‘Don’t be like that. I’ve barely spoken to Emma since the night of the banquet because I don’t want to be in the middle of this. I was really hoping it would sort itself out.’
‘Well, that didn’t work.’
‘Look, I’m sorry if you think I should have said something, but I wanted to be a friend to you both. Whatever you say to meis completely in confidence, as is what Emma says to me too. That’s the only way this will work, don’t you think?’
‘Yes, I suppose so.’ Despite feeling hurt, he knew Liz was making a good point, and he would probably do the same thing if it was the other way round. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to be off with you. I’m just a bit unsettled at the moment.’
‘I can imagine. But I’m here for you, Jay. If ever you need a shoulder to cry on, or even just to talk, I am still your friend.’
‘Thanks for that. I appreciate it. But it’s over, so all I want to do is concentrate on work.’
‘It’s a good distraction, yes. But are you sure you can’t find a way to work it out? Look at me and Alex. I definitely thought that was over when there was all that business with Nikki, but there can be ways round these things.’
‘No, it’s definitely over. Emma’s made that very clear.’
‘Maybe she just needs some time.’
‘Nope. She’s making herself very busy. And I can’t compete with lover boy.’
‘Lover boy? What do you mean?’
‘So she hasn’t spoken to you about Nick, then?’
‘Nick? No, I’ve never heard of him. And I definitely didn’t get the impression there was anyone else in her life. She was too gutted about you.’
Jay could tell by the surprise evident both on her face and in her words that Liz was telling the truth. ‘Well, she didn’t seem very gutted last night.’ He told her what he had seen at the hotel.
Liz frowned. ‘And you’re sure they were together?’
‘It looked that way to me.’
‘It wasn’t just friendly?’
‘He met her outside the hotel, put his arm around her and talked about their dinner arrangements. It wasn’t the behaviour of someone she’s just friendly with. Besides, he’s got form.’
‘Form?’
‘Yes, I’ve seen them together before. He walked her home after a work night out and, if I hadn’t pulled up in the van next to them, I don’t know what would have happened. Well, I can hazard a guess.’
‘It just doesn’t sound like Emma to me.’
‘Nor me — that’s why I was so shocked.’
‘Okay, but just try not to jump to conclusions. You didn’t like it when she did the same with you and Chloe.’
‘That’s true. But she told me she needed time on her own, and the very next night she’s with him. I just don’t know what to think.’ He sighed. ‘Look, I’m fed up with talking about this. Let’s make some plans for the business.’
‘Sure.’
‘So, first things first. What are we going to do about Diva’s?’
‘I don’t know. Something weird is going on with Tia. Alex and Roberto have been trying to tie her down to a meeting, but she’s being elusive. I’m not sure I want to be involved with someone who’s playing games, not when I’ve got more important things to think about.’
‘Okay, well, let’s put personalities aside for the moment. When the contract comes up for renewal I think we should negotiate for the terms we want, but be prepared to walk away if we don’t get them.’
Liz nodded. ‘Good point. What terms do you think we should go for?’
‘Well, no rent for the kitchen — that’s for certain.’
