Page 95 of Guilty Pleasures

Emma was in no mood for friendly banter, not if he didn’t want her there.

‘Rob, don’t ask questions you already know the answer to,’ she said coldly.

Rob nodded and pulled a face.

‘Well, I think you’ll enjoy it,’ he said gently. ‘Dugdale Court is as nice as a festival gets. Pimm’s, champagne. There’s a jazz tent, world tent, music, comedy.’

Emma relented a little. No reason not to be civil, she thought, he was making an effort.

‘Just give me the rock. That’s why I’m here,’ she smiled.

‘Well, that can be arranged,’ he replied. ‘There’s one of our new signings on in a few minutes. I’ll get you a laminate so you can go backstage; it’ll save you from the mosh pit.’

‘The mosh pit?’

‘I can see I’m going to have to educate you.’

He smiled again and Emma felt a little of the ice between them thaw.

‘Listen, I wanted to apologize for the way I behaved at Hildon,’ said Emma. ‘There was a reason why I was so bloody angry and I guess I should have told you that first before I set on you like a rabid dog.’

‘It’s fine, honestly,’ smiled Rob, his dark green eyes crinkling in the sun. ‘It’s all forgotten.’

Emma felt frustrated. She wanted to talk about it but he seemed to want to move on.

‘No really, Rob, I …’

‘Rob! ROB!’

They both turned round as they heard a voice calling him. Emma saw a tall, slender figure waving.

‘Rob! Did you want bubbles or Pimm’s?’ shouted the woman. As Emma’s eyes adjust

ed to the glare of the sun, she could make out the long mane of dark red hair.

‘Jessica from the wedding,’ said Emma, forcing herself to smile.

‘Yes. Everyone wanted to come this weekend,’ said Rob obtusely.

Suddenly Emma felt stupid for having tried to explain herself to Rob and for a few seconds they didn’t speak. Rob pulled the mobile out of his pocket and looked at it as if he was waiting for it to ring. Emma’s eyes followed Jessica as she moved from the tent towards them holding two flutes of champagne. She was wearing a short, white, wispy kaftan and silver gladiator sandals; even though she must have been pushing thirty Jessica had legs as good as a 19-year-old supermodel.

Jessica handed Rob his glass and slipped her free hand around Rob’s waist possessively.

‘We meet again,’ said Jessica to Emma. ‘Sorry, I can’t remember your name, but it’s lovely to see you. I didn’t know you were coming.’

‘Another person who didn’t,’ muttered Emma, instantly regretting it as she saw Rob look away.

Rob’s mobile started ringing and he answered it. ‘Shit,’ he said, covering the mouthpiece, ‘I have to go backstage. Listen, Emma, do you still want that laminate?’

‘I don’t know, maybe I’ll try the mosh pit,’ said Emma seriously.

Jessica let loose a peel of laughter.

‘Oh honey, no, take the laminate, I’ve got one,’ she said pulling the pass from around her neck.

Emma could feel her cheeks flush.

‘No, no, I’ll get you a laminate,’ said Rob firmly. ‘I’ll be back in ten minutes.’