Page 23 of Be More Octopus

'You don't have to let me paint your portrait if you don't want to,' Em said to Jack as they walked out into the courtyard. 'Nancy did railroad you into agreeing.'

'She will never let me hear the end of it if I don't,' he laughed. 'Anyway, it will be interesting to find out how you really see me. When do you want to start?'

'We need to decide what you're going to wear, what the backdrop will be, what size you want.’ Em was struggling to remember everything, thanks to the alcohol. ‘I need to draw up a checklist if I'm going to take on paying customers.'

'Tomorrow? We can brainstorm the list together if you want.'

'It's Saturday … only two changeovers this week, so I should be free after 5 pm - if they both turn up on time!'

He thought for a moment. 'I won't risk booking a restaurant. How about I cook dinner? I am supposed to be looking after you after all.' He grinned.

'That doesn't sound fair. You sorted out the drinks for today. I'll cook for you.'

'But you'll have been busy all day sorting out the guests.'

'No, I insist. I'll do something simple.' It was all she could do anyway, but Jack didn't need to know that yet. 'Anything you won't or can't eat?'

'No, I'm flexible,' Jack said as Em heard her phone vibrate with a new text.

'Oh shit!'

'What's wrong?'

'My friend Lucy went on a first date this evening, and I forgot to check if she was ok.' Em showed him the text.

Been kidnapped by white slavers thanks for asking!!

'Looks like the slavers have let her keep her phone,' Jack said.

'I better check she's alright.'

How did it go?

Three dots appeared. They both waited for the answer to appear.

It's still going. Can't text more now - got my hands full

'She sounds fine.' Jack laughed. 'Night, Em.'

He hugged her. A warm glow spread through Em's body. New touchy-feely, friend-only Jack was more appealing than ever, unfortunately.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

'O.M.G! We finally find out he's available, and he friend zones you.’ It was Saturday afternoon, and Lucy had torn herself away from the lovely Lars, as The Hunk was now known, long enough to FaceTime Em.

'I don't mind. It's a relief. I'd be suspicious he was on the rebound under the circumstances.'

Lucy raised her eyebrows as if she didn't believe her, which was fair. Em didn't entirely believe it herself. Disappointed would be a more accurate description. The more time she spent with Jack, the more time she wanted to spend with him. Perhaps she was on the rebound. He was everything Connor wasn't - domesticated, considerate, attentive. But she'd need at least an hour's heart-to-heart with Lucy to work through all her conflicting emotions, and she hadn't got time for that now.

'My primary concern is that in my drunken optimism, I offered to cook for him tonight.'

'You did what?’ Lucy laughed. ‘Well, that will kill any hope of romance. Can't you get takeout?'

'Thanks for the vote of confidence!' Em said. 'And no, I checked. There are no takeaways within 20 miles unless you include the chippies in Dashford. I'm keeping it simple. I bought two steaks when I went to the supermarket this morning, some triple-cooked chips that you stick in the oven and a bag of salad. Even I can't mess that up.'

'Best of luck to Jack!'

'Charming! Anyway, enough about me. It sounds like your love life is way more exciting than mine. How many times did you fall into Lars' arms?'