Page 48 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“I don’t think so, Nana.” Jess shook her head. “I don’t think we want the same things, to be honest.” She managed a smile. “It wouldn’t have worked out.”
Moira looked like she was about to say something else but then seemed to change her mind. Jess gave a small sigh of relief.
“Why did you decide to celebrate your birthday early, Nana?”
“I just fancied having it a bit early this year.” Moira winked. “I’m only a young thing, but a lot of my friends are getting on a bit. You never know who won’t be around in a few months.”
Jess gave a slightly shocked laugh. “I’m sure they’ll all be here! But I suppose you could always have another celebration then if you like. You should do one of those fancy afternoon teas.”
“Don’t they do a Prosecco version?” Moira looked thoughtful. “Although I’ve always thought a gin version would be very popular.”
“Maybe I’ll suggest it for our hotels.” Jess grinned.
“Do! Oh, here’s your dad, love. I want a quick word with him.”
“Hi, Mum, how are you feeling?” Tom shot Jess a warm look.
“I’m feeling thoroughly spoilt, and I’d expect no less!” Moira turned to Jess. “We’ll catch up later, dear.”
“Sure, Nana.” Jess stood to let her dad sit down.
Suddenly needing some time by herself, she slipped out to the hall and headed downstairs to the large basement kitchen, relieved to find it empty. It was sobering to hear Moira talk about death. Still, her nana was fit and healthy and extremely sharp. She was the type of person who could easily live to over a hundred.
It also struck her how wise she was. Were all older people as wise as Moira? Probably. They’d lived, they’d seen how things worked out, they’d solved hundreds and thousands of problems along the way.
Her nana had been careful not to say much about Simon when he and Jess had been together. Jess knew that if theyhadgot married, she’d never have known that Moira had harboured any reservations.
But Moira was human. She wanted Jess to try again with Adam because she wanted a happy-ever-after for her eldest granddaughter.
Jess just wasn’t so sure that even existed anymore.
CHAPTER 25
Kate was already waiting at Bewley’s in Grafton Street, when Jess arrived to meet her for an early lunch the following day. As she approached the table, Kate stood to hug her.
“Sorry I’m late.” Jess squeezed her friend tightly until Kate broke the hug. “I missed my train from Dun Laoghaire so I got a bus instead and it broke down. I didn’t want to take the car because I’ll be driving back to Linford later.”
“You’d better spill everything.”
Kate sat down, and Jess noticed a sort of glow about her. For a moment she wondered if she could be pregnant, before she remembered Kate saying that she and Simon wanted to wait until after the wedding to start trying. Her friend was simply happy, happier than she’d ever seen her before.
“Tell me your news first,” Jess urged. “I want to hear all the wedding plans.”
Kate laughed and pulled a face. “Are you sure? I haven’t seen you in weeks – I don’t want to bore you with this stuff.”
“I won’t be bored, I promise!” Jess was aware that Kate might still feel just a little bit hesitant about talking wedding plans withher. There was no need. She knew the suddenness of Kate and Simon’s engagement had shocked a few people, especially since her own relationship to Simon had ended the way it had. But she also knew Kate and Simon were soulmates.
“Okay.” Kate beckoned to the waitress. “Let’s order something first – I’m starved.”
After they’d ordered sandwiches, salads and a large bottle of sparkling water, Kate regarded Jess.
“Where should I start?”
“What are you doing at the moment?” Jess asked.
“Honestly? Just enjoying myself.” Kate looked like she was trying hard not to look smug. “Everything is pretty much organised, and Úna’s been great. I miss not having my own mam and she’s been like a mother to me. And she and Edward spoil Luke.”
“Aw, that’s brilliant, Kate.” Jess meant it. Luke and Simon had always got on. Now, Luke would have a dad – and two more grandparents. “How’s your own dad?”
