Page 100 of Emma

“No?”

“No, because you’ll be busy on your knees at my feet.”

The restaurant Danihad chosen was tucked away from the high street, a cosy place with fairy lights strung across the low beams and laughter spilling out onto the pavements the moment the door opened. Vanessa had barely stepped inside when she spotted Dani waving them over from a table near the back.

She took Emma’s hand, inwardly scolding herself for starting something back at home she nowdesperatelywanted to finish, and weaved through the tables. They needed this. They neededa night out to let go and forget everything else that was going on around them.

“You made it!” Dani pulled them both into a hug and squeezed them tight. “About bloody time.”

“Blame my wife,” Vanessa teased as she slid into her chair.

“Yeah, yeah. It’s all my fault.” Emma gave an exaggerated eye roll as she sat beside Vanessa. “I’m here now, aren’t I?”

Dani’s face softened as she regarded Emma with a genuine, understanding smile. “You are. And I’ve brought someone for you to meet.” Dani gestured to the woman sitting beside her, a brunette with a stylish fringe and a shy smile. “This is Jessie.”

“Hi.” Jessie’s voice was soft, but her handshake was firm as she took Vanessa’s hand. “I’ve heard plenty about you both.”

“Lovely to meet you,” Vanessa said warmly, and Emma echoed it with her own bright enthusiasm. “Whatever you’ve heard, feel free to keep it to yourself.”

Jessie waved her hand between them. “All good things, don’t worry.”

“Right, in that case, let’s order cocktails.” Dani plucked a menu from the holder and scanned the choices on offer. “And then, we’re going dancing later. I hope you don’t have any other plans.”

Oh, only plans to ruin my wife the moment we get home, Vanessa thought, quickly clearing her throat as she side-glanced at Emma. “Nothing that I’m aware of.”

“Y-yeah.”

From there, the evening flowed easily. Dani was her usual animated self, telling stories with wild hand gestures and no shortage of swearing, while Jessie balanced her out with dry, understated quips that had Vanessa laughing more than once. Emma had relaxed beside her, and no sooner had she taken the first sip of her drink, her laughter was bright and unrestrained for the first time in what felt like forever.

At one time, none of this would have been possible. Emma’s friendship with Dani had been so strained that Vanessa wouldn’t have dreamed of accepting an invitation like this. But during this evening, as they’d all leaned over half-finished cocktails and shared platters, Emma had laughed at something Dani had said, her head thrown back as she did so, and Vanessa had felt an overwhelming relief. Because nights like this were possible now. Emma could sit across from Dani, smiling and secure, never once second-guessing her.

“You’re quiet,” Emma said as she dipped her head towards Vanessa’s ear.

“Just enjoying the view,” Vanessa teased, brushing her hand against Emma’s knee under the table. “I enjoy seeing you like this.”

Emma gave her a little side-eye. “Sappy.”

“True.”

Dinner rolled into dessert, and dessert rolled into another round of drinks. By the time the bill came, Vanessa’s cheeks ached from smiling. She had insisted she would cover the bill, mostly out of guilt but also simply because she wanted to, and Dani hadn’t protested.

“This night has been just what we needed.” Vanessa squeezed Emma’s knee, trailing her hand a little higher instead of letting go. “Right, baby?”

“Absolutely. Thanks for inviting us.”

Dani leaned in. “You both know where I am if you ever need to talk or vent. That offer will always stand.”

Emma cleared her throat. “Thanks, Dani. I appreciate that.”

“And obviously, I want updates too. You’re about to gain something beautiful, and I, for one, am very happy for you.”

On the short walk out into the cool night air, Jessie looped her arm through Dani’s and gave Vanessa a smile. “She’s beendying for this all week. You two are very loved, in case she hasn’t told you.”

Warmth settled deep in Vanessa’s chest.

“Next time,” Dani said as she lit a cigarette. “My place. I’ll cook. Jessie makes a mean potato salad.”

“Deal.” Emma leaned in and hugged Dani and Jessie, then stepped back and took Vanessa’s hand. “And the time after that…our place.”