Page 66 of The Happy Hour
She felt bad for keeping his visits tucked into their Sunday morning box, but there was also a possessive voice inside her that said he could share flavour ideas and catch criminals and offer opinions as much as he wanted, butshewas the one he was kissing, the one she wanted him to think about – at least half as much as she thought about him, if possible.
When she glanced at Lola, her friend’s smile was soft and knowing, as if she realised just how hard Jess had fallen for her happy-hour man.
She finished her new drink in three large gulps, told everyone she needed to nip to the loo, and hurried away from the table, desperate for a moment to herself.
She sent him a message when she was safely back in her room, her head swimming slightly from the vodka.
Missed you tonight. But I didn’t invite you because it wasn’t Sunday. That’s stupid, isn’t it? xx
His reply appeared almost immediately.
I do exist outside Sundays, but I get it. It’s not how it’s worked between us. Good night?
It was fun, and everyone asked after you. You should have been there.
It’s fine, Jess. Really.
WhatsApp told her he was typing again, and Jess kicked off her shoes and sat cross-legged on her bed. Her fairy lights were scrolling through a pastel rainbow, red to yellow to blue to purple to pink. His message appeared.
But we could meet up one evening, just you and me. What do you think? I’d still come to Greenwich.
Jess’s fingers fumbled as she typed.
Really? I’d love that.
You would?
Of course! Sundays are Felicity’s now, anyway. Let’s go out one night. Just the two of us.??
What about Friday? I finish at lunchtime this week, some training thing I’m not needed for.
I can get off at four! Must be serendipity.
She chewed the inside of her cheek. Was she being too eager? Her heart was pounding.
Let’s take the serendipity and run with it.??
So we’re really doing it???
Jess thought of their kisses, of how he turned her on and made her feel safe, and how much she wanted to kiss him with abandon, when they didn’t have Felicity waiting for them or people watching them in alleyways. They had never, she realised, been truly alone. She typed again: not a question this time.
We’re really doing it.
I’ll come to the shop at 4 on Friday.
Friday. So weird.
I’ll bring coffee. Americano?
What else? We have to hold on to some of
our traditions.
Naturally. It already seems too far away.
I’ve added it to my calendar.
She hadn’t, but he sent back the??emoji, and she felt a giddy rush of excitement and anticipation. She didn’t know how she was supposed to get any sleep now – or at all, before Friday.
