Page 40 of Finding Jacob
“Darling, it’s perfectly okay. You thought this would happen, so I’ve reserved us a table at Albarello’s.”
“No one can get a table there,” I heard and sighed at the sound of my sister’s voice. “Dad, you need to sit.” She spat the words at him.
“Hi, Aimee. I’m never refused,” Jacob said. “Lovely dress and thank you for inviting us both. It was a... nice service.”
I wanted to kiss him. Just the right pause and the right words to have her wondering if he was being sarcastic or not.
“I didn’t get your RSVP in time,” she said, as if that excuse was an explanation.
“What’s going on?” Mum said, bustling over. “People are looking!” She hissed out her words.
“Just wondering why Anna and Jacob aren’t on the seating plan,” my dad explained.
Mum waved her hand. “Can we talk about this later?”
“Of course, Alma. No need to make a fuss about something so trivial,” Jacob said. He wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my temple.
“It’s Freya!” she hissed back and looked around.
Jacob dipped his head in apology. Harry sidled up to join theparty. “Can we just fucking sit down already?” he said.
“Anna and I were just leaving,” Jacob replied. “Shall we, darling?” He held out his arm to lead the way.
“Congrats on the baby,” my sister said, spite and spit leaving her mouth.
“What baby?” my mother asked.
“Oh, Anna’s pregnant. You’re going to get two grandchildren this year, Mum.” I stared at her. “Jules told me.” She then looked up at Jacob. “You did know, didn’t you?”
Without missing a beat, he replied. “Of course, I knew, Aimee. It was a delightful surprise. We agreed not to spoil your day and leave our announcement until another time.”
“Shame you won’t both be at St. Mildred’s at the same time,” my dad said, obviously not getting what was going on at all.
“Anna will be at The Portland Hospital. Only the best for my girl. Now, we really must go, I don’t like the thought that Anna may be hungry, and we could do with something a little nicer to drink than tap water.”
My mother’s mouth flapped open and closed like a landed fish and my sister stomped off. I wanted to cry but bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself. Jacob took my elbow and guided me out. My jaw ached from biting my teeth so hard and I didn’t dare look at him. His body had stiffened, his grip had tightened.
He didn’t wait for the driver but opted to open the car door himself. He grumbled under his breath and didn’t look at me while he shut it. I watched as he walked to the other side and then as he took a long breath in, exhaling slowly.
“What hideous people,” he said, as he sat beside me.
“I’m so sorry. I... I didn’t want... I don’t know what to say,” I blurted out.
“Say nothing at the moment, other than clarify that the child is mine?” His voice wasn’t harsh but wasn’t gentle, either. It was more...businesslike.
“Of course, the child is yours,” I said, stunned that he’d ask that question.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“New York,” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “I am that one in a million, first date, on the pill, that kind of thing.”
Jacob took my hand in his. He didn’t speak but did run his thumb over my knuckles. I let one tear fall as I looked out of the window.
CHAPTERTEN
The car pulled alongside the curb, and we had, indeed, arrived at Albarello’s. It was an old-fashioned Italian restaurant that had been in the same family for decades. It had regularly featured in various films and documentaries. Consequently, it was a desirable place to eat.
Still without speaking, we left the car. Although Jacob did continue to hold my hand, which gave me a little amount of comfort. He asked for a table, explained that he hadn’t time to book, and was immediately given one. He hadn’t even volunteered his name.
