Page 71 of The Last Saturday In July
Despite everything, Jess started to laugh. ‘It’s only half past nine. I think I’ll chill for a while. Where’s Dad?’
‘In the greenhouse.’
Jess pushed back her chair. ‘Mam, if you want, I can pretend we’re having the flat painted.’
Carmel looked puzzled. ‘Why would you do that?’
‘In case Mrs McCarthy asks why I’m back.’
Her mother clicked her tongue. ‘Mrs McCarthy has a lot of time on her hands, pet. Let her think what she wants. It’s nobody’s business except yours and Simon’s. Now, stop worrying: things will look better in the morning.’
Which was hilarious advice from the professional worrier in the family.
But Jess shot her a grateful smile. ‘Thanks, Mam, you’re probably right.’
Chapter 28
THINGS had looked only slightly better the following morning. Jess had got up early after a night of fitful sleep and nightmares, and eaten a quick breakfast, leaving for work before her parents were out of bed. To her relief, Leo Dinardia had released a statement denying the allegations on TMZ and insisting that their relationship was as strong as ever. What struck Jess was Chelsea’s silence. She was usually keen to talk directly to her fans, but her social media sites were quiet.
Now Jess sat on the floor in her office, her back against the wall, and tried to concentrate on her breathing. A little over two weeks ago, she’d had a best friend she could depend upon, and a fiancé she was sure she loved. One whom she was positive she’d marry.
Her phone buzzed at her hip, and she pulled it out, wondering if it was Simon. But it was Úna. Suppressing a sigh, she swiped to answer.
‘Hi, Úna, how are things?’
In a corner of ceiling, Jess noticed a fly struggling to free itself from a web.
‘Hello, Jess, I’ll come straight to the point. I’m a bit worried.’
Crap, Simon must have told his mother too. ‘Úna, I know you only want what’s best, but this is between Simon and me. We’ll sort things out between us.’
Úna sounded puzzled. ‘I’m not quite following. What have you done?’
What hadshedone? Irritation made her flippant. ‘Since Simon and I decided to take a break yesterday? Not a lot, to be honest. Got up this morning, came into work.’ Her eyes fell on the spider web. The fly had almost stopped struggling.
‘A break? To do what?’
For a smart woman, Úna could be surprisingly slow. Which meant now she’d have to spell it out. ‘Crap.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘Sorry, Úna.’ Jess tried to sound matter of fact. ‘Simon and I are taking a bit of a break. I moved back home yesterday.’
She heard Úna’s slight intake of breath. ‘Did you know that Simon lost his promotion?’
‘Oh no, definitely?’ Jess sat up a bit straighter.
‘He was told yesterday afternoon that he didn’t get it. His boss gave him a plethora of excuses about it not being the right time.’ Úna cleared her throat. ‘I’m not one to interfere, Jess, but I am upset. Simon worked tremendously hard for that promotion, and he had his heart set on it. That’s why I phoned.’
‘Úna …’
‘Please, Jess, just listen.’ Úna’s voice softened. ‘We both love Simon. At least, I hope you still do. So, whatever has happened, please resolve it quickly. Simon is a bit stubborn –he gets that from The Judge, so you might have to make the first move. Now, I know this can be a stressful time, but I do hope you take my advice. I know you and I will be great friends.’
It would be a lot easier if she could just dislike Úna. But she wasn’t a bad person. Even if she tended to be quite blunt and had no compunction about interfering.
Before she could reply, there was a sharp knock on the door, and Adam came in.
‘What happened?’ He hunkered down beside her. ‘Are you feeling dizzy?’
