‘How exactly did you mean it?’ I asked before turning back to Jules. ‘And as I already stated, contrary to whatever Araminta said, she and I are far from close. I haven’t seen her since school and have absolutely no interest in rekindling any acquaintance with her or any member of her family.’
Across the table, Pete downed the rest of his pint. ‘I’m just going to get us some more drinks. Jules, d’you want to give me a hand?’
Jules got up but I didn’t miss the dark look her brother shot her as she left. This was certainly not how I’d envisioned lunch going. We were barely five minutes in and the other couple were already making excuses to vacate the table. The mention of Araminta and her cousin had unsettled me and the usual warmth in Jules’ tone was distinctly absent.
‘This is going well.’
Jesse took a sip from his beer. ‘Yeah.’
‘So, as we’ve now apparently been given space, what was that comment about?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Jesse. I don’t have time for games.’ My words came out sharper than I meant them to but at least it got his attention.
His brows drew close as he turned to look at me, his normally calm expression now like a stormy sea.
‘You think all this is a game?’
‘Of course not! But I’m suddenly getting the cold shoulder from Jules and I don’t know what I’ve done and now you’re making insinuations that I’m likely to go and dally with some bloke just because his cousin is someone I used to know!’
Arguing was exhausting and definitely not something I’d planned on, especially after such a perfect, and emotional, morning. But arguing in a whisper while pretending to all around that everything was fine was even more tiring.
Jesse didn’t say anything. I glanced over at the bar and noticed Jules and Pete surreptitiously watching.
‘OK.’ I put my napkin on the table. ‘I don’t know what the hell is going on, but I thought we were coming here to have a nice meal. I’m not sure what the point of that toast to friendship and happiness was, but I guess it didn’t include me because ever since Araminta’s name came up, I seem to have become public enemy number one.’
‘It’s not her.’
‘What?’
‘Your friend. It’s not her. It’s him. Magnus.’
‘So what thefuckhas that got to do with me and, I’m sorry, but did you miss the bit when I poured my heart out to you and told you just how shitty everyone at that school was when they found out I wasn’t rich any more?’
‘No.’
‘Then I’d appreciate it if everyone would stop calling Araminta my friend. As I just told you all, she most certainly isn’t and I have no interest in changing that situation or beginning any sort of acquaintance with her cousin. Do you really think I’d have anything to do with someone who’d been party to causing you pain, not to mention I thoughtwewere seeing each other, but maybe I’ve got that wrong too?’
I let out a breath, took in another slowly and then let it out again.
‘I think it’s best if I leave you to have your meal with your sister and friend in peace. Perhaps you could explain the situation to her too.’ I heard my voice catch on the last word and wanted to kick myself.
‘No.’ Jesse caught my hand. ‘Stay. Please. I’m sorry.’ His fingers curled around mine. ‘I’ll speak to Jules too. Now. I’ll tell her. She’s just being protective.’
‘Then she should have asked me directly rather than ambush me at what I thought was going to be a pleasant meal.’
‘I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t realise she was going to do that.’
‘I thought we were friends.’ I did my best to keep the crushing sadness out of my tone but I knew there was no fooling Jesse.
‘So did she. But then she heard about that woman coming in, calling you a close friend…’
‘So, what? Because we sound similar, it means we must be close? She’d rather take the word of a complete stranger over someone who’s supposed to be an actual friend?’
‘I know! Look, let’s start again.’
‘Is it worth it? To be honest, right now I just want to go home.’
