**No Good Deed Goes Unpunished**
Youre so lucky, Lucy, sighed Natalie dreamily. Your bloke picks you up from work every day in the car. Youve just had the flat done up. And now youve got a promotion? Honestly, Im jealousbut in a nice way, mind you!
Lucy kept packing her bag. Andrew was due to pick her up in five minutes, and she didnt want to keep him waiting.
Oh, come off it, Nat. Weve had our rows too. Nearly divorced over the renovation. And that promotion? Five years of grinding for it. You werent even here when I started eyeing that role. Grass is always greener, isnt it?
Natalie pouted like a child.
You dont know how good youve got it, Lu. My husband? Absolute layabout. Messy, lazy, and spends money like its going out of fashion. Six months Ive been on at him to find a proper job. And what does he say? Im sick of working for the man, Nat. I want my own business. With what money? The cash he blows on video games every month? Businessman, my foot.
Lucy glanced at her friend. Theyd only known each other a year, but shed grown fond of Natalieand knew all the gory details of her marriage. Michael really did test her patience daily, with no signs of stopping.
Im sure itll sort itself out, Nat, Lucy said as her phone buzzed on the desk. Oh, Andrews here. Gotta dash. See you Monday, love.
Natalie nodded, watching her go with a strange, thoughtful look Lucy didnt catch.
By the time Lucy buckled into the car, Andrew had already clocked her expression.
Rough day?
She shook her head.
Nats Michaels being a nightmare again. I dont know how much more she can take.
Andrew shrugged. Not our circus, not our monkeys.
Lucy shot him a glare. His indifference grated sometimes. But she let it slideNats drama wasnt worth an argument.
…A month later, Natalie turned up to work red-eyed and puffy-faced.
Were splitting up, she blurted. And Michaels kicked me out. Me! Like some mangy cat! Where am I supposed to live now?
Lucy hugged her tight.
Dont worry, Nat. Stay with us for a bit. Sort the divorce, find a place, get your head straight.
Natalie sobbed loudly into her shoulder.
Oh, Lu, youre a lifesaver. I dont know what Id do without you!
Lucy patted her back soothingly while mentally preparing to break the news to Andrew.
As expected, Andrew wasnt thrilled about their new houseguest. But he kept his mouth shut over dinner while Natalie prattled on, alternating between gripes about Michael and gushing over the flat.
Michael never lifted a finger in five years. But this place? Flawless. You can tell real thought went into it. Brilliant!
Lucy glowed. Most of the decor had been her idea, and the praise was nice.
…Natalie turned out to be the perfect guest. Quiet, tidy, and by day three, shed taken over cooking dinners to spare Lucy the hassle.
Making a stew tonight, Natalie announced from the back seat. Got everything we needchecked this morning. God, its so much nicer getting home by car than the bus. Worlds apart!
Lucy smiled. Natalie had settled in quickly but made it clear she wasnt planning to linger, already flat-hunting in earnest.
Dinner became livelier. Turned out Natalie and Andrew shared a taste in music, dissecting albums and debating lyrics for hours.
Lucy watched, amused, as her usually reserved husband thawed. Her introvert of a man rarely warmed to people, but Natalie had cracked through.
*And not just the ice*, Lucy thought dryly one evening, spotting her best friend and her husband locked in a passionate snog by the car park.
Couldve at least picked a more discreet spot, she deadpanned.
They sprang apart like teenagers caught behind the bike sheds. Andrew spoke first.
Lu, listenits not what it
Investigating each others fillings? With tongues? Lucy cut in. Nat, Id have expected better. I took you in, helped you through the split, and you stab me in the back? Some friend.
Natalie lifted her chin.
Whats the big deal? We fell in love! Andrew said himself hes happier with me. He hasnt felt like this with you in ages!
Andrew paled. Nat, what the hell? Lu, darling, I
Save it, Lucy snapped. Spare me the excuses. Im staying at Mums tonight. You two pack your things. And take the bedsheetsI dont even want to imagine. Keys. She held out her hand.
Andrew wordlessly handed over the car keys. Lucy got in, started the engine.
*Dont cry. Dont give them the satisfaction.*
Behind her, Natalie hissed, Why should *we* leave? Why us?
At her mums, Lucy drank a gallon of tea while tears streamed down her face. Her mother soothed as best she could, but the guilt gnawed.
Why did I even offer to help her? Mum, this is all my fault!
Her mother rubbed her back. Dont blame yourself, love. You couldnt have known.
Now Ive lost my husband *and* my friend, Lucy sniffed.
Itll all work out, her mum said softly.
Lucy didnt believe it but nodded anyway. No point upsetting her further.
The next morning, dragging herself out of bed took monumental effort. Burying herself under the duvet forever sounded idealno Andrew, no Natalie, no messy divorce. Just blissful oblivion.
When her alarm blared a third time, Lucy kicked the covers off.
Enough moping. Im stronger than this.
She trudged into workonly to find Natalie lying in wait.
Morning, Lucy said flatly.
We need to talk! Why should *we* move out? *You* should leave. Theres two of us and one of you! Andrews just packing like a kicked puppy! Why?
Lucy eyed her coolly. Yesterdays friend, todays… whatever this was.
Not doing this at work, Nat.
She dodged Natalie all day. But that evening, arriving home by taxi, there was no escape. The flat felt hollow, half-packed boxes everywhere.
Lu, maybe its not too late? Andrew ventured. I swear, itll never happen again.
Lucy fixed him with a glare.
No, Andrew. I wont spend my life wondering if youre eyeing up the next woman. Thats no way to live.
He hung his head. The doorbell rangNatalie, scowling.
Now you cant run! Explain why *we* have to go! This is a shared flat! Andrews entitled to half! She rounded on him. We talked about living together!
Lucy scoffed. The absurdity was almost funny.
Ah, so you *were* jealousmy husband, my flat, my car. Thought youd swipe half by stealing him. Right, Nat?
Natalies silence said it all.
Shame your plans got a flaw. The flats in my namepre-marriage. The cars mine too, bought with my inheritance. Andrew just drove it because I hate to. So all youre getting is… well, Andrew. Congrats on the prize.
Natalie gaped. Its not *your* joint flat? But you always said our flat!
Because it was *our home*. Didnt think the legalities mattered. A thought struck her. Waitdid you even *split* with Michael, or was this all a play for Andrew?
Natalie flushed crimson.
You flaunted your perfect lifewhat did you expect? I wanted it too!
Lucy barked a laugh.
Sweetheart, you shouldve done your homework. But too late now. Both of youout. Ive had enough drama.
Natalie hurled insults as Andrew dragged her away. His final glance begged forgiveness, but the ashes of their marriage were already cold.
