Page 50 of Things We Need to Say (Second Chance Love Stories #2)

Emma was running late and struggling to find some clean clothes for work.

She wasn’t used to living in such a small space and she had far too much stuff.

Having to share a washing machine with everyone else in the accommodation didn’t make life any easier either.

She knew she needed to get organised but she was always so tired when she finished a shift, compounded by the fact that when she did go to bed she would spend hours lying awake thinking about Jay, only falling into the deepest of sleeps when it was nearly time to get up.

She’d finished her training in general admin and finance, and today was her first day in the HR department, which she hoped would be a slightly more interesting role.

If nothing else, being in the hotel office area prevented her from bumping into Nick, at least while she was at work.

It was a different matter when she was in the accommodation.

If he was around she tended to spend most of her time in her room, which she found quite depressing.

Despite the number of times she’d told him she wasn’t interested in anything romantic, he still didn’t seem to be getting the message.

Emma was beginning to regret moving into staff accommodation, and not just because of Nick.

She was missing Jay, wondering if she’d acted too hastily in ending their relationship.

She hadn’t contacted him, but he hadn’t been in touch with her either, not even when he’d dropped off her laptop charger.

She had been adamant that she wanted her own space, so maybe he was just giving her what she’d told him she wanted.

She couldn’t really have it both ways. She should just get on with her life and try to find a flatshare somewhere else, although the thought of living with strangers didn’t appeal to her either.

Having found some clothes that were just about passable, Emma hastily got ready for work. She promised herself that, if the washing machine wasn’t free when she finished her shift, she’d take her clothes to the launderette and have done with it.

In the HR office later that morning, Emma sat with Jenny.

‘So whenever we take on a new member of staff, we set up a file for them, both electronically and a hard copy, which goes in the filing cabinets here,’ she said.

‘They’re organised by department and then alphabetically by surname.

The first thing we have to do is contact their references and then, if they’re suitable, we send out a contract for them to sign, along with a job description and general information, which can be found in the templates folder here. ’

‘Sounds pretty straightforward,’ Emma replied.

‘And then we put together an induction and a training package, in conjunction with their line managers.’

Emma frowned.

Jenny noticed her hesitation. ‘What’s the matter?’

‘It’s just that I don’t remember ever receiving this. I got the original information with the offer letter, but not a training package.’

‘It was definitely on the file,’ Jenny said. ‘When it was flagged up by Faye that you weren’t following a programme, we were asked to look at the records.’

‘Can I see it?’ Emma asked.

‘Sure.’ Jenny retrieved the document and handed it to her.

Emma read it and then shook her head. ‘I didn’t receive it.’

‘It’s up to the managers to send them out, so maybe Heather didn’t do it. I can’t say that surprises me.’

‘I really don’t understand what was going on with her. And I do wonder what she’s doing now.’

‘I wouldn’t waste your time. Heather thought she was a cut above the rest. Eventually what she did caught up with her and she paid the price.

It’s as simple as that. Now we’ve got a couple of new servers starting in the restaurant soon, so if you wouldn’t mind contacting their referees we can get on with sending out their contracts. ’

Emma nodded. She was glad to have something to occupy her mind.

But for the rest of the day, try as she might, she couldn’t stop thinking about her former manager.

* * *

Liz showed Emma into her living room the following evening. ‘How are you? I haven’t seen you since the banquet.’

‘I know, it’s been a bit full on. I suppose Jay told you I moved out.’

‘He did, yes. So, how’s it going living in staff accommodation?’

Emma grimaced. ‘Not great to be honest. I thought it would make life easier, that I was doing the right thing, but now I’m not so sure. I really miss him.’

‘I think he misses you too.’

‘Does he?’ Emma asked hopefully. ‘I haven’t heard anything from him, not even when he dropped off my laptop charger. He brought it to the hotel, but he just left it with Reception.’

‘That’s because he saw...’ The words faded on Liz’s lips and she looked stricken.

‘That’s because he saw what?’

‘You and some guy from the hotel together. He thinks you’ve moved on. In fact, he thinks you moved on before you even left him.’

Emma gasped. ‘That’s not true.’ She cast her mind back to the night they were talking about. The night Nick cooked for her. ‘He’s got the wrong end of the stick.’

‘When he told me I said that it didn’t seem likely, but he was convinced. So, you’re not seeing someone?’

‘No, of course I’m not. I’m not going to get over Jay that quickly.’

There was a pause before Liz answered. ‘I told Jay that, but he didn’t believe me.’

Emma groaned. ‘Nick lives in the accommodation too. We’ve got friendly, going out in a group, and one night he walked me home.

Jay saw us together and jumped to the wrong conclusion.

Then Nick offered to cook for me on the night after I moved in.

I thought it would save me some time while I unpacked. ’

‘So why did Jay think you were together? He said this guy had his arm around you.’

‘Nick’s a bit touchy feely. I think... no, I know he’d like there to be more between us, but I’ve told him that’s not going to happen.’ Emma paused. ‘I don’t think he’s got the message, though, so I’m spending most of my time in my room trying to avoid him.’

‘Oh, that’s not good.’

‘It’s not. And now I’m worried that Jay has the wrong impression and thinks I lied to him. I know it shouldn’t make any difference, I was the one who ended it, but we were together for a long time and, despite everything, I still have feelings for him.’

‘You need to talk to Jay. Tell him he’s jumped to the wrong conclusion.’

‘I doubt he’d believe me.’

‘Maybe not at first, but the only way to sort this out is for the two of you to have a proper conversation.’

‘Yes, I know.’ Emma shook her head. ‘Anyway, let’s change the subject. How are things with you?’

Liz told her about her and Jay’s plans for the business while she was on maternity leave, and how they were going to interview another chef Jay had met at the competition, Chen.

Although Jay had already told her that Chloe had been offered a job elsewhere, she still felt relieved that they wouldn’t be working together in the future, even though it made no difference now.

‘And what about front of house?’

‘We decided to interview Mia for the job.’

‘Mia’s a good choice. She was in the year below me at uni and she’s well respected.’

‘Let’s hope it all works out then. I’d like to get it settled as soon as I can. But what about you? How are things at the Rosemont now?’

‘Good. I started in HR today.’ Emma told her about Heather and the training programme that she never received.

‘She certainly sounds odd,’ Liz said

‘The strange thing is, I can’t help feeling a bit sorry for her.’

‘Sounds like she got what she deserved.’

‘That’s what everyone else seems to think but I was wondering whether I should go and see her, just to make sure she’s okay.’

Liz pulled a face. ‘That might do more harm than good. What if she thinks you’re rubbing salt into the wound?’

‘That did cross my mind. And I wouldn’t know what to say to her. Maybe I should just forget about it.’

‘I would. She’s responsible for what she did, not you. And right now you should be concentrating on yourself.’ Liz shifted in her seat and grimaced.

‘Are you okay?’ Emma asked. ‘You haven’t looked comfortable all night.’

‘It’s just backache. I get it all the time now, not surprising really with this bump I’m carrying around.

’ She put her hand protectively over her stomach as she spoke.

‘I’m knackered most of the time and, even though I’m exhausted, I still can’t sleep at night.

On the one hand I can’t wait for the baby to be born, but on the other I’m terrified. What if I’m a rubbish mother?’

Emma laughed. ‘The fact that you’re worrying about it tells me you’re going to be a brilliant mother. And Alex will make a good dad too. Where is he tonight, by the way?’

‘He’s at a corporate event in the counties. Something to do with Henry Weatherton.’

‘Lucky him. He’ll be getting the full dining experience, then.’

‘He will, and he’s staying over, so hopefully he’ll get a decent night’s sleep without me disturbing him.’

‘And what about you? Are you going to be able to sleep?’

‘I doubt it, but I guess I’m just going to have to get used to it.’ She yawned and Emma took that as her cue to leave.

‘Well, I’m going to get going. I have work in the morning.’

‘And Jay and I are interviewing tomorrow. Let me walk you out anyway.’

Liz gasped as she stood up and Emma turned around, concerned.

‘Are you okay?’

‘Yes, the baby must be a bit cramped.’

‘Are you sure? I can stay over if you don’t want to be on your own.’

Liz laughed. ‘Don’t be daft. I’m getting used to aches and pains.’ But as she reached the door, she almost doubled over in pain.

‘Right, that’s it. I’m not going anywhere,’ Emma said.

Liz’s face was pure white as she clutched her stomach. Then all of a sudden water gushed onto her feet.

‘Oh, shit, I think my waters have broken. But it’s too early — I’m only twenty-eight weeks.’