Page 105 of The Last Saturday In July
‘Look, I have to go, hun, my coffee break’s over.’
‘See you Saturday.’
‘Thanks for making things right.’ Faye hung up.
Jess cradled the phone in her hands. She’d have to mention the extra guests to Simon, but she’d make it clear she’d pay for them. Not that Simon would mind, it had never been about the money for him. Or his parents, to be fair. Now the only dark cloud over the wedding was that Kate wouldn’t be there.
As she left the office that evening, she realised how strange her day had felt without Kate and Adam.
Emily was packing a gold lamé rucksack, as Jess walked through reception.
‘Hi Jess.’ Emily looked concerned. ‘You’re not sick again, are you?’
‘No, all good.’ Jess tried to hide her surprise.
‘Oh.’ Emily flushed. ‘It’s just you never go home this early.’
She meant on time. Emily was right, but she and Simon needed to talk. And the sooner, the better. ‘Did you see Chelsea’s Instagram live earlier today? The one Brandi was in too?’
Emily’s face lit up. ‘I saw it! Omigod, Jess, Chelsea issooosweet. Like, I was so over Brandi, after she outed Chelsea for ditching her last boyfriend at the altar.’ She stopped. ‘I just remembered, I heard the weirdest rumour today but I’m not sure whether to say anything to you in case it’s like, not true and then ...’
‘Emily, just say it.’
Emily took a breath. ‘Somebody said you’re getting married.’
‘Who?’
‘So it’s not true.’ The younger woman looked crushed.
‘It is. I just didn’t ...’
Emily gave a little squeal. ‘When? Did you just get engaged? This is awesome, Jess, when are you getting married?’
‘Uh, soon.’ She couldn’t tell her she was getting married on Saturday and have to fend off a million questions about why she’d said nothing.
All this time, she’d told herself it was because she didn’t want Frank to think her focus was off, while she was still trying to prove herself. Now it seemed like such a lame excuse. Maybe she’d just never wear her wedding ring to work. ‘I’d better shoot off.’
‘Are you seeing him tonight?’
‘Yep.’ Jess nodded enthusiastically.
‘You are so lucky.’ Emily sighed. ‘I just want to find a lovely guy and have loads of cute kids together.’
Jess’s face hurt from holding her smile. ‘See you tomorrow.’
Chapter 41
SIMON was at his laptop at the dining table when she got home, a glass of white wine on a coaster beside him. There was some fresh fish and stir-fry vegetables laid neatly out beside the stove in the kitchen. He glanced up as she came into the room.`
‘I thought you could cook, while I start checking flights in September.’
‘Right.’ Jess studied the ingredients. She couldn’t believe Simon had bought stir-fry vegetables. ‘What do you want with this?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I think we’re out of pasta, will I do potatoes?’
‘I think there might be some brown rice in the press.’
