“Aren’t you, then?” He raised his neck a little, squinting at her.
“It’s different when you’re my age. This is lovely, of course it is, but in my mind I’m clinging on to this moment before it slips away, because I’m not sure I’ll ever experience something as perfect again.”
“Oh, Ness. Of course you will. With me. Tomorrow, if you like. In five minutes’ time, if I’m up to it.”
She shook her head, unable to rely on her voice. It felt a little wobbly.
“Babe.” Ben sounded quite concerned. “Hey.”
“Ben, I’m forty-two. Forty-three in August. I can’t help thinking I’m desperate. Trying to cling to my youth by taking yours. A silly old fool.”
“Jesus, Vanessa, no! Don’t say that. You’re gorgeous. You’ll never be desperate.”
“I hope you’ll always remember me fondly. Not as that rank old cougar that got her claws into you.”
She put her arms around her knees and buried her chin in them, trying to hide her face from Ben.
“Oh, don’t. Don’t call yourself that. What’s brought this on? I thought we were having fun.”
“Is that what this is, Ben? Fun? A nice way to pass some time before the real love of your life turns up?”
He put his hand on her shoulder. She tried to twitch it away but he wouldn’t allow it.
“I had no idea you were this insecure.”
“I’ve had some bad experiences. With men.”
“I’m not those men. I like you, genuinely. In fact, I more than like you. Every time I see you I fall for you a little bit more. I can’t imagine wanting to be with anyone else.”
“Not now, you can’t.”
He squeezed her shoulder, a little roughly.
“Look, this is silly. I don’t know what the future will bring, but, as far as I’m concerned, I hope it’s a whole lot more of you. I can’t think of anything else I want.”
“I’m still looking good. For my age. How long will that last?”
“I think happiness and lots of sex are supposed to help that kind of thing.”
“Oh, ha ha.” But she cracked a smile.
“We’re all getting older,” said Ben. “In fact, it’s my birthday next month. The week before the Prom.”
“Is it? I’ll have to bake you a cake.”
“That’d be nice. But I can think of something I’d rather have.”
“Not more sex, by any chance?”
“For once, no. My parents are coming to town, taking me out to dinner. I’d like you to come with us.”
Vanessa sat up, shaking dead grass stalks from her hair.
“What?”
“Yep. That dreaded time has come. The time to Meet the Parents.”
“Oh, God, Ben, do you really want me to?”