**Diary Entry**
*18th September*
He hasnt been your husband for years, Emily said, standing on the doorstep in a dripping raincoat. And you know it.
Sarah gripped the doorknob so tightly her knuckles turned white. Before her stood a woman shed only seen in old photographsher husband Daniels first wife.
What are you doing here? Sarah asked quietly.
Didnt Daniel tell you? Emily smirked, tucking a wet strand of hair behind her ear. He promised to warn you.
Warn me about what?
That I was coming. Ive got housing issues, and all the hotels are booked. Daniel suggested I stay here tonight.
The ground seemed to shift beneath Sarahs feet. Her husband *had* muttered something this morning about an old friend, but shed been rushing to work and hadnt paid attention.
Mind if I come in? Emily nodded at her suitcase. Im soaked through, and its only getting worse out there.
Sarah stepped aside mechanically. Emily walked in, leaving wet footprints on the hardwood floor.
Is Daniel home? she asked, shrugging off her coat.
Still at work.
Right. And you must be Sarah? Hes told me so much about you.
Sarah stayed silent, studying her uninvited guest. Emily was a striking woman in her mid-forties, with a sharp bob and intelligent grey eyes. Dressed simply but elegantly, she didnt look like someone struggling for a place to stay.
Come through to the living room, Sarah said reluctantly. Would you like some tea?
Thatd be lovely.
While Sarah busied herself in the kitchen, Emily surveyed the flatthe same one shed shared with Daniel fifteen years ago. Only now, everything was different: new wallpaper, new furniture, new photos on the walls.
Its cosy here, she remarked as Sarah brought in the tea. Daniel always had a knack for making a place feel like home.
*I* did this, Sarah snapped. Daniel hasnt lifted a finger.
Really? He used to love decorating. Remember how we picked out that chandelier? Emily nodded at the ceiling. He dragged me around shops for two days.
Sarah followed her gaze. The chandelier *was* olddefinitely not her choice. Daniel had always claimed it came with the flat.
So, whats this housing issue? Sarah asked, sitting opposite. There are plenty of hotels in town.
Selling my flat. The buyers moved in early, and I havent found a new place yet. Just crashing with friends for now.
No family? Other friends?
No family left, and friends well, you know how it is. Stay a couple of days, then it gets awkward.
Emily sipped her tea and smiled.
Daniel agreed straight away, of course. Hes always been so kind.
*Always been.* Sarah nearly choked on her tea.
*Been*?
I mean, hes always been kind. Even when we were married.
You divorced fifteen years ago.
Legally, yes. But can you really sever ties with someone you spent twelve years with? We have so many shared memories, mutual friends.
Sarah set her cup down. Her hands shook.
Daniel never mentioned you still meet.
Why would he? Emily shrugged. Were just friends. We chat now and then, meet occasionally. Nothing serious.
How often is now and then?
Once a month, maybe more. He asks how I am, I ask about him. Were not enemies.
Sarah said nothing. In eight years of marriage, Daniel had never once mentioned speaking to his ex-wife.
The front door clicked open. Footsteps sounded in the hall.
Sarah, Im home! Daniel called. Hows your day?
Were in here! Emily answered.
Daniel froze in the doorway. Something like alarm flickered across his face.
Emily Youre already here.
Clearly. Your wifes been very welcoming.
Daniel kissed Emily stiffly on the cheek. Sarah noticed his hand linger on her shoulder.
How was the journey? No flight delays?
Fine. Got caught in the rain, though. Lucky Sarah let me in.
Daniel glanced at his wife. Sarah sat silent, lips pressed tight.
Sarah, you dont mind Emily staying, do you? I *did* mention it this morning
You mentioned, Sarah cut in. Just not *who* would be staying.
An uncomfortable silence fell. Emily watched them both.
Ill start dinner, Sarah said, heading to the kitchen.
By the window, she stared at the rain, thoughts spinning. Daniel kept in touch with his ex-wife. Hid it from her. Emily knew about the chandelier Daniel claimed was left by the previous owners. They were too at ease for people whod divorced over a decade ago.
Sarah, you got a sec? Daniel appeared in the doorway.
What is it?
He shut the door behind him.
Look, I know this is sudden. But Emilys really in a bind.
Why didnt you tell me you still speak to her?
Daniel hesitated.
Didnt seem important.
*Not important?* Daniel, youre in contact with your ex-wife, and I had no idea. How is that not important?
We just catch up now and then. Its nothing.
She said you meet up.
Daniel flushed.
Bumped into her a couple of times in town. Grabbed coffee, thats all. Didnt think itd upset you.
Im upset because you *hid* it.
I didnt hide it. Just didnt see the point in mentioning every little thing.
Sarah turned on him.
Your ex-wife is a *little thing*?
Sarah, dont make a drama. Emilys just a friend.
Friends dont sleep over.
Shes selling her flat, shes got nowhere to go.
Theres a hundred hotels in London.
All booked. Holiday season.
Sarah knew that was a lie. Just yesterday, shed booked a room for her sister with no trouble.
Daniel, be honest. Is there something between you?
What do you mean?
You know what I mean.
Daniel looked away.
No, of course not. We divorced years ago.
Thats not an answer.
Sarah, theres nothing going on. I love *you*. Emilys the past.
He reached for her, but she stepped back.
Then why keep it a secret?
It wasnt a secret. Just private.
Whats the difference?
Daniel had no reply. Sarah returned to the stove.
Go entertain your guest. Ill finish dinner.
The meal passed in stiff silence. Emily shared amusing work stories; Daniel laughed along. Sarah spoke only when necessary.
Remember that weekend at Gregs cottage, Daniel? Emily said. You dove into the lake like an idiotI thought youd drown.
How could I forget? Daniel grinned. You yelled at me for half an hour.
Because you were showing off, as usual.
They reminisced about people Sarah didnt know, places shed never been. She felt like a stranger at her own table.
Sarah, join in, Emily urged. Or are our old stories boring you?
Yes, Sarah said bluntly.
Fair enough. A husbands past isnt easy to hear about.
Especially when its sitting in my living room.
Emily smiled.
I get why youre jealous. But honestly, youve got nothing to worry about. Daniel chose you eight years ago.
Then why are you here?
Because I needed help, and Daniels dependable. Isnt that a good quality in a husband?
Sarah stood.
Excuse me. Early start tomorrow. Daniel, show your guest where the sofa bed is.
She left for the bedroom but couldnt sleep. Muffled voices drifted from the kitchenDaniel and Emily, talking, laughing. She strained to catch every word.
Daniel came to bed late, when she was almost asleep.
You awake? he whispered.
Yes.
Sarah, lets not fight over this. Emilys leaving tomorrow.
Going where?
Shes found a temporary place. A friends putting her up for a week.
How convenient. Said no earlier, now suddenly yes.
Daniel lay beside her but didnt touch her.
Sarah, I dont get why youre so upset.
Because you *lied*.
I didnt.
You did. Hotels arent fully bookedI reserved one yesterday. You *chose* that chandelier with Emily. And you dont just catch upyou talk regularly.
Daniel was quiet a moment.
