‘I’m leaving you at home next time,’ Jess pouted at him.
‘Lottie invited us both.’
‘Yes, but I have final say.’
‘Actually, it’s my flat and my food, so I do. And Harry’s agreeing with me, so he’s definitely invited again.’
‘Ugh! I know I said I wanted you two to be friends, but this is ridiculous!’
I swung my legs to the front, reluctantly dislodging Humphrey, who made a small leap to the floor and then began stretching elaborately as if to point out to me how comfy he’d been, having apparently picked up some drama cues from my best friend. Getting up, I took Jess’ wine glass from her and gave her a hug.
‘So, what are you doing instead?’ she asked, padding after me into the kitchen, where I refilled her glass and flicked the kettle on to make Harry another tea.
‘I’m going to pick up my new car.’
Jess straightened, her attention focused like a dog that’s just spotted the possibility of a cheese snack. ‘With Seb?’
‘No, I’m going to the garage on my own.’
The proverbial cheese was back in the fridge.
‘Oh.’
‘But I’m supposed to be seeing him after.’
Cheese!
‘Supposed to be?’ Jess raised a perfect brow.
‘Well. Yes. I am. I think. He’s suggested I bring Humphrey so we can take the dogs on a ramble together. It’s obviously quite a distance, so he’s invited us to stay over.’
She tilted her head. ‘What’s going on?’ her voice was softer now, the drama gone, replaced by concern.
I flicked off the kettle and poured water over a teabag, prodding it occasionally with a spoon as thoughts tumbled in my brain. ‘I don’t know.’
‘I think I might.’
I gave Jess a sideways glance.
‘Seb Marshall.’
Flicking the teabag out, I leant back against the fridge. ‘It’s stupid, I know. I just…’
‘Hoped he wouldn’t be as great in the flesh as he was.’
‘Pretty much,’ I sighed, yanking the fridge door open and grabbing the milk before sploshing some into Harry’s cup. ‘And then he was all tall and dark and gorgeous. And funny. And caring. And—’
‘Perfect?’
‘Nobody’s perfect.’
‘Present company excepted, obviously.’ This was followed by a loud cough from the other room. ‘I don’t have to marry you, you know!’ Jess tossed back, receiving a laugh in reply.
I couldn’t help smiling. I loved this new side of Jess. She was tall, bright and beautiful. When she walked into a room, it really did light up and men were drawn to her, laughing at her jokes, flattering her, and all hoping to be the one she might choose to go home with. When she’d met Harry, he’d been like this too for the first few moments. Jess had the kind of presence that could temporarily make you lose your train of thought. But then, unexpectedly, he’d teased her. Like I would tease her. But the difference was, we’d known each other since we were four years old. I’d held my breath, waiting for Jess’ reaction. Knowing how prone she was to a bit of drama, I was weighing up whether it would be a total blanking or a turn on her five inch spiked heel followed by a dramatic strut. Instead, she’d laughed. Really laughed. And in that moment, I knew. And I think Jess did too. Harry was different. Harry was the one.
‘Anyway,’ I waved the thoughts away. ‘It doesn’t matter. I’m just being daft. I guess he’s just the first guy I’ve liked since I broke up with Tom and I got a bit carried away.’
‘You never get carried away, Lottie. Which must mean you really like him.’
