Chapter 8

Over the next few days, events followed the schedule Raymond and Isobel had agreed upon. But on Thursday, an unexpected conversation with his colleague Andrew threw Raymond into turmoil. Andrew had stopped by to drop off some paperwork, but as they chatted, he casually mentioned his relationship with Irene, a secretary at Isobel’s firm. Aware of the long-standing animosity between Isobel and Raymond, she had told Andrew that perhaps Raymond could relax a little—Isobel seemed to be mellowing. She had even started smiling at people first and asking about their welfare. It was a notable shift, and Irene had a theory.

“She must have found a boyfriend,” Irene had speculated, which made Raymond sit up a little straighter. Then she added a piece of ‘evidence’—another colleague had spotted Isobel on the street, greeting a man who had just stepped out of a car. Apparently, the greeting was more than just cordial: a long embrace and there had even been a kiss.

“So there you go, Raymond,” Andrew grinned. “Maybe someone’s taming the tiger.”

Raymond forced a chuckle, but his mind whirled. He had no claim on Isobel—she was free to see whomever she pleased. And yet, his reaction betrayed emotions he hadn’t fully acknowledged. All afternoon, he wrestled with himself, struggling to focus on work, to the point where he almost forgot to start preparing dinner.

When Isobel arrived with Susie, Raymond made sure to greet his daughter warmly—she shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of his frayed emotions. But with Isobel, he was different. Cool. Distant. And he used her first name instead of the playful ‘Ruth.’ Isobel’s eyebrows rose in confusion. She clearly wanted an explanation, but now was not the time.

Throughout dinner and Susie’s bedtime routine, Raymond fought to maintain some semblance of normalcy. Since the start of the week, he and Isobel had developed a ritual of reading to Susie together before bed, and despite everything, he knew he couldn’t let that slip. When they had finished, Susie looked at him with quiet concern.

“Are you okay, Daddy? You don’t seem so happy tonight.”

“I’m fine, honey,” he reassured her with a smile. “And I’ll be even finer tomorrow.”

Back in the lounge, Isobel wasted no time.

“Okay, Penny,” she said, arms folded. “What’s up? Something’s put your knickers in a twist. Out with it. Is there something I can help with?”

Raymond stared silently into space for a time, then sighed, trying to organise his thoughts. Finally, he admitted, “I’m obviously making too big a deal of this. It just caught me off guard, that’s all.”

Isobel’s patience was wearing thin. “What on earth are you talking about? Just say it, for goodness’ sake. Then we’ll pick through the debris and find a solution—if one’s needed.”

Raymond took a breath. “One of my colleagues is dating someone from your office. She mentioned that your co-workers have noticed a change in you—a positive one. They’re enjoying the atmosphere. They figure you must have got a new boyfriend.” He let out an awkward laugh. “Apparently, someone saw you on the street greeting a man in what they called ‘a more than cordial fashion.’” He stalled, then forced himself to continue. “I know this is ridiculous. You have every right to see whoever you want, to greet them however you like. Why should I be concerned?” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m making a complete hash of this.”