Page 52 of Things We Need to Say (Second Chance Love Stories #2)

They lapsed into silence, but, after a while Emma couldn’t stand it any longer.

‘Look, Jay, I know this is really awkward for us both, but I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more of each other over the next few weeks.

We need to get to some point where being together doesn’t feel this uncomfortable. ’

‘I agree,’ he said. ‘It’s just very difficult.

I understand why you left and I’m so sorry for making you feel like that was your only option, and I really wish we could have made things work.

I accept that you’re with someone else, but the speed at which you moved on from me hurts, and it’s going to take me a while to get over that. ’

‘I haven’t moved on.’

‘I know what I saw.’

‘Liz told me, but it’s not what you think.’

‘Really?’

Emma sighed in exasperation. ‘I know you’ve always thought there was something going on between me and Nick, but I’m not interested in him.’

‘So you say.’

‘I’m telling you the truth. I was lonely and just wanted to make friends with the people I worked with. Nick was just always there.’

‘And he still is.’

‘But I don’t want to be with him.’ She hissed, not wanting to make too much noise in the hospital corridor. Why couldn’t he just listen and believe that what she was saying was the truth?

‘That’s not what it looked like.’

‘He put his arm around me, but did you see me reciprocate?’

‘No, but you looked pretty cosy and you were having dinner together.’

‘He lives in the same accommodation and he offered to cook for me while I unpacked.’

‘And that’s all it was?’

‘Yes. Nick has been trying it on, but I’ve made it very clear that I’m not interested. That I’m not ready for a relationship. That I’m not over you.’

Jay sighed. ‘I’d like to believe that, Emma, I really would.’

‘Well, if you weren’t so stubborn you’d realise it was the truth. I’m not a liar, Jay, and if you think I am then you’re not the man I thought you were either.’

They lapsed into silence once more. Fury bubbled away inside Emma. How could Jay think so little of her?

* * *

Jay was genuinely shocked by her words. Was Emma telling the truth? Had he really got it so wrong and there was nothing between her and Nick after all?

But he’d seen them together and he couldn’t get that image out of his head.

And even if there wasn’t anything between them, the fact still remained that Emma had left him, even though he understood why.

She might not be over him as she’d said, but she didn’t want to be with him either.

And now she was angry with him, which was the last thing he wanted.

Even if there had been a chance of them fixing things before, he’d definitely blown it tonight.

Why had he been, as she’d said, so stubborn? Stubborn and stupid. That was him.

Jay’s thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Alex, running down the corridor.

‘Where is she?’ He asked, out of breath.

‘She’s not back from surgery yet,’ Emma said. ‘We haven’t heard anything, but it’s been a while since she went down there.’

Alex nodded. The panic on his face was clear. ‘I need to find someone, see what’s going on, then.’ And as swiftly as he’d arrived, he left.

‘I have no idea how long it takes to have a Caesarean section, but it does seem to be taking a long time,’ Emma said.

‘I know what you mean.’ Jay instinctively put his arm around her. He expected her to flinch away and he was relieved when she didn’t.

‘It must be like déjà vu for him.’

Jay nodded. ‘Yes, I can’t imagine what he’s going through.’

They sat in silence for a while before Emma spoke again. ‘Obviously this is going to change everything for you. You weren’t expecting Liz to go on maternity leave so soon.’

‘I know, and we’re not nearly prepared enough. We’re supposed to be interviewing new staff tomorrow, but now I’ll have to make that decision on my own. I’ll be making all the decisions on my own for a while.’

‘If I can get the day off tomorrow, or should I say, today, would it help if I sat in with you?’

Jay felt a surge of relief. Emma might be angry with him, but she still wanted to make things better. It was one of the things he loved about her. ‘You’d do that?’

‘Of course I would. Look, Jay, we’ve got a lot of history together and with Liz. This is an extreme circumstance and I want to help you as well as her.’

Jay nodded. He was partly elated that she wanted to help him, but also aware that it wasn’t just for him. ‘It would be great if you could. Just to have someone sitting next to me would give me a bit more confidence. I’ve never interviewed anyone before.’

Emma managed a chuckle. ‘Neither have I. We are going up in the world.’

‘Yes.’

‘If Mia agrees to the job, I could always see if I can take some holiday, to give her a helping hand, while she gets used to the role.’

Jay squeezed her shoulder affectionately. ‘I’d love that, Em, and it really would be a massive help.’

‘My pleasure.’

* * *

The noise of a bed being pushed down the corridor by two porters made them look up. Alex was walking alongside it, but there was no baby. Liz smiled wearily at them and asked the porters to stop as they approached.

‘I can’t believe the two of you are still here.’

‘We couldn’t just leave,’ Emma replied. ‘Is everything okay?’

‘There were some complications with the operation, but we have a beautiful baby girl. She’s so small, though, so they’ve whisked her off to the special care unit. We hope she’s going to be okay, but only time will tell.’

‘We’ll keep our fingers crossed. But at least she was delivered safely. And you’re okay?’

Liz nodded. ‘Bit tired.’

A nurse came from behind two double doors. ‘Sorry to interrupt, but we need to get you onto the ward and settled in.’

‘Of course. We’ll come and see you tomorrow, or rather later today,’ Emma said as Liz was pushed away.

Alex hung back. ‘I want to thank you two so much. Without you, especially you, Emma, I don’t know what would have happened.

You really are true friends. I switched my phone onto silent during the speeches after dinner, and forgot to change it back.

I can’t believe I made such a stupid mistake.

So thanks, Jay, for getting hold of Henry.

I may have missed the birth, but at least I got here to be with Liz in these first few hours. ’

‘We’re just glad that so far everything is all right. That little girl gave us all a bit of a fright.’

‘She certainly created some drama. Although as long as she’s okay — as long as they’re both okay — I really don’t mind.’

‘You just concentrate on your two girls and try not to worry,’ Jay said. ‘If she asks, tell Liz that between us Emma and I have the business under control.’

‘Oh, you know Liz. She will be worrying about it.’

‘Tell her there’s no need. We’ll keep her fully up to date to put her mind at rest, but she won’t need to lift a finger.’

‘Thanks. Now, I’m going to make sure she’s settled and then hopefully I’ll be able to see my daughter.’

* * *

After barely any sleep, Emma phoned Faye at work. She explained the situation and asked if she could take the day as holiday to help out with the business.

‘Of course you can,’ Faye replied without hesitation. ‘And if you need more time off, just let me know what’s happening so I can sort out the rota. But don’t worry, we’ll just extend your time in HR and you can pick up where you left off when things calm down.’

Relief flooded through her. Emma thanked Faye and put the phone down. She never would have had that response if Heather had still been her line manager.