Read Online Journey to the Centre of Myself by Andie M. Long - Free Book Online Page B

Barcelona? I’d rather visit when it’s hot. I study my bookcase and cast my eyes at the titles until I spot a novel entitled ‘Moonlight in Paris.’ That’s where I’ll go. I pick up the book and place it in my handbag; it’ll get me in the mood. I’m quite amused by the fact that I’m planning to travel to one of the most romantic cities in the world by myself. Well, I consider, I do need to fall in love with myself.
    I check the time on my watch. I’ve been here thirty minutes already. Part of me hopes Adrian comes in and finds me, the other wants my presence discovered after I’m long gone. I spend another thirty minutes or so looking at different tours until I find what I hope is the perfect holiday on a last-minute booking site. The operator rents out rooms in a hotel with the most gorgeous looking apartments. They have views of the tower. There are also several organised sightseeing trips to visit the Eiffel Tower and some of the other attractions. I book it. The trip leaves on Friday afternoon, so I have a full twenty-four hours to fill.
    I hear a bang and slam the laptop lid down. I jump up, grabbing my bag and case. My breath comes in quick gasps and I’m ready to run. Nothing happens. I walk to the front door. The noise was made by a local newspaper posted through the letter box. That’s enough for me. I make my escape, not even leaving a note.
     
    I return to the centre of Manchester. It’s one p.m. I’d usually be having my lunch now. I decide to pop to Smith & Sons to see if Jo is free.
    I walk towards the office building. It’s nothing special; a brick built structure with windows, set over two floors. I walk past the receptionist who smiles and seems to have forgotten I no longer work there. Well, I suppose it has only been six days since I left.
    I used to work in the office with Jo before the reconfiguration three months ago. She’s not someone I’d class as a friend; we didn’t develop that sort of relationship, but we got on well enough. I stand next to her office doorway. I’m not entirely sure what has brought me back here. Just as I decide it was a mistake coming, I hear a voice.
    ‘Karen?’
    ‘Hey there, Jo.’
    ‘What’re you doing here?’
    She stands back from the doorway and lets me into the office.
    ‘I came to collect a couple of things.’
    She gazes at my case.
    I smile. ‘Don’t worry I’ve not stolen half the building. I’m going on holiday.’
    She looks behind me. ‘Where’s your husband? Is he with you?’
    ‘Oh, he’s meeting me outside Boots in an hour. He needs some things. Always last minute men, aren’t they?’ I lie.
    ‘So he’s got time off work too?’
    ‘Yes, the site’s quiet at the moment.’ I’m mad at myself. Why did I come in here, lining myself up for twenty questions when the whole point was to spend time alone? Instead, I’ve grabbed at the first straw I could find, when Jo isn’t even a proper friend. I realise I have no-one at all in my life, a sad fact that threatens to annihilate me in front of this ex-colleague if I don’t change my thoughts.
    ‘How’s things?’ I ask.
    ‘Really busy obviously. I’ve not even had time for lunch today, but I daren’t complain in case they use it as an excuse to get rid of me.’
    ‘I hardly ever took my lunch break, but then you know that. It means nothing to them. You’re better off taking one.’
    She looks at me, nodding.
    ‘How’s my replacement? Still being superwoman?’
    ‘She’s okay, out at lunch at the moment. To be honest, her and Mirelle are getting on my nerves. They’re so young and immature, you know? All they talk about these days is having affairs with married men.’
    I flinch. ‘Surely not? I thought the temp was married?’
    ‘She is. I don’t know what’s going on. Sounds like she was drunk at your do and got off with someone.’
    ‘What a tramp,’ I spit. ‘Some people don’t know what their vows mean.’
    Jo looks shocked at my outburst. ‘Well