‘I do own it.’
‘OK,’ Jess replied in a tone that suggested the exact opposite.
‘What?’ I said.
‘Maybe you need to own it a bit more.’
‘Jess, my lovely. I’m more than happy with my level of ownership. It suits me. I know who I am, and what I am. And, most importantly, I stopped trying to be someone else a long time ago. I spent ages growing up trying to be more like you, or Sally. Honestly, it’s bloody exhausting! I’m me. And that’s the only thing I’m going to own.’
Jess gave me a look. ‘Well, all that’s admirable, and I can see I’m not going to be able to persuade you to pull out your sexiest dress and your sluttiest shoes for this evening.’
‘One, no. It’d look weird. And two, I don’t own any slutty shoes!’
‘Oh my god. You don’t?’
‘Not that I’m aware of.’
‘OK, I need to come round very soon and see for myself. If that’s true, we totally need to rectify that situation.’
‘I’m happy with my shoes.’
‘Lottie, every girl needs a pair of hot, totally eye distracting shoes.’
‘And what exactly is the definition of such footwear?’
‘Honey. When you see them, you’ll know. And when your man sees them, you’ll definitely know. Just don’t be surprised if he asks you to leave them on.’ She gave a wicked wiggle of her brows.
‘Well, while I appreciate the information, it’s definitely not relevant for tonight, which is all very platonic.’
Jess blew a spiral of hair from her face. ‘Sounds kind of dull.’
‘No, not at all. Quite the opposite actually. I’m far more relaxed knowing there’s no pressure attached to anything. It’s just two mates meeting up for a pleasant evening.’
‘With at least one of those mates fancying the arse off the other one.’
‘Which is not of any relevance whatsoever.’
‘No. Of course not.’
‘It isn’t.’
‘I know. I just agreed with you.’
‘Then why didn’t it sound like that?’ I raised a brow at her.
She gave a shrug. ‘Perhaps your unconscious mind is resisting the truth.’
I shook my head. ‘Whatever. What I do know, though, is that my conscious bladder is in need of a wee, so I need to hang up.’
‘Fair enough. Have a good time tonight. Let me know how it goes.’
‘You’re heading off on your retreat. And supposed to be switching your phones off. I heard Harry specifically tell you that. That you’d made each other a deal.’
‘Well… yes. But what if something happens tonight? I’d have to wait until Monday to find out?’ Jess sounded appalled at this possible turn of events.
‘OK, first off, nothing is going to happen tonight and, secondly, if, in an alternate universe, something did happen, I’m pretty sure I’d have far more pressing demands on my time than messaging you. No offence.’
‘None taken whatsoever. I only wish that would happen.’
