Page 40 of Things We Need to Say (Second Chance Love Stories #2)

‘I bet Jay’s over the moon that he’s got through to the banquet,’ Liz said. It was Saturday night, and she and Emma were preparing for the function that evening.

‘He is,’ Emma replied, this was the last time she had to have this conversation.

She’d been in bed when Jay had stumbled into the flat last night.

In no mood to speak to him, she had feigned sleep, again.

This morning he too had been fast asleep as she’d got up to go to work, and she had taken a change of clothes with her so there was no need to go home before coming to the function this evening.

‘What did you do to celebrate?’

Emma looked up from the glasses she was polishing over an ice bucket full of steaming water.

‘ We didn’t. He celebrated his success with his new besties.’

‘Ouch.’

Emma sighed. ‘Maybe I’m just being over-sensitive and jealous, but I can’t help feeling pushed out. Again.’ She set a sparkling glass down, picked up the next one, turned it upside down and held it over the steaming water before she continued to polish it.

‘It can’t be easy, but once the banquet is over I’m sure things will get back to normal.’

‘I hope so,’ Emma said. Was she reading too much into Jay’s behaviour at the moment? Maybe she was, but it wouldn’t hurt to create more of a life for herself, even if it was just a distraction until this blessed competition was over.

* * *

She woke late the next morning to the smell of coffee and bacon sandwiches.

‘Morning, sleepyhead,’ Jay said. He put a tray down next to her on the empty side of the bed. Gently she pulled herself up so as not to disturb the coffee, and rubbed her eyes. ‘What’s all this in aid of? It’s not my birthday.’

‘No, but you had a full-on day working yesterday, so I thought you deserved a treat.’

‘Much appreciated,’ Emma said as she picked up the mug.

Jay sat down on the bed. ‘But it’s also an apology.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes. For Friday night.’

‘You wanted to celebrate with your new friends,’ Emma said. She tried her best not to sound offended.

‘I pushed you out again and I promised I wouldn’t do that. I just got caught up in the moment.’

‘And that didn’t include me.’ She was unable to keep the hurt out of her voice.

‘No. Like I said, I got caught up in the moment, and later I regretted it. Rav had to go home part way through the evening, and Chloe and I were starving so we went for something to eat.’

‘Just the two of you?’

‘Well, yes. I wanted to talk to her about after the competition. We’ll need another chef when Liz goes on maternity leave and Chloe would be perfect for the job.’

‘So just a colleague, then? Like me and Nick.’

Jay sighed. ‘I suppose so. I haven’t exactly bathed myself in glory recently, have I?’

‘No, you haven’t.’

‘I’m sorry, Em, really I am. I know I’ve been neglecting you, but once this competition is over things will be different.’

‘Jay, I’m really pleased you got through to the banquet, but I have to admit I’m looking forward to it all being over.’

‘Me too. It’s been great in many ways, but it has kind of taken over. Let’s not think about it now. We’ve both got the day off, so why don’t we do something?

‘Sounds good. I’m really tired, though, so nothing too strenuous. Cinema, maybe?

‘Good idea. Followed by a boozy pub lunch?’

‘Perfect,’ she said. She was glad that she wouldn’t be spending the day alone after all and was determined to make the most of having Jay’s attention for once.