Page 58 of Be More Octopus

'Bit of a surprise after everything,' he said.

'Jack - I hope this is the right thing to do.' Nancy said.

'So do I, Nancy. So do I.'

'When are you leaving?'

Their voices were fading now. They must be walking over to Jack's cottage or the main house. Em moved nearer to the window and looked out. They were in the middle of the courtyard now.

'After Em's left for her hen do. Don't say anything to her. I don't want her to worry about Isabella and me.'

Em moved away from the window in case they saw her. What would make her worry about Jack and Isabella? Oh god - he was going back to Isabella. After everything he'd been through, he'd given in again. Jack, don't be so stupid.

She needed to know for sure, but how would she find out if she wasn't supposed to be seen with Jack? Though, surely that rule didn't apply now Isabella and Jack were a couple again.

Sod it. Em quickly finished upstairs and went outside. She marched across the courtyard and knocked on Jack's door. It took him a while to answer.

He didn't look pleased to see her. ‘Em. I thought you'd be packing for Newquay?'’

'I should be, but I realised I'd forgotten to give you clean towels this morning. '

He looked puzzled. 'I picked them up from the kitchen like I normally do. I've got a few things I need to finish. I'll pop outside and wave you off when your friends turn up.' He started to close the door.

Jack was shutting her out of his life already. Charming! 'I'll see you later, then.' she said as she walked off.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Em stood in the courtyard with her overnight case, waiting for Lucy and her friends to arrive.

'Hello, you.'

Em's heart skipped a beat. For God's sake, you've not even looked at him. She turned in the direction of the familiar voice.

'I know you said you wanted to wave me off, but I thought we weren't supposed to be seen anywhere near one another,' she said, wondering if that would get him to reveal anything.

'I just wanted to wish you a good journey. That's allowed, isn't it?'

'You tell me. You're the one who set the rules.'

The words came out more harshly than Em had intended. Jack looked uncomfortable.

'Sorry,' Em said. 'I don't want to fall out with you. I've had a busy day. A weekend away with my friends will do me good. The minibus will be here any minute. Lucy's just texted me.'

'Ok.' He still looked worried.

'What are you doing this weekend?' Em asked.

'I haven't got anything special planned.'

Apart from moving back in with your wife. Should she challenge him about it? The minibus turned into the drive and screeched to a halt. Six giggling women spilt out. No chance to ask him now.

'Are you Jack? Lucy's told us all about you,' said Sylvie, never backwards at coming forward.

'Has she?' Jack looked at Em.

'Let me introduce you.' Em said hurriedly. 'This is Sylvie. She used to work in the call centre with me.'

'And I'm still there.' Sylvie sighed. She turned to Em. 'Cheryl's gone, though. It’s much better without her. I'll tell you all the goss later.'