This is barely edited and by the time it sees the light of day it may look nothing like this at all, but for the moment I’m vibing so share my good vibes.

Excerpt:

“You and Joseph are more than welcome to stay tonight. We’ve certainly got room enough.” Isobel understands that this being Phyllis’ long weekend means it’ll be the last one for a long time, likely the rest of the year. It’s hazards of the job and she knows Phyllis won’t accept her mother-henning. She knew full well what she was getting into and, more than that, would insist this is Isobel’s time to enjoy. Her own will come in due season and besides, life with Joseph is anything but boring.

Phyllis levels Isobel with a look. “I say this with the utmost respect. You know I love you, but the absolute last thing you and Richard need tonight is company.” On seeing Isobel’s raised eyebrow, she adds, “Go on then. Tell me I’m wrong.”

Isobel’s silence is all the answer she needs.

“Any other time I’d say yes in a moment. I’m thrilled for you, Izzy. For both of you. And that’s why, for tonight, I’m going to pass.”

“You know I’ll worry about you driving home late.”

“Oh, do stop! I’ve booked us into a b&b in the village, and I’ll be the one driving us there. Not Joseph. Alright? So don’t worry.”

“I love Joseph, you know that. It’s nothing against him. Or you.”

“No, I know. He can’t hold his liquor any better than the two of you!” Phyllis shoots her a sideways glance full of mirth. Isobel feigns offence and fails, the two women giggling as Isobel bumps Phyllis’ elbow with her own.

“I’m not sure I know what to do with this cheeky side of you,” Isobel teases. “Joseph’s rubbing off. It’s good, Phyll. He’s been good for you.”

Phyllis goes quiet again, bashful. The tops of her high cheekbones flush pink. “That he has,” she murmurs. “To say nothing of what Richard’s done for you.” She follows her friend’s line of sight as it shifts to the aforementioned man and watches their eyes lock on one another again. “He’s going to take you apart.”

It’s hushed, barely audible, and the last thing she ever expected to hear from the mouth of Phyllis Molesley. Isobel gasps, her entire face going beetroot.

“It’s alright, you know! We’re both married women here!”

Isobel hides her face in her hands, mortified. “Phyllis, I swear to God, if it was anyone but you—“

“Oh, you don’t want to know what Bez had to say.”

“I’m sure I don’t!”

“Your innocent ears would burst into flame!”

“You’re one to talk, miss meek and mild!”

Phyllis is laughing in earnest now and it warms Isobel through: the fact that she’s able to form this kind of bond now that other women are no longer her juniors, her competition. The fact that her friend is so happy after all the hardship she’s come through. It’s a good day to be alive, a good season into which she’s arrived. Serendipitous.

“Right then. I’m getting out of your hair. I’ve got a drunk husband to put to bed, and you …”

“... Will thank you not to finish that sentence!” Isobel cackles.

“Just …” Phyllis says in parting, “just mind you don’t wax philosophical for too much longer. You’ll miss all the action! Byeee!” She skips out the door, dodging Isobel’s attempt to swat her with the tea towel, and is off across the lawn to collect Joseph.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.

KRUJOESJFLKDSJ I LOVE THAT SONG OKAY.

Looking for Alaska.