Not A Suitable Girlfriend

It was clear she was well shot of Justin, but what did Louise intend to do with her freedom?

- Raymond Jamieson

Louise had had enough. Justin moved out weeks ago, so why had he not collected his things?

Get your stuff today, or I’ll give it away, she texted irritably.

Now, at 11am, he still hadn’t arrived.

She upended the drawers onto her bed. T-shirts, socks and shorts – where to start?

Half an hour later, he finally arrived.

‘I’ll have my spare key back,’ she said, handing him a coffee.

The tears were unexpected. There was something final about his giving back the key. It was clear she wasn’t over him.

Awkwardly, he put his arms around her. ‘We’d better get started. I have a meeting in a few hours.’

Typical, she thought. Who but Justin would sacrifice a Saturday for work? His ambition had been largely responsible for their separation. Plus the fact he wanted Louise to be more ambitious.

He surveyed the clothes, books, DVDs and clutter that had accumulated over the year they’d shared this flat.

They rummaged through the clothes, sorting them into piles. Some needed washing, others were ready to throw away, and some no longer fitted. Justin brought a suitcase for the things he’d be taking.

Among his T-shirts, Louise caught sight of her blue silk dress – the one she’d bought for their first anniversary. What was it doing among his stuff? She must’ve thrown it into the drawer in her unhappiness. It had been one of the most miserable nights of her life.

Justin had asked her out to dinner – ‘because there’s something important we need to talk about’.