Page 123 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
Jess was sitting the following Monday in Butlers, sipping coffee, as Kate talked excitedly about her upcoming wedding that weekend.
“Okay!” Kate put down her cup and took out her phone. “I got Úna to take a photo of me at my final dress fitting. And I haven’t shown it to anyone, not even Dad. Do you want a peek?”
Jess smiled. “Yes, but I already know I’m going to love it.”
She scrolled through her pictures and then slid her phone across the table.
Jess picked it up, her breath catching at the photo of Kate in a straight, silk, floor-length dress, and a gossamer-fine, full-length veil, attached by a band of tiny, tightly woven flowers.
“Oh my God!” She looked up. “You look stunning, I just love it. Simon is such a lucky guy.”
Kate sniffled and she rooted for a tissue. “Shit, sorry, I don’t mean to get …” She pressed a corner of the tissue under her eyes. “I’ve something to tell you. I didn’t want to tell you before now, because I didn’t want to upset you. But it’s just, you’re going to find out sooner than later and I didn’t want you to think –”
“I know.” Jess made sure her smile didn’t waver. “You’re pregnant.”
Kate looked a bit thrown. “Did Simon tell you?”
Jess shook her head, reluctant to admit she’d overheard her and Simon talking at Moira’s funeral. “I just guessed.” She reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m thrilled for you both, honestly.”
“Oh God, thank you Jess, that means everything.” Kate visibly relaxed. “Anyway, I’m just glad the dress isn’t tight, or I might be in trouble. I haven’t started to show yet, but my boobs have definitely got bigger.”
“Yeah, that’s a real problem.” Jess grinned. “So, do Úna and Edward know?”
“Oh, yeah.” Kate puffed out a laugh. “I don’t know why I was nervous about telling them – they’re so excited. Do you know they’d started to decorate a spare bedroom in their house for Luke, for when he stays over? And now they’re decorating a second room as a nursery.”
Kate was the daughter-in-law that Simon’s parents would have chosen, Jess thought.
“So, you haven’t told me,” Kate said, picking up her cup. “Are things still on with you and that Robert guy?”
Jess pulled a face. “We’re over.”
“You want to talk about it?”
“Not particularly.” Jess sat up a bit straighter. “So, I have news.”
“Go on?” Kate started to fold the empty sugar sachet into small, neat squares.
“Nana’s will was read and she left her house to me and Zoe.”
“Oh, Jess!” Kate’s eyes widened. “That’s amazing! Your nana was so great. And she was right, wasn’t she? Your dad and uncle have their own houses. And she adored you and Zoe.”
“Yeah.” Jess blinked away sudden tears. “Shewasgreat, you know? Like, if I’m anything like her when I’m older, I’ll be okay.”
“You’re already like her,” Kate said.
Jess gave a shaky laugh. “How?”
Kate shrugged. “I think that Moira went out and did all the things she wanted to do. She wasn’t afraid, you know? You’re a lot like that.”
“No, I’m not.” To her horror, tears began to stream down Jess’s face. “Shit, sorry, Kate. I thought … I thought I was over all this.”
“Oh, Jess!” Kate put down her coffee and pulled her chair around the table to Jess, before wrapping her arms around her shoulders and pulling her in for a hug. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned the pregnancy. Even if youdidknow. That was so insensitive of me.”
“No, it’s not that.” Jess shook her head. “It’s everything, Kate. It’s Nana dying, and being down in Linford, and meeting someone who turned out to be a complete dick.”
“Have you been in touch with Adam?” Kate said carefully.
“When I was talking to Frank this morning he mentioned that he’d gone back to Switzerland. I didn’t ask any more.” She didn’t add that she’d called to the farm or that afterwards she’d messaged him to say she was sorry. Adam had left her on read – it was all she needed to know.
