So, Simon walked out of the registry office and took a deep breath, finally feeling like the weight was off his shoulders. Free at last! Hiswell, now ex-wifeEmily was already clacking away in her high heels, dashing over to the bloke whod been waiting for her outside. She kissed him, proper show-off as always, waving her divorce certificate like shed just won a prize. Simon had to laugh to himselftypical Emily, always putting on a show.
Emily glanced back at him with this smug, triumphant look, then linked arms with her new fella and strutted away from the building. Simon smirked again and glanced around, thinking about how he ought to celebrate his new-found freedom. Thats when he noticed a girl coming out of the same doors, and it was clear as day she was absolutely heartbrokenabout to burst into tears any second.
She got to the bottom of the steps and caught a glimpse of Emily and her new man walking off arm-in-arm, and that was itthe floodgates opened. Simon, whod already started walking towards his car, stopped in his tracks. Calling himself a meddling old fool, he walked over to her anyway.
Alright? Are you okay? Need a hand with anything? he offered.
N-no Im fine, really, she stammered, obviously not fine at all. But Simon had already decided he was going to help, whether she liked it or not.
Im Simon. And you are? She didnt answer. Divorce today, was it? he pushed gently. Silence. Is that your husband over there? He nodded towards Emily and her new squeeze. Still nothing. Hes off with my ex-wife, actually, Simon said. That made the girl look up; her eyes were huge, still dark from all the cryingSimon almost felt like he was drowning in them.
Holly. Holly Stevens, she said hurriedly. You got divorced today too, then?
Yep, Simon replied simply.
How does it feel?
How does what feel? he asked, puzzled.
Being divorced. How are you holding up?
Honestly? Im alright, he said, not entirely sure where she was going with this.
But why?
Well its been coming a while, you know. We both knew it. In the end, we both got what we wanted
So you dont love her anymore?
Simon was tempted to tell her it was a bit much to be digging into such things with a total stranger, but there was so much pain and hope in her stare that it stopped him.
No, I dont love her any more, he admitted, and Hollys tears started to flow again.
You know what? How about we go and properly mark the occasion? A little celebration for both of us! Simon said suddenly, almost surprising himself.
A celebration? Youre joking, Holly blinked.
Yeah! You and me, were in the same boat, arent we? Might as well not face it alone.
But you just said you dont even love your ex? she asked, confused.
Dont love her now, sure, but I did once. Look, you talk to me about the present, Ill talk to you about the pastsupposedly its easier to spill your guts to someone you dont know.
Holly hesitated for a moment, then shrugged, Why not!
Brilliant! Theres a cracking pub just up the road, shall we? Simon offered his arm, grinning.
So, let me get this straightyour wife and my husband have run off together? Simon eyed Holly with a hint of mischief.
Looks like it, Holly muttered, twirling a shot glass between her fingers. Then, suddenly, she leaned in towards him, a bit tipsy by now, Utter cowards, arent they?
Couldnt agree more! Simon nodded, raising his own glass. The moment things got tough, Emily was already off lining up my replacement.
And me? I loved him so much. I would have done anything, Holly said, her voice wobbling. He just trampled my feelings, rubbed my nose in it about the other woman. Made me feel invisible. And do you know whatwhen I said I wanted a divorce, he looked at me like Id lost my mind. Told me Id never find anyone else, that Id be alone foreverand honestly, I decided Id rather that than living in constant humiliation!
Quite right! Simon said with real admiration, just as drunk as Holly now. You did the best thing. And as for being alonedont listen to your ex for a second! Youre a lovely girl, and theres plenty of decent blokes out there thatd give an arm and a leg to be with you.
Yeah, right, Holly said with a sad smile, I do have a mirror, you know. Butthanks, truly.
No, seriously, youre selling yourself short! Honestly, maybe you just took what he said to heart, and now you cant see how other fellas are looking at you!
Oh, Sim, stop it, Holly smiled. I know youre trying to cheer me up, but you dont have to.
Im not doing it to cheer you up! Simon replied, getting a bit worked up. And then, god knows why, a mad idea popped into his head. Lets get married!
What on earth are you on about? Holly did her best to focus on his face.
I mean it! Why should they think we cant move on? Well just pretend, let everyone think were blissfully happy. If either of us find someone we actually want to be with, well get a proper divorce. Deal?
Deal, Holly agreed, still a bit dazed.
So the next day, when Simon showed up at her flat ready to head back to the registry office, Holly couldnt believe it. Shed half convinced herself the whole conversation had just been drunken nonsensebut there he was, asking why she wasnt ready yet.
They signed the papers quietly, and Holly moved into Simons place. To her surprise, he turned out to be the perfect gentlemancalm, considerate, gave her his own room and took the sofa, and always knocked before coming in. He helped around the house and even pressed a few notes into her hand to help with the shopping.
For her part, Holly did her best to play the dutiful wife, kept the place tidy and homely, made decent grub, kept Simons clothes fresh and pressed, and never asked unnecessary questions. To outsiders, they looked like the perfect married couple.
When they visited friends, they played up being head-over-heels for one another, which especially wound up their exes, who always seemed to crop up in the same circles.
So, what didnt your husband have that you wanted? Simon asked one evening, just the two of them, sitting in front of the tellyhim glued to the football, her knitting away.
Whats stopping you now? Holly teased.
Oh yeah? Why should anything? Simon laughed, then unexpectedly scooped her up and spun her around the room. Holly was in stitches.
Simon! Put me down, I feel dizzy already! she squealed, giggling. As he set her down, she wobbled and had to grab hold of him, and next thing you know, she was in his arms and he was kissing her passionately. She let herself melt into itafter all, it had been a long time since anyone had kissed her like that, made her feel wantedbut when Simons hands slid under her top, she pulled away.
Simon maybe lets not just use each other like this?
It felt like forever before he replied.
Maybe youve got a point. But Holly, trulyI really like you. A lot. If it ever happened for real, youd never have to worry about me treating you badly.
Not saying a word, Holly legged it to her room.
For a whole week, she avoided his gaze, even though Simon behaved as if nothing had happened. But Holly couldnt stop thinking about the kiss. For the first time, her mind didnt wander to thoughts of her ex, or what he was up to with Emily. All she could think about was Simon.
Holly, fancy catching a film tonight? he asked one Saturday as she was washing up after lunch.
When?
Tonight.
Um, well I was going to make meatballs for dinner, look, Ive got the mince out already
Oh, stuff the meatballs! Simon laughed. Dont tell me youre turning down your husbands invite to the cinema to make meatballs?
She giggled. Alright! Give me ten minutes to get ready.
They saw this properly soppy filmall the couples around them snogging away happily. Holly tried not to look, but inside she was aching a little. Wouldnt it be nice if Simon reached over and kissed her too? As if on cue, Simon slipped his arm around her and kissed her gently.
Afterwards, he whisked her off for dinner, they danced, chatted, and he barely took his eyes off her all night. Under his gaze, Holly felt warm and giddy, like something magical was about to happen. Even in the taxi home, he couldnt stop kissing her. When they got through the door, they were still at it. Simon paused, gazed into her eyes, searching for permission. She nodded, and he swept her up and carried her off to the bedroom.
Six months flew by. Holly was living in a dreamSimon doted on her, always remembered to bring home her favourite chocolate or flowers or some silly trinket. She couldnt wait to get home to him every evening, and Simon clearly felt the same. Not a day passed without him doing something sweet for her.
Then, as their first anniversary neared, Holly noticed Simon getting distracted, distanthis mind clearly somewhere else. For a moment, she panickedwas that it? Had he met someone else, someone he could truly connect with?
On top of that, shed started feeling dodgy every morningnausea, you know? She did a test just to be certain, and, sure enough, she was pregnant. Now she was really worried. What if Simon only stayed out of duty? She wanted him to be happy for real, not tied to her out of some misplaced sense of honour. She decided to keep quiet and focused on planning their anniversary night.
Simon showed up with a massive bunch of roses, and after wine and a lovely meal, he took her hands across the table and looked her straight in the eyes.
Right, she thought, bracing herself, here comes the truth.
Holly, he started, Ive been doing a lot of thinking. Our marriage started off in a pretty mad way but lately, things have changed. I I really love you. Youre exactly the woman I want to spend my life with. Then he got down on one knee, popped open a little box to show her a stunning ring. Will you marry me? For real this time?
Holly burst into tears.
Of course! Youve no idea how much Ive wanted this, she said.
They hugged and kissed, both a bit teary.
Buthow am I going to marry you when were already married? she giggled.
Honeymoon, then! Simon grinned. We never had one, did we? And we can finally start trying for kids
No need, Holly answered, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Waitare you serious? Simon stared at her, eyes wide. Holly just nodded shyly.
