Page 80 of Be More Octopus

'Jason and I are just going for a walk. Is that alright?’ Lucy said to Em.

'Yes, fine.' Jason's friend, Luke, seemed nice enough.

'She strikes me as a bit of a man-eater, your friend,' Luke said to Em as they watched Lucy and Jason walk along the harbour wall.

'Sometimes. I hope Jason is not easily hurt.'

'He's a player - he'll be fine. You didn't say why you were here?'

'Lucy fancied a night out. I'm here as driver and moral support.'

'I meant in Devon.'

'I work here now.'

'What do you do?'

Em hesitated slightly. 'I'm an artist.' It felt good to say that. With the sales from the gallery and the portrait enquiries from Nancy's party, she didn't feel like she was stretching the point.

'How long have you been doing that?'

'Not long. I used to work in a call centre until this spring.'

'I used to do that,' Luke said. 'I'm so glad I got out.'

They shared call centre horror stories. Luke was an entertaining raconteur. She could picture the scenarios and personalities he described perfectly.

They must've been talking and laughing for at least 20 minutes when Em felt her phone buzz. Probably Lucy.

'Sorry, can I just check this?' She said to Luke.

Jack. Why was he texting?

Do you need my Taekwondo skills?

Odd.

No, I'm fine. Why are you asking?

A speedy reply from Jack

I thought he looked too close to you.

Jack must be somewhere nearby. Em looked around.

'Everything ok?' asked Luke.

'Yes, it's just a friend. Looks like he's here tonight.'

She texted Jack back.

Where are you?

'Just here,' Jack said, walking towards their table. His voice sounded deeper than ever. He didn't greet her with his usual welcoming smile. Was he trying to play the alpha male?

'I didn't expect to see you here.' Em said.

'Obviously,' Jack’s voice had a certain husky menacing undertone. 'I thought you and Lucy were going for a quiet meal in Dashford?'