Soul

‘Good, because after the project’s finished I don’t think we should see each other for a while.’

Gabriel pulled his pants up, secretly disappointed Julia hadn’t reacted with jealousy.

‘But I’m happy to help you get into any postgraduate course you want. Then I might go away, to a place no one can find me,’ Julia added.

Suspicious, he studied her as she straightened her clothes. She’d been acting strangely all morning—curiously cheerful in a way that was at odds with her usual acerbic wit. Her hands reached up to tie her hair back. The gesture, unselfconsciously innocent, was too seductive for Gabriel to resist. He stood and, caressing her face, swept the rest of her fringe behind an ear.

‘I could still give you a baby.’

She pushed his hand away, irritated. ‘Gabriel, I can’t conceive any more.’

She was surprised to see him blush.

‘No need to look so shocked. I just had some problems, after the miscarriage.’

Reduced to silence, he pulled on his sweatshirt, wondering about the complexities of women and whether he would be negotiating them for the rest of his life.

‘Who cares, Julia. You have an incredible career and you’re on the crest of another huge achievement—anyone can have children.’

From the tone in his voice, she instantly knew that he’d heard about Carla’s pregnancy.

Smiling crookedly, she fumbled with his trouser belt, an excuse not to look him in the eye. Instinctively, Gabriel pulled her onto his knee and began rocking her, as a parent would comfort a small child. Julia was again struck by the absurdity of life: the youth comforting the middle-aged woman as if she were a child.

‘I’ve known for weeks about your ex having a baby, I just didn’t know how to tell you. I’m so sorry, Julia.’

Through his skin Gabriel felt her tremble, even though she was smiling brightly. The contrast was disturbing.

‘You’re right, anyone can breed.’

They were interrupted by the sound of the telephone. Julia climbed off Gabriel’s knee and answered it.

‘Julia?’ Klaus’s voice sent a seismic wave through her body.

‘What do you want?’ Julia kept her voice flat, emotionless.

‘I think we should meet—to discuss the possible sale of the house.’

‘I thought it was agreed I would buy you out when I had the money.’

‘The situation has changed now that Carla’s pregnant,’ he replied, somewhat defensive in tone.

‘So I hear. Congratulations.’

‘Thanks. And thanks for the flowers—she really appreciated them. This can’t be easy for you.’

Gabriel watched Julia’s fingers twist the phone line.

‘Perhaps you should come over. We can do this in a civilised manner—over dinner maybe?’

‘Are you sure? That would be great.’

Klaus sounded obscenely relieved, Julia noted, her heart thumping furiously against her ribs.

‘How about next Frida

y, at eight?’

‘Eight would be fine.’