The Empty Room Read online

  The walk to The Boat House didn’t take us too long and Hannah and I were laughing about nothing in no time. It wasn’t long until she punched me in the arm and called me an idiot.

  “Yeah, I’ve missed you too Hannah. Now, let’s go get crazy!” I added, high-fiving Audrey. I told the others to get a table and I’d go and get some drinks, only I found I was being followed by Audrey.

  “Hey its time,” Audrey remarked. She pushed in front of me and ordered four bottles of champagne.

  “Wow, check-mate time?” I asked Audrey.

  “Yeah, let’s go huge tonight. It’s a big deal.”

  I helped Audrey back to the table with the drinks. The others were pretty stunned when I put down the glasses. Mike and Hannah decided to help out by handing out the glasses while Audrey and I opened-up the bottles. Louise just laughed, and Emily and Andy looked a little shocked.

  “Let’s raise our glasses,” Audrey insisted.

  With me quickly yelling out, “TO AUTHORS!”

  With us all laughing and drinking we continued drinking until we’d finished a few more than the original four we started off with. Feeling a little worse for wear, we all decided to head to Thai Square while we could still walk. Audrey, unfortunately, had to go home.

  “Good luck with Meredith,” I joked. “I’ll expect an abusive phone call tomorrow telling me I’m a bad person,” I added.

  I quickly walked her up to the taxi rank and made sure she got in safe and well before laughing at everyone else who was lining up at Thai Square. There, the bouncer told me to go and get my friends and he let us in straight away.

  “Thanks man,” I said as we all tried our best not to stumble through the door.

  Mike went up to the bar to get a round for everyone and Emily got a seat at one of the tables as Hannah went up to help Mike. Louise and Andy headed down to the dance floor for a dance off, so I headed over to talk to Emily.

  “So, how long have you and Andy been together for?” I asked

  “Oh, we’re just good mates and we both decided to do a Contiki,” Emily replied.

  “Oh nice. How long is your trip for?” I asked

  “Only 14 days. Mostly around Italy”

  “Oh cool. You guys will have a great time. Plus, you’ll see a lot of stuff that you’ve probably only ever seen in books, so enjoy everything you can,” I added.

  “Actually, that’s really great advice, thanks Phil,” Emily commented.

  “Yeah, no worries. So, are you out there to meet someone?” I asked, just as Hannah walked over and handed us a drink each.

  “Thanks Hannah.”

  “So, what have you guys been talking about?” Hannah asked me.

  “Oh, Emily and Andy are heading on a Contiki.”

  “Well, make sure they take plenty of condoms,” Hannah joked.

  Emily just laughed, letting us know she didn’t do too well with the opposite sex.

  I should have gone home after hearing that. Mike arrived just in time to hear what I said next, and, unfortunately, he still gives me grief for it.

  “Why, how is that even possible?” I asked.

  “Well I’m a little shy around people I’ve never met before,” Emily insisted.

  “Ah, you’ll be all right around a bus load of party animals if you can handle a night out with us.”

  “Yeah, possibly, but I’m still not that sure about myself,” Emily remarked.

  “Is it,” I tried and stop myself, but, regrettably, the words just come out of my mouth and I couldn’t stop them, “Is it, because of your big nose?”

  Hannah tried not to laugh. Mike just stopped as he couldn’t believe what I’d just said.

  “Wow, this conversation is over,” Emily replied, walking off to talk to Andy.

  “I think you’ve had more than enough to drink and I should take you home,” Hannah remarked.

  “Yeah I think I should have called it a night after singing into the champagne bottle.”

  Getting up I said goodbye to Mike and asked him to apologise for me, before Hannah walked me up the hill and tucked me safely into my bed, wrapped up so I could feel like death in the morning.

  4

  Dinner with the In-laws

  “Morning sleepyhead,” Hannah said. “Hey, there’s a coffee on the bench for ya, and I’ll see you later-on,” she added.

  Slowly I woke up and walked out into the kitchen in just a t-shirt, and I felt the dodgy cotton ball feeling in my mouth left by a long night of bad decision making. I felt even worse when I went back to my room and checked my phone.

  “Oh crap!” I said, as I could see that I had sent a text to Anna and said a few things I probably shouldn’t have – now I had replies from her to deal with.

  I put my phone on the charger and took a sip of the coffee, noticing the Panadol and a glass of water next to my computer. ‘Well played, Hannah,’ I thought to myself. I’d have to thank her later. Just then my phone rang and I reached over to answer it.

  “Hello, is this Phil?” the person spoke.

  “Yeah it is,” I replied.

  “Can you please hold for Audrey,” The person spoke, and I smiled.

  “Sure Karen,” I said.

  “Oh, okay, thank you. Patching you through now,” Karen replied.

  “Hi, Phil. How are you feeling this morning?” Audrey asked.

  “Not too bad, surprisingly,” I replied.

  “Well, we probably overdid it last night,” Audrey said.

  “Hey Audrey, what’re you doing at work?” I asked, having lost track of all time and having absolutely no idea what day it was.

  “Yeah, it’s okay, I needed to come into work this morning and sort out a few things before Rupert’s football training,” Audrey said. “I’ve pulled a few strings and I’ve got you guys a table at Eleven,” Audrey said.

  “Oh, okay. That’s awesome Audrey,” I said, knowing full well I could have done that myself.

  “You don’t sound that excited,” Audrey added.

  “Yeah, I’m still not feeling a hundred-percent that’s all. Have fun at Rupert’s practise,” I said.

  “Yeah have a good day, drink plenty of water,” Audrey said.

  “Thanks Audrey, I’ll speak to you soon,” I replied, as I hung up and turned my computer on. Then I took the Panadol, needing to feel better.

  I had a hunch about Karen, and I wanted to see if it would be right. Waiting typically impatiently for my computer to start, I decided to have a quick shower. After that, I felt a lot better.

  I managed to log into my email address, and, to my surprise, I saw a message from Karen.

  Hey Phil,

  I’m in London. Got a temp job but I knew you were here somewhere so I thought I’d touch base with you. How have you been? Are you still around? Should we meet? It’s all new and exciting. I’m staying with Lisa and Jeff, but mum’s been here for a while. She travelled over here the same day as those horrible bombings. Were you here then as well? What have you seen and done? I can’t believe after all this time we might meet again. I’m scared that you – nah, don’t worry about that, I’m just being silly. Anyway, I hope you’re well and look forward to hearing from you.

  Karen.

  Karen,

  We’ve met.

  Phil.

  It took a few hours for her to reply back and she was pissed.

  I’d had enough time to walk down to get a coffee and take it and sit at the bench that overlooked the river. I wasn’t thinking about anything in particular, just watching the buses go over the bridge and people going about their daily lives. I was happy in a strange, weird sort of way. I was at peace. Anna wasn’t mulling around in my head, Karen was here and, as excited as I was when I first noticed her pinkie-ring, I was quietly petrified about meeting her. I laughed it off, and I must have looked silly nodding to myself on a park bench (I had noticed a few dodgy looks from passers’ by), so I got up and went to Waitrose to score a few pieces of their cheesecake. Then I made my way ho
me. I was sitting at my computer having put the groceries away when I checked my email. I laughed out loud when I saw Karen’s reply.

  Phil, I just got home. Had to go into help my boss organise a dinner for one of her writers. It didn’t take long, but he didn’t seem that impressed! I thought Eleven would have been awesome! What are you doing here for a job? How have we met? I’m starting to think you’re a weirdo!!! I’m only kidding, but if we have met, why didn’t you say something?

  Karen.

  P.S. What gave me away???

  I sat there reading this message for ages, I read it slowly, trying to read between the lines to try and find what to write as my reply. I didn’t want to sound cool, as I wasn’t, but I didn’t want to be a dick either. I just sat there until I heard the door open.

  “Hey douchebag, are you home?” Hannah yelled, from the front door.

  Poking my head out to see her, I answered her laughing, “Um yeah, and its Captain Douchebag.”

  “Hey I got some groceries. Can you give me a hand please?” Hannah asked.

  “Yeah sure.” I left my room and walked over to her to grab a couple of bags.

  “Did you carry all of these bags Hannah?” I asked.

  “Yes, I’m from the South Island Phil!” Hannah replied laughing.

  It didn’t take us long to get everything away. Hannah was impressed when she saw the pieces of cheesecake – although not so much when I made a joke about not sharing any of it.

  “No, I’m just joking. Hey, I’ve just got to email someone and we can have a think about what to have for dinner. Oh, and we’re booked in at Eleven on Monday night,” I said.

  “Eleven, that’s a bit late isn’t it,” Hannah joked, with a smile on her face.

  “Hannah, was that a joke?” I asked, smiling at her.

  “Yeah, cut it out,” Hannah replied.

  I turned and walked back into my room and sat down at the computer.

  Hey Karen,

  yeah lets actually meet again. the thing that gave you away was your grandmothers ring. I’m more surprised you didn’t remember me; I must admit I was really surprised. Wow, we get to meet, how cool is that? I never thought it would happen either, but can’t wait. When are you free? The sooner the better – or whenever.

  Phil

  P.S. I was the writer. Thanks for organising my dinner. It’s a long story, but I’ll fill you in when we meet.

  I clicked send and waited for a bit until Hannah poked her head into my room.

  “Hey what’s going on?” Hannah asked.

  “Oh, ran into someone I’ve known for years and she didn’t recognise me.”

  “Ha, and that’s a surprise?” Hannah laughed, with a massive smile on her face.

  “Yeah, good one Hannah,” I replied, laughing back. “So, what should we have for dinner?”

  “I’ve got something on now,” Hannah said.

  “Oh, nice. Do you need a hand?” I asked.

  “Yeah, if you don’t mind.”

  Just as I was about to get out of my chair, Karen sent through another message.

  “Are you gonna check that?” Hannah asked.

  “Yeah after dinner,” I replied, as I walked straight past her and into the kitchen. I looked around the kitchen, “Hey Hannah, all you’ve done is chuck a couple of steaks into a pan!” I grumbled. I turned around expecting to find Hannah right behind me, but she had sat herself down at my computer and was reading Karen’s message.

  Hi Phil,

  Um, I’ve got a bit on at the moment. Sounds like you’re full of stories, so should be fun to catch up, lol! I’m off for a few days, but how about we meet up when I’m back? I’m off to see Georgia. She’s up in Scotland. Not sure how long she’s gonna be around for. Lisa and Jeff are already up there. I’m staying in Shepherd’s Bush if you have any ideas.

  Karen

  “Who is this person?” Hannah asked.

  “Well, it’s a long story Hannah,”

  “Well according to this email, you’re full of stories Phil,” Hannah replied, with a weird smile on her face.

  I took a quick look at the message and started to laugh. “Oh, ha ha, Hannah! Let’s get dinner sorted,” I retorted as I walked back out to the kitchen to get some vegetables sorted out.

  “Hey, why don’t we have chips?” Hannah asked.

  “I’d have to walk down to the shop.”

  “Yeah, good point. So, can you tell me about this Karen?” Hannah asked.

  “Well, when I was a kid, one of the guidance councillors thought I hit some kid and thought it would be a good idea if I spoke to someone. The person they had me talk to was Karen, who was this angry dopey person I got to know really well,” I said.

  “Oh, really? Sounds interesting, had you actually hit that person?” Hannah asked.

  “No, didn’t lay a hand on him, wrong place at the wrong time,” I said.

  “Ha, you have a way of doing that!” Hannah laughed, again with a smile still on her face.

  “Thanks Hannah,” I said, as we laughed and sorted out dinner. We were both eying up the cheesecake too that we were looking forward to enjoying later on.

  Sitting at the table we were finally catching up for the first time since I’d got back.

  “How’s Cam’s family doing?” Hannah asked.

  “Oh, wow, where to start! His Mum and Dad were beside themselves, but Drew handled everything pretty well back home. I helped out where I could, but the olds were getting to me about not spending enough time with them. It was all a bit rushed to tell you the truth,” I said.

  “How was –” Hannah started to say.

  “Yeah really good. Spent a few nights down in Christchurch, with his family,” I explained.

  “Cool,” Hannah replied.

  “Yeah, don’t forget we’re going to Eleven on Monday night. Not sure if it’d be best to meet us there or if we’ll come back here.”

  “Yeah just let me know me during the day,” Hannah said.

  “Yeah, will do.”

  We were sitting finishing off the steak and staring at each other playing, cheesecake chicken.

  “Rock, Scissors, Paper?” I asked Hannah.

  “Nope, I organised dinner it’s up to you to sort the cheesecake,” Hannah laughed.

  “Ha, yeah, okay,” I said, getting up and taking the dishes out to the sink and grabbing a couple of saucers and forks.

  “Thanks Phil,” Hannah said, as I handed her a slice.

  “Yeah, I’ve been looking forward to a piece of this all day,”

  “So, what have you got planned for tonight?” Hannah asked.

  “I’m gonna get some work sorted for Audrey and have an early one I think. Still suffering from a bit of jet-lag,” I replied.

  “Oh cool, might have an early one myself as well.”

  “What, nothing going on tonight then?” I asked.

  “Nah, everyone’s been really busy lately.”

  “Oh well, let’s go a have a drink somewhere tomorrow night then. After that we can have dinner and see what happens,” I remarked.

  “Yeah that sounds good, and this cheesecake is bloody good, how’d you know?” Hannah asked.

  “Had them a few times before, but just got lucky with it,” I replied.

  “Well you’ve done well,” Hannah said as I got up and sorted the dishes.

  “Hey I’m gonna get some work sorted, but I’ll see you in the morning,” Hannah said, handing me her plate and heading off to her room. I quickly scrubbed all the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher, turning it on and headed off to my room, switching my computer back on.

  Hey Karen

  Sounds good. Here’s my number. Call whenever, and let’s meet at O’Neil’s next to The Walk-about say, Wednesday.

  Phil.

  Pressing send and opening-up, a few files to look through and work on. I was at the desk for a few hours before I climbed into bed. I was knackered. I slept like a log, even missing a call from Karen, who luckily left a mes
sage so I could save her number.

  Waking up, pretty early the next morning, I was just in time to hear Hannah get up. “Hey Hannah got time for a quick run?” I asked.

  “Yeah, just putting my shoes on, let’s go slow mo’,” Hannah replied.

  “Cool, coming dear,” I laughed, grabbing my keys and money card.

  “Hey, keen for a coffee and danish pastry after?” I asked.

  “Yeah, sounds good. Let’s go.”

  The day went without incident, which was lucky, as we passed Anne-Marie when we were leaving the coffee shop with our apricot danishes in hand. She gave us a funny look as we passed by.

  “Hey, what have you got on for the rest of the day?” I asked.

  “Not a lot. Might pop into the office and drop off the stuff I was working on last night,” Hannah said.

  “Oh, wow really?” I asked.

  “Yeah, shouldn’t be long,” Hannah said as we made our way back inside the house. “What are you up to?” she added.

  “Same old stuff aye. Finish off a couple of chapters, then chill out I think,” I said.

  “Cool. I’m gonna jump in the shower then head into work then.”

  I eyed her suspiciously thinking, ‘She must know I know about the dude she’s seeing,’ but I said nothing, grabbed another slice of cheesecake and headed to my room to get some work sorted.

  The day went by pretty quickly after that. I had the chance to catch up with a few people, but really got into the swing of things with this new writing project. Hannah even sent a text later on in the day to say she wouldn’t be home for dinner, ‘So, her date must have been going well,’ I thought.

  Mike texted through to see if I was keen for a few beers at The Pitcher and Piano in Parsons Green. Even though I tried to tell them I was really busy, he, Louise and Trudie wouldn’t take no for an answer. So, getting up and showering, I headed off down the road to meet them outside of Thai Square, stopping off to get a quick burger on the way. Then I ended up standing around and waiting for what seemed like ages.

  ‘Hey guys just standing outside of Thai Square,’ I text through to Mike.

  ‘Ah cool bro, we’ll head down now,’ was the message I got back.