Page 29 of The Last Saturday In July
Simon leaned close to Jess’s ear. ‘I’ll have to take my parents home. Will you ask one of the others to drop you back, please?’
‘You’re leaving now?’ Jess hissed.
‘Yes, I must.’
‘Go out the back, Simon, otherwise you’ll have to cross the stage.’
But Úna and Edward were already halfway out of the room, excusing themselves in loud whispers at practically every table.
As Simon stumbled after them, Kate leaned towards Jess. ‘It’sfine, everyone will understand.’ She gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.
Jess wasn’t so sure about Zoe and Finn. Helplessly, she watched Simon steer his parents towards the back of the room, and out through the emergency exit. Mortified, she snuck a look at her parents. As she met her dad’s eyes, he gave a little wink. She could only imagine what he was thinking.
Simon had been right about his parents. She wished she’d listened to him. Now, she’d ruined his night too. Unless he’d been secretly grateful for an excuse to leave. The thought annoyed her. Even worse was knowing that Kate’s instincts about tonight had been better than hers.
Jess sighed. She’d apologise to Simon later. For now, she’d just try to enjoy the rest of the evening.
Chapter 13
JESS felt a bit subdued as she drove to Linford with Adam the following morning. When she’d got home after Finn’s show, Simon had been on the phone to his mother. Eventually, he’d hung up and come into the bedroom, methodically undressing and folding away his clothes, before putting on his blue striped pyjamas.
‘How are your folks?’ Jess had said finally.
Simon had shaken his head. ‘Mum gave Pops some painkillers and half a Valium. He’s in bed asleep.’
Jess had frowned. ‘Painkillers and valium?’
‘The painkillers were for his ears, Jess. He suffers very badly.’
‘You know, I’m pretty sure that’s some sort of vitamin deficiency. I’ll look it up.’ She’d pulled out her phone.
Simon had held up his hand. ‘I’m not interested, Jess, you’ve done enough.’
He’d apologised that morning for snapping at her, before adding that he’d ask Kate to double-check that none of the wedding music was too loud. Jess didn’t know whether she was more annoyed with Simon or Kate, even though rationally she knew that neither of them was to blame for Edward’s ears.
Now Adam changed up gear as they hit the motorway and turned on the radio. Jess settled back as comfortably as she could in the old jeep and let the chat and music drift over her as they drove.
Eventually, Adam said, ‘Do you need a break?’
Jess pulled herself into the moment. ‘Um, no, I’m fine.’
Then, suddenly, it struck her.Oh God, Luke’s party!That was this morning and she was supposed to be there! She pulled out her phone and sent a quick, apologetic WhatsApp to Kate, explaining that she was halfway down to Linford and had completely forgotten about the party. She was the worst friend!
Adam glanced over. ‘We should be there within the hour.’
Jess nodded. ‘Have you been busy? I don’t think I saw you around yesterday.’
‘I flew out to Switzerland on Thursday evening after work and didn’t get back until late last night. I sent you that email from the airport.’
‘I was in bed.’ She remembered how early it had been. ‘I wasn’t well.’
Adam glanced over. ‘How are you now?’
‘Fine. It was just slight food poisoning.’ Was there such a thing as slight food poisoning? ‘I’m completely over it, though – l mean, I’m not going to throw up in your car or anything.’
He chuckled. ‘This thing has seen far worse than that, I promise you.’
Jess looked at him for a moment. Weirdly, she believed him. The thought annoyed her. ‘How was your trip?’
