You know, if it were any other circumstance, Emma would never have thought of calling her ex-husband.
They hadnt spoken in nearly two years, and she doubted hed be thrilled to hear from her now. But there just wasnt anyone else she could call.
Only Tom could help with this. Hed always been the one to sort things out when life got tricky.
Emma hoped hed still be willing to help her out, for old times’ sake really.
She peered once more at the snide grin of the old lady in front of her definitely more battle-axe than sweet pensioner then she rummaged in her handbag for her phone, flicked through her contacts, and started searching for Toms number.
A couple of years back, shed meant to delete it, but every time she nearly went through with it, something stopped her.
Guess she always thought, just in case, she might need it one day.
And, well here we are.
The woman was now openly mocking her, so Emma pressed Call and hoped for the best.
*****
You really wont come with me? Emma looked at Tom with disbelief, as though hed just betrayed her, although she was the one second-guessing whether to stick with him or start again.
Em, weve just bought the plot, remember? Were about to build our house. Why would we leave all that behind?
To start fresh! Ive explained, havent I? Why repeat myself again?
Tom frowned at his wife. Emma, do you really think life abroad is so different? Its much the same wherever you go.
Ive always dreamed of living abroad, Emma shot back. When Dad first took me abroad for work, I nearly threw a tantrum in Heathrow because I didnt want to fly back home. Thats how much I loved it there.
I get it…
And now, when I finally have a chance to go for good, you want to ruin it?
Im not trying to ruin anything. I just dont want to move. I like it here. This is home. My business is doing alright not much profit yet but its getting there.
Your business is here, yes, but there Ive got a proper job! A brilliant role with a salary miles better than here. And more opportunities! Emma gestured in the direction of the window, pointing west. Surely you get that, Tom?
That day, Emma and Tom argued for hours, neither backing down. There wasnt any dramatic reason for divorce, but Emma still talked Tom into going to the registry office and filing for one.
Everyone was gobsmacked: her mum (her dad was gone by then), Toms parents, even mutual friends. Everyone thought theyd last forever, till their last breath.
Emma, are you sure? her friend Liz would say. Where else will you find a Tom? That man adores you hed shift mountains for you.
Theyre only words, Emma scoffed. Mountains, stars from the sky all nonsense. If Tom really loved me, hed be coming with. He wouldnt leave me to do this alone.
Well, moving countries its huge, you know. And Toms got his business. His parents are here.
Let him live with his parents then. Ive got other things I want.
She really couldnt live with someone who didnt share her ambitions. Emma forced her feelings for Tom right down to the bottom drawer of her heart, where they couldnt get in the way.
A month after they signed the divorce papers, Emma took off for another country where shed landed a high-paying job in her field and help with citizenship. It was everything she wanted, and she was willing to risk it all.
But you know how people say, The grass is always greener After a year and a half, Emma was back. She hadnt settled at all. The people there were even tougher than ours, strangely enough.
Some jealous woman ruined her career, the job shed left everything for, just because. Emma tried to explain it wasnt her fault when an important deal fell apart, but no one believed her.
Absolutely no one because she was an outsider. And people just dont trust outsiders.
Emma scraped by, flyering for twelve hours a day through freezing January winds, desperate to sort her citizenship so she could maybe get a normal job.
Nothing ever worked. By then, shed realised her huge mistake. And she felt so guilty about Tom.
Hed done nothing wrong. Shed just left him. What a fool Ive been, she thought.
All those dreams suddenly meant nothing: fancy life, new clothes, parties, good food she didnt want any of it. She decided to come home back to England.
After landing, Emma stayed with her mum for a few days, then went to her grans place in a village for a change of scenery. It helped.
Eventually, she was ready to face the world again.
Back in town, Emma didnt want her old job, not her old career either. She scoured the classifieds and ended up as a trainee estate agent.
Emma aced her interview, impressed her mentor during training, and soon became a proper member of the team.
And with that, her life gathered a bit of steam again.
Of course, she thought about Tom, often. But she dreaded facing him. What would be the point? Hed never forgive her. And shed lost touch with their friends too. Starting over, from scratch, thanks to her own mistakes.
*****
One day, Emma was showing a property outside Bath a country cottage with a bit of land, about forty miles from the city.
It wasnt shifting, and shed struggled to find a buyer for ages.
Then along came an older couple, George and Mary, who fancied moving closer to the countryside.
Pretty normal actually. Loads of people these days are sick and tired of the city and crave a bit of peace.
The couple had their own car, so Emma rode up with them rather than forking out for a taxi.
They parked by the village shop and set off on foot, wanting to soak in the atmosphere and see if they could imagine themselves there.
Emma could tell straight away they were serious about choosing the right home. Which made sense. Property prices are mad, you dont want to throw your money at just anything.
As they turned onto the road where the cottage was, a huge neighbouring dog poked his head through a gate and gave them a serious look. Well, he didnt bark or snarl, just stared for a moment and then, seeing Emma, licked his lips and wagged his tail enthusiastically. Nicest greeting ever.
The couple relaxed a little, and Emma actually smiled to herself. She knelt down and scratched the dog behind the ears, showing the clients that even country dogs are friendly. People must be even friendlier, right?
For the next hour, they checked out the garden, the cottage, discussed everything, asked loads of questions, and Emma talked through all the pluses and a few minuses. It wasnt brand new, after all.
So, what do you think? Emma asked after theyd seen it all. Do you like it?
Its really lovely, the couple smiled. Let us have a proper think and well get back to you.
Of course, youve got my number, Emma smiled. Though if she was honest, she felt a bit down; when buyers are properly keen, you can always tell. Their eyes light up. This lot werent giving anything away.
Never mind. If its not them, someone else will buy, Emma thought as they headed back.
As they walked, she noticed an old woman had come out of the house with the scary dog, dragging the poor thing on a bit of rope towards a lamppost. The dog wasnt barking or whining, just looked so sad. Properly clever eyes, too, as if he knew something bad was coming.
Emma caught up with the couple as they reached the junction for the high street.
Would you mind waiting just a sec? Emma asked, grabbing Marys hand gently. I need a quick word with the old lady over there nodding at the pensioner now tying the rope round a concrete post, the other end on the dogs collar.
Of course, Mary replied. Well wait here.
Emma hurried over as the old woman finished tying him up, muttering crossly.
Serves you right, Max. Useless you are you dont even scare people.
Excuse me, Emma said. Why are you tying your dog up like that?
Whats it to you? the woman retorted sharply. Do you want him or something?
Not exactly, but
Yeah, thought not. Nobody wants him. Useless mutt. Doesnt bark at strangers tail waggings all hes good for.
Emma tried to get a word in, but the woman was on a roll.
Hang on, youre the one fussing him through the gate earlier. Shouldve guessed. Youve seen for yourself. A dog that doesnt barks no dog at all, so whats the point? Theres no point keeping him.
Are you actually just leaving him tied to a post? Emma asked, just about containing her anger.
Why are you so bothered? Probably some city type, arent you? Why dont you go back to your city? Leave me be. Hell wait here till hes called, then its just a quick jab and all done.
A jab? Called? Emma was completely thrown.
Euthanasia queue, the woman said calmly. Waiting for Pete the local vet to come from the next village. If you pay, its done properly. But Petell do it for a bottle of whiskey. Easy.
You cant just put down a healthy dog! There have to be reasons
Who needs a reason? the woman laughed. Told Pete he bit me, thats enough. Now we just wait our turn.
Honestly, Emma wanted to give her a piece of her mind, but it wouldnt help. Right now, she had to figure out how to get the dog out of there.
Is the vet really going to believe her? Max looked about as terrifying as a marshmallow.
Emma, are you coming or not? Mary called. We really need to get back.
What on earth was she supposed to do? If she untied Max and left, the old woman would just tie him up again as soon as Emma was gone. She couldnt take him home her mum has allergies. Grandmas too far. Carrying a dog in a taxi? No chance. The work lot wouldnt let her take off at short notice. This was a nightmare.
Emma, are you coming? George sounded annoyed now.
Sorry, please head back without me, Emma said. Somethings come up Ill make my own way home. If you want the house, just give me a ring.
They exchanged surprised glances, shrugged, and walked off.
Emma stood by Max, who was watching her curiously.
What exactly are you doing? the dogs owner sneered.
Im asking you to untie him, now. This isnt right!
Oh, shall I cry for you? And if I dont, what, are you gonna break a nail untying him yourself? This is my dog, Ill do as I please. And dont think about touching him, or Ill wake me son hes not going to be happy, and youll scarper before you know it.
Emma took a deep breath.
Ill Ill call my husband! she said, clutching at straws.
Youve got a husband? Poor bloke. Bet hes as mad as you. Go on, phone him my son will set him straight. My dog, my business. Touch him and therell be trouble.
If it had been any other situation, Emma would never have actually phoned her ex. They hadnt spoken in almost two years, and there was no way hed want to hear from her.
Except she really didnt have much choice now. Only Tom could handle something like this.
She glanced once more at the smirking old woman, then hit Call.
Come on, please answer. Please answer.
Hello?
Hi Tom, its me, Emma. Do you remember me?
Thats a surprise Of course I remember you. Didnt expect you to call first. Is everything alright?
Emma faltered, just listening to his voice just as gentle as ever.
Emma? Are you ok? You sound upset. You always tremble like that when youre on edge.
She quickly explained the situation, adding she doubted the dogs owner would ever give him up without a fight.
Wait, Ill come. Text me your location, Ill find you.
Tom turned up in just over twenty minutes probably broke the speed limit to get there. But when someone you love calls for help, you dont hang around.
The old woman left five minutes before, hollering for her son, clearly ready for a showdown.
Emma and Tom barely got the chance to look at each other before the shouting began from the opposite house.
Les, love! What are you doing, its me, your mum! Pack it in, will you?
Meanwhile, Tom was calmly untying the thick rope around Maxs neck. The dog looked up at his new rescuer with loyal, hopeful eyes.
Get in the car, Em, Tom said. Let them sort themselves out.
At the house behind them, chaos shouting, clattering, proper EastEnders stuff.
As they all jumped in the car Emma, Tom and Max the old woman barrelled outside, rushing to the neighbours for help, ignoring the car entirely. Her son stumbled out after, pale and skinny as a rake. Tom could have dealt with him, but why create more drama if you can just drive away?
Max wasnt a valuable, rare breed nobody was calling the police over a dog like him.
*****
You actually finished the house then? Emma asked, surprised, as they pulled up at Toms place.
Sure did, Tom smiled. It was my dream too, you know.
As Emma and Tom caught up, Max was already racing round the garden, investigating every corner. Lovely, soft dog. Not exactly a guard hound but definitely good company.
How long have you been back? Tom asked as they sat out on the patio. Id heard you returned. Thought you might call.
What for? Emma replied.
Well, were not exactly strangers, are we?
Were not, no, Emma said quietly. But dont say you didnt find someone else while I was gone
Nope. Im a one-woman man. I still well, I still love you. Oh, and about the dog
Tom changed the subject so swiftly, Emma barely had time to react.
Ive been thinking, he continued. You werent expecting me to take on a stray, and you probably didnt expect to see me either. But I actually dont mind if he stays.
Really?
Yeah. I could use a mate around the place. Its a bit lonely in the evenings, and hes a decent lad. He fits right in. I just hope hes not too hungry his last owner didnt spoil him much!
So, thanks to Emma being stubborn and caring, Max found a proper home and a new best friend.
He took to Tom straight away. Good bloke, that one. And the womans alright too.
Why on earth arent they together? Max seemed to wonder, glancing between the pair.
Tom was over the moon to have Emma home, proper home, in England. They called each other often, even met up now and then. Emma dropped by with treats for Max and, well, to see Tom too.
All those feelings shed tried to bury turns out they just needed a bit of time, not to fade, but to simmer.
Six months on, Tom knelt down a bit awkward, ring box in hand, heart in his mouth and asked Emma to marry him again. He didnt expect much, but you never know.
Emma just beamed at him. Yes, you daft thing! she laughed.
Max watched from the side, tail thumping even harder than before.
Thats more like it, Max seemed to think. You can tell theyre made for each other. Odd creatures, humans.
So thats the story. Now they just need a couple of kids and a cat to be properly sorted! And something tells me theyll be just fine. Everythings coming up roses, finally.
