Page 94 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“Hi.” She hugged her arms around her as her tummy did some treacherous flips. “Nice flowers.”
He nodded. “I figured Emily might have enough drink by now, and I thought of her when I saw these.”
It was a faultless gesture. She pushed away the comparison that slipped unwillingly to mind. “She’ll love them.Um, I think she’s over there, near the kitchen area.”
He glanced over but didn’t move. “Are you here by yourself?”
“Are you?” Heat flashed to her face.
“Yes.”
She wet her lips. “I’m here with Robert. He’s just gone out for some air.”
“Look, Jess, can we talk?”
“You should really put those flowers in water, you know. In a proper vase. Sunflowers wilt very quickly.”
“Jess?” Adam shoved a hand through his hair. “I wish you’d listen to me about this. I don’t trust this guy and he’sdefinitelynot good enough for you.”
Indignation surged through her. “You don’t even know Robert! And it’snoneof your business who I date. I don’t go around giving you my opinion about your girlfriend, do I?”
Behind Adam, the door opened again, and Robert stepped into the tiny entrance way.
“Everything okay, Jess?” He shoved past Adam and came to stand beside her. “This guy bothering you?”
Jess noticed Adam’s jaw tighten, but his tone was coolly polite. “We’re talking. Privately.”
Robert folded his arms. “I don’t think so. Why don’t you go get yourself a drink or something? Or better still,leave.”
Oh great – a pissing contest. Exactly what Emily needed at her housewarming. Jess made a quick decision. “Robert, will you give us one minute? Please?”
“What?” He turned to her, his eyes narrowing. “Who the fuck does he think he is? And why are you letting him bulldoze his way in?”
Jess felt a flare of irritation. All Robert knew was that Adam worked for the group. But she knew he should respect her right to talk to anyone she wanted.
When she said nothing, he shot Adam a look of derision. “I’m going to get a drink. Do what you want!”
He stalked off and Jess exhaled.
Adam raised an eyebrow but, before he could say anything, Jess stepped closer and poked him in the chest. “Don’t think for a moment I did that for you, I just didn’t want the situation to descend into a fist fight. Emily deserves better. Now, whatever it is you have to say, make it quick. After that, you can leave me alone.”
Her phone buzzed loudly in the pocket of her jeans and she pulled it out, not bothering to check the screen before she swiped. “Hello? Mam? No, I’m grand.” She glared at Adam before pushing past him to open the door and slip into the hallway where she could hear herself. “Sorry, Mam, I’m at a party. Is everything okay?”
Her mother’s voice crackled indistinctly at the other end and Jess glanced up to see Adam outside, closing Emily’s front door behind him. She put her hand over the phone. “This is private.”
“I’m leaving,” he said. “You’re right – this isn’t the place to talk.”
At that moment, Robert came out. “Changed my mind.” He threw Adam a filthy look. “I don’t know what’s going on here but you need to leave my girlfriend alone.”
“Robert, he’s not bothering me.” Jess tried to stay calm. “He’s just leaving.”
Adam glowered at Robert. “Actually, I’ve changed my mind too, I think I’ll stay.”
“Shut up, both of you.” Jess glared at the two men and took her hand away from the phone. “Mam? What did you say? I can’t hear you properly. Hang on, I’m going to put you on speaker for one second.”
“Why are you always hanging around? Can’t you see you’re upsetting Jess?” Robert stepped closer to Adam.
“I wouldn’t do that,” Adam said quietly.
