      And just like that, Sophia’s laughter from seconds before turned to silence. She blinked at him, unable to think of a suitable reply. Good for you? Well done, Michael? You’ll be snapped up in a heartbeat? She knew that last one would certainly be true.

      ‘Oh… Wow, that’s… Are you sure you’re ready for that? I mean, it hasn’t really been all that long since you broke up with Tanya. You don’t feel it’s too soon?’ She was speaking so hurriedly, it was a wonder Michael could understand her. ‘Sorry,’ she laughed, shaking her head. ‘It’s surprising, that’s all. I’m very happy for you.’

      Michael cocked a brow. ‘Yeah, I can see where you’re coming from but it has been a while now. Don’t you think so?’ He shrugged and turned his attention to the window. People passed by the café, lost in their own conversations. Michael watched them. ‘I suppose I’m just lonely. I love Harry, more than anything else in the world. You know that. But it’s nothing to do with that side of things. It’s more the… you know… physical side.’ He looked back at her then. ‘Surely you know what I’m referring to?’

      ‘Oh, right. Yes, I know what you mean now.’ She wrapped her arms around herself and turned her attention to the outside world too. She couldn’t ignore the jealousy she was feeling. She wanted to be happy for him but it was hard when she felt the way she did. For such a long time, she’d hoped that, when Michael finally decided to try his hand at love again, it would be her he would turn to. After all, hadn’t she been the one who was there in his time of need? Or was it completely selfish of her to think he owed her something in return for simply being a friend to him? Hope was such a tricky thing.

      ‘Well, don’t you miss that?’ pressed Michael. ‘The physical side of it? Someone to hold on to at night?’

      ‘I guess I do sometimes, but not hugely.’

      Michael nodded. ‘I guess everyone’s different. Still, it’s kind of exciting. Putting myself out there again. Just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.’

      Sophia