Page 40 of The Last Saturday In July
‘Sorry, what were you saying?’
Kate pushed her empty cup to one side and took a small mirror from her bag to reapply her lipstick. ‘Simon was saying that he’s going clubbing for his stag.’ She raised one eyebrow. ‘I bet that’s not his idea. I mean, it’s not really his thing, is it?’
‘I suppose not.’ The last thing Jess wanted to talk about was Simon’s stag. Kate might start talking about her hen weekend again. ‘So,uh,what movie does Luke want to see for his birthday?’
Kate hesitated. ‘I’m not sure he really wants to do that this year … he’s a bit old.’
Jess gave a surprised laugh. ‘He’s ten!’
‘I know.’ Kate tucked her hair behind her ears. ‘I mean, I just think he’d prefer to go to the cinema with his friends. Don’t take it personally.’
Jess shifted in her chair as she considered this. ‘Right. Well, ask him, will you? It’s our thing.’
Kate said nothing, and Jess got the distinct feeling that something was off. Down the years, she’d become as close to Kate as she was to Zoe. Closer, probably. In college, she’d stood by Kate after she’d got pregnant with Luke, while Kate’s other friends had dropped away, unwilling to stick around for someone who couldn’t stay out partying, or take off for the summer to Europe or the States. And she’d been there for her when Kate’s mother died a few years later. And, as Luke’s godmother, she’d always taken him out for special occasions.
‘I thought it was pretty brave of Úna and Edward to come along to Finn’s performance last week.’ Kate’s mouth twitched. ‘Although I thought your nana was going to get up and join in.’
Jess smiled. ‘Finn’s troupe were really good, Kate. I mean, they were out there, but people loved it.’
Kate looked unconvinced so Jess decided not to pursue it. She stirred the frothy milk into the last of her coffee.
‘Okay, thoughts: how am I going to squeeze in Úna’s last-minute wedding guests?’
‘The hotel has said they can definitely only seat a hundred?’
‘You’ve seen the room, Kate.’
‘What does Simon think?’
Jess sighed. ‘I haven’t had a chance to talk to him. But he’ll probably agree with Úna. She actually suggested I un-invite friends.’
‘I don’t envy you.’ Kate looked thoughtful. ‘Úna’s not trying tobe difficult, though.’
‘You don’t actually believe that, do you?’ Jess huffed. There was no point arguing about it with Kate. The girl had a bit of blind spot where Simon’s mother was concerned. She decided to change the subject.
‘I’m organising drinks for David some evening after work.’
Kate glanced away. ‘Stop playing matchmaker, Jess.’
‘I’m not.’ She caught Kate’s expression. ‘Fine, but you haven’t even met him. Just give him a chance.’
‘I’m not interested.’
‘Kate.’ Jess leaned across the table and forced Kate to look at her. ‘When was the last time you went on a date. Why don’t you prove to yourself that you still can?’
Kate’s lips tightened. ‘I don’t have to prove anything to myself.’
‘Then prove it to me.’ Jess folded her arms. ‘You deserve to be happy.’
Kate’s eyes flashed. ‘Iamhappy.’
‘Come on, stop deliberately misunderstanding me!’
‘I’ll go for drinks, but that’s all.’ Kate scraped back her chair and stood. ‘I need to get back to work.’
Jess’s insides squeezed. How had that gone so badly? ‘I’ll come too.’ She grabbed her bag.
They crossed the road in silence.
