‘Oh, good.’
‘Good?’ I assumed Hannah was already at the office and wanted to catch him for some reason.
‘Yeah. Well, maybe … ’ She doesn’t sound like it’s such a good thing. I wince, holding the expression as I wait for her tospit it out. ‘I’m not quite sure how to say this, Jess, but I found something out that I think you need to know about.’
‘Oh?’
‘Yes. It kind of came out in conversation around the office – well, more like I overheard something.’ She pauses to take a breath. ‘Luke has been seeing Elena.’
A small tight knot had been forming in my stomach and now I breathe out and release it. ‘Oh, yeah … He told me all about it.’
‘He did?’
‘Sure. They ran into each other when he was looking for my anniversary present. I think she might have helped him pick it out, actually.’
‘Oh. Okay.’ There’s silence for a few seconds. I adore my best friend, but she does love to be the bearer of good gossip. I think I might have accidentally taken the wind from her sails by telling her I already knew. ‘And you’re fine with that?’
I decide I’m finished with my oats, so I move the bowl to the counter just above the dishwasher and turn my phone onto speaker so I can deal with the contents and load it properly. ‘Yes.’
‘Just be careful,’ Hannah says. ‘You always had a weird feeling about her, remember?’
‘Yes, I know. But I think I was being a bit paranoid.’
Hannah makes a dismissive noise. ‘You know my thoughts on the whole “girl best friend” scenario. That’s how everything started with Connor and his side piece. I just don’t want you to be complacent like I was, to be fobbed off with, “Oh, it’s just platonic!”’
I completely understand why my best friend is fighting my corner on this. Connor told her for at least a year that the woman from the gym was just a friend. With benefits, it turnedout. Lots and lots of benefits. He’s now shacking up in her flat and Hannah is worried they’re on the verge of announcing their engagement before the divorce is even finalized.
‘Thank you,’ I tell her, my voice full of warmth. ‘I appreciate you looking out for me.’
‘Just watch your back with that one. Do you remember how you told me she once called herself his “work wife”?’ Hannah snorts, revealing exactly what she thinks about that. ‘Well, she can fuck right off. That position has been filled. If anything, the way I keep this office running like clockwork,I’mLuke’s work wife now, and you know I’ve got your back!’
I laugh at the thought of Hannah describing herself as Luke’s work wife. They get on really well, but there is no way they would fit as a couple. He’d never be able to deal with all of Han’s drama.
‘And you’re not worried at all about Elena?’ she says again.
‘Nope. Not worried at all. But I will bear what you said in mind.’
‘Good. Oh, bloody hell, here he comes. I better get off the phone and look like I’m doing something useful.’ Hannah hangs up before I can even say goodbye and I chuckle to myself.
No, I’m not worried. Four days ago, when we were in Venice, I chose to trust him, to put my faith in him. I’m not going back on that now. That’s what Luke was saying, wasn’t it, when we had that argument the night of our tenth anniversary party? He said I always thought the worst of him, and that meant I was always expecting him to disappoint me. No wonder he was upset. I’m not going to make that mistake a second time.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
JESS
I stand on the doorstep of my mother’s house, my pulse pounding in my temples. It takes me a couple of seconds before I gather the courage to ring the doorbell. I know she’s in, because I texted earlier today to ask if I could come and talk with her. That doesn’t stop the hollow feeling in my stomach as I hear movement inside the house.
Mum opens the door, and tears instantly prickle in my eyes. She looks smaller. How can she look smaller?
‘Hi, darling,’ she says, only just holding on to her composure, and then she opens her arms halfway. ‘Can I have a hug?’
I nod mutely then allow her to embrace me. Part of me wants to melt against her, but I stand there, stiff as a board, as she holds me softly for a few moments, rubbing my back, before pulling away again.
‘It’s good to see you.’
My voice is scratchy when I manage to speak. ‘Yes.’
‘Come inside.’ I follow her into the kitchen, where the man I saw before is standing, barefoot, in a Pink Floyd T-shirt and jeans. Mum glances nervously at him. ‘This is Jared.’
