Page 84 of My Year of Saying No
I gave her a grin. Jess not saying what was in her head would be a first, but I knew what she meant. ‘Not a horrible problem to have.’
‘No, I know I’m super lucky and probably sound like a spoilt cow moaning that my fiancé buys me expensive gifts, but I don’t want to feel… I don’t know. Kept. I earn my own money. Obviously it’s nothing like in Harry’s league, but I work hard for it and I like spending it on stuff.’
‘Somehow I don’t think you’d ever struggle to find stuff to spend money on, Jess.’
She returned my giggle. ‘That is true. I am exceptionally talented in that regard. But you know what I mean.’
‘I do. And what did he say?’
‘He got it. Eventually, I think.’
‘He just enjoys spoiling you. Like I say, not the worst problem in the world.’
‘I am lucky. I do know that.’
‘I know you do. He’s lovely. And completely adores you, which makes me so happy. I really like him, Jess. I’m so happy for you both.’
She sat up and gave me a big hug. ‘Thanks. I’m so glad you like him. He thinks you’re wonderful as well. I’m so pleased it’s working out. He thinks Seb’s great too. They’ve really hit it off. It’s lovely.’
‘It is,’ I agreed. ‘He did mention he’s spoken to him a few times.’
‘Yeah, Harry really enjoys his company. It’s just such a shame he’s so far away from all of us.’ She sent me a mock innocent look as she said this and I rolled my eyes. ‘Oh, come on. You can’t say you’re not sorry too. And what was all that in the dark hallway?’
‘Nothing! We were just coming back in.’
‘Hmm, low voices, close together.’
‘It was nothing. Honestly.’
Jess shook her head, her corkscrew curls dancing as she did so. ‘Well, looking at you two, it should most definitely be something.’
‘We’ve been over this.’
‘And you haven’t changed your mind?’
Had I?
Jess took my silence as affirmation. ‘What if I had a word?’
‘Don’t you dare!’ I said, grabbing her arm. ‘Oh my god. That would be so… Just promise me you won’t! I’m fine, Jess, really.’ I lowered my voice. ‘Yes, I admit I still have a bit of a crush on him, but that’s all it is, and I don’t want what we have messed up. Promise me you won’t say anything!’
‘I won’t. I promise. I was just trying to help. You two look so perfect together.’
‘You said that about me and The Ex.’ Jess refused to let me mention him by name as she blamed him wholeheartedly for me having possibly wasted some of my best childbearing years on him. The fact I’d been in no way ready or even inclined to have a child during that time was irrelevant. The idea was enough for Jess.
‘I know. But this time I’m right.’
‘OK.’ I laughed, a slight shiver catching me as a breeze ruffled the water below and wound its way around the planters, rustling the leaves of the bamboo within them. ‘I think I’m going to head back in. It’s getting a bit chilly out here. How are the feet?’
Jess gave them a quick rub and rummaged around to find the shoes that had tumbled beneath the lounger. ‘We’ll see when I get them back on,’ she said, her words slightly muffled due to her position and the breeze now building. ‘Where’s the other one bloody gone?’
I bent down and peered, reaching out to grab the missing shoe.
‘What on earth are you doing?’
22
I felt my heart sink as those snobbish tones cut through the wind.
