'We are meant to be a couple. You are meant to tell me if there is a problem'.
'I know. I know. Sorry. Who told you?'
'No-one yet. Your ex-boss phoned looking for you'
'Are they going to take me back?'
'I don't fuckin know. Didn't sound like it. What did you do to lose your job?'
'I was just being an idiot. I've been looking for something else. Honestly we'll be alright.' He tried to sound convincing, but he didn't feel that convinced himself. Marie sat down on the couch, still fuming.
'We'll be alright'. Repetition would maybe convince her.
Nothing. Bob sat looking at her while she looked into her lap.
'Marie?'
She eventually looked him in the eye. She let out a gentle laugh with a tear in her eye. ‘I don't know how we are still together Bob.'
'Because we love each other?'
'Is it enough for you. This? I mean is it? Because it isn't for me'
Bob looked around him for inspiration.
'But I thought you liked this house. We even got new carpets ‘cause you wanted them.'
She smiled at this dopey man. He really didn't understand.
'Well you have made it easy for me at least.'
Bob grew wary. This did not sound good.
'I'm sorry Marie. I'll do better. I'll get another job. Don't leave me. I know I'm stupid, but I'll grow up. I promise.'
Marie looked at him blankly.
'What you talking about. I'm not leaving you. I wouldn't make it that easy for you. Christ, Bob. I love you. Even though we still ain't married, I believe in for better for worse.'
Now it was Bob’s turn to look blank.
'Bob, I've been given a really good job opportunity through my work. But it will mean relocating...'
This did not sound so bad, when in his mind the alternative was losing her forever. Bob could see this was what Marie wanted and maybe this was what would make him grow up. It was all about compromise.
2.
Another sick day call made, and Aid knew he would have to go to work tomorrow or else try and get a sick note from the doctor. He trundled through from the kitchen with his coffee and newspaper. Monica had been off with him again this morning. But he could not go to work with all the shit flying. He settled down to relax and read about the football from last night and to forget all the worries he had. Back page showed some rumours of transfers for Celtic and Rangers and there was even a wee mention about Dunfermline Athletic. Spiv would be happy. He was a big fan and would be delighted that they had managed to get an old SPL pro playing with them as they pushed for promotion from the First Division. But the relaxed air was short lived as the postman delivered some more bad news. As he approached the doorway he foresaw the bad news which was within that envelope. Suddenly it had become real. Aidrian knew he would have to speak to Mon and all of this would have to come out. He had been suspended on full pay pending inquiry into financial irregularities. His bosses had found out and now he would need to speak to Bob and let him know that they were both in trouble. No more secrets. No more lies. They would have to be straight...
Another sup of coffee wouldn't make this go away. No wonder some people turned to drink. Bob was not going to be happy, but it was too late to change their minds. They had taken the cash when it seemed like easy money, so they would have to take the medicine now. He picked up his mobile to speak to his friend. It was not going to be an enjoyable conversation.
The Job centre had been in the town centre for years, and Aid had walked past looking at the smokers gathering outside as the desperate looked for any job going, and the chancer's looked at the jobs they could not get. Bob was walking up the High Street, face like fizz. The news he received from Aid had not been greeted with much response, mainly because Marie was in the background when the phone rang. So they needed to talk.
'I'm no going in there yet. We need to go over this. Surely there is a way out. If not Marie is going to kill me. Or worse...leave me!'
Aid considered fleetingly the possibility that death might be best and least painful option. But suicide was no option for him nor for Bob. They just needed to get used to what they had to do; and face up to their partners.
'Right. What’s the options?' Bob started.
'I don't think we have any'.
Silence gripped them. They supped double shot Starbucks Grande lattes, looking at each other with stony faces. Then Bob’s expression began to change, and a smirk appeared.
'Maybe we'll be in the same cell!'
Aid took a humoured breath and smiled back.
'It’s the right thing to do'. Bob nodded. They had been foolish and as they gripped each other by their right hands across the table they felt strong.
'When you gonna tell Mon?'
'When you gonna tell Marie?'
