Joe entered the Woolpack bar looking around for Debbie and saw Rebecca sitting by herself instead, with an orange juice and a glum expression. "Hey," he said, walking over to her. "How are you doing?"
"Got brain damage. You?"
"Fair enough," Joe acknowledged. "Can I buy you a drink to make up for the stupid question?"
"I've got one. You can join me though."
"Thanks, I'll do that." Joe went to the bar and got himself a beer. Victoria served him, Charity looking at him like he was a particularly unattractive slug. He returned to Rebecca and sat down. "So, what's going on?"
"I went to my support group today," Rebecca said.
"And how was that?"
"Full of people with dodgy memories like me. How do you think?"
"It'll get easier," he assured her.
"How do you know?"
"Well, my dad was paraplegic, and the way he coped was amazing. I'm sure it wasn't always like that, though."
"I didn't know that. I should write that in my book." Rebecca pulled a red notebook and pen out of her handbag and scrawled something on one of the pages. "Anyway, what's new with you?"
He hesitated. "Well, I suppose the big news is Debbie and I are back together."
"You're kidding." Her eyes widened. "How did that happen?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Joe smiled, sipping his beer.
"Well, that's great. Now I don't have to feel guilty for even talking to you." Rebecca's eyes strayed to the door; Debbie had just walked in. She stopped still when she saw Joe and Rebecca sitting together like old friends.
"Hi," she said, walking over awkwardly, looking anything but happy to be there.
"Joe was just telling me that you're back together," Rebecca explained.
"Yeah." Debbie avoided her eyes.
"Well, I'm really happy for you both. Although, I'll probably forget next time I see you, ha ha!" Rebecca got up and drained the last of her orange juice. "I'd better go and see if Seb needs anything."
"See you," said Joe, as Debbie nodded.
"Don't forget your appointment!" Victoria called after Rebecca from behind the bar.
"So, cosying up to my friends now, are you?" Debbie asked Joe in a low voice.
"I didn't think you and Rebecca were that close." Joe shrugged. "Anyway, she's my friend too. Her attacking me with a heavy implement really brought us closer together." He leaned in. "Anyway, why don't we go out back?"
"What for?" she asked, looking at him with loathing.
"I've got a present for you. Something for you to wear tomorrow." Joe smiled and finished his beer, knowing full well that she had no choice but to do whatever he wanted. "Shall we?"