Page 52 of Be More Octopus

'So you're enjoying being single?'

'Yes. I can recommend it.' Why did you say that? Don't let him get the idea that you want to stay single forever. 'But I'm coming around to having someone special in my life again. What about you?'

He was looking at her intently now.

The waitress collected Em's empty cup. 'Would you like me to get you another drink?'

Jack looked exasperated. 'No, thanks,' he answered before Em could say anything.

Em raised her eyebrows as the waitress walked away. 'I wouldn't have minded another cup.'

'I'm sorry. There's no peace here. Can we go back home? I'll make you some tea there,' he said.

They headed towards the door. It was still pouring with rain.

Em hesitated in the doorway. 'We're going to get soaked.'

Jack had sensibly bought a jacket with him. He took it off and held it over his head. 'Under here,' he said.

They ran together across the road to the car. He kept the coat over Em as he opened the passenger door so she could get in, and then he hurried round to the driver's side.

Jack pulled out of the space and headed back up the hill.

'To answer your question,' he said, smiling across at her as they reached the edge of the village, 'I do want to have someone special in my life again.'

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

They spent the rest of the journey in silence, Em pondering what to do next.

Jack parked in his usual spot in the courtyard. 'Shall we do another portrait session now?' He suggested.

Em had enough sketches and photos to work from, but after their conversation earlier, she wasn't going to turn down an opportunity to be alone with Jack. 'Yes, that would be good.'

They got out of the car and retrieved Em's canvas out of the boot.

'Jack! Jack! I've got something for you,' shouted Nancy walking across the courtyard and waving a large envelope.

'All the local women are after you today.' Em teased him.

Nancy was next to them now. 'There's a letter for you. A man dropped it off just now. Feels quite chunky.'

'Probably your autograph hunter,' Em said to Jack.

'Autograph hunter?' Nancy sounded interested.

'Mary said someone was looking for Jack earlier. What did this man look like?' she asked Nancy.

'Early 30s. Looked like he spent a lot of time in the gym. Tiger tattoo on his arm.'

Jack peeled back the flap on the envelope. There were lots of sheets of paper inside. 'I better open it properly indoors,' he said, heading towards his cottage.

'I'll get my sketch pad. I'll be over in a few minutes.'

Jack looked furious when he opened the door to Em a few minutes later. 'She's accusing us of adultery.'

'What?' Em said as she followed him into the living room.

'Isabella. She's accusing you and me of having an affair. Look.' He handed her a set of photos blown up to A4 size.