Page 62 of Sad Girl Hours
“Guys,” I start, not really sure how to broach the subject. “Have you noticed that Saffron seems … I don’t know—”
“Weird?” Vivvie offers. “Yep. She’s hiding something, and it’s driving me crazy that I don’t know what.”
“Oh, thank God,” I say. “Well, not thank God that she’s hiding something or acting strangely, but thank God you’ve noticed too. Do you think she’s … OK?”
“She says so,” Casper says. “Repeatedly. But no, I don’t think she is. I think the lady doth protest too much.”
“Do you have any thoughts on what it could be?”
“Not a clue,” Vivvie says. “I know she was off last year after Christmas because her grandma died around this time, so maybe it’s just a tricky time of year for her? But I wish she’d just tell us what it is.”
“Me too. I want to help.”
When I glance back round, Saffron’s crouched on the ground, picking up a very tiny glove that she then hands back to the parent of a very bundled-up toddler.
More than ever I want to ask her to let me do something for her. She does so much for other people. I want to return a few of the favours. If she could only drop a glove of her own. Not in the Regency kind of way, although that would be fun. I bet Saffron would look amazing in one of those dresses…
Jenna catches up with me. “You OK?”
“Huh?” I drag my gaze away from Saffron and my thoughts about gloved fingers and dancing until we’re breathless, chests heaving.
“Nell?” Jenna prods as we walk together. She definitely noticed me staring at Saff.
“Yes, sorry. I’m good. Definitely good.”
Jenna’s nostrils flare in amusement. “Good. I’m glad you’regood.”
“Hi!” Saffron joins us. “You guys OK?”
“Yes, I’m good,” I say, and Jenna laughs, making Saffron tilt her head in question.
“Sorry. I’m good too.” Jenna flicks her eyes to me and we have a full silent conversation. But here’s the thing:
I don’t think I want it to be silent any more.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Nell
“They’ve really gone all out this year, haven’t they?” Jenna says as we hang our coats up back at ours after the big switch-on. “Did you see the sinister-looking snowman light that waves at you really slowly? New sleep paralysis demon unlocked – thanks, Lancaster Council.”
“JENNA,” I blurt out a little too loudly, standing and looking at her in the hallway.
“Oh my God, what? Why are you being weird?”
“I need to talk to you about something.” I push the words out, forcing myself to start this conversation.
Jenna nods knowingly. “Is it about how you’re in love with Saffron?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Of course.” Jenna snorts. “Of course you’re not. One ticket to Denial City – no, no return necessary— Wait. What did you say?”
“I said I’m not sure.”
“Oh,shit.”
“Yep,” I say awkwardly. “Pretty much.”
