AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Won’t be long,’ Chloe said, flashing a smile at Holly and Ryan.
Jen dropped Holly’s hand and instantly missed the connection. But if she didn’t appease Chloe now, the night would be a bust; better to give in sooner rather than later.
She sucked on her top lip, waiting for Chloe to speak as they negotiated the crowd.
Finally, at a good distance, she pulled Jen aside. ‘The fuck is going on?’
‘What do you mean?’ Jen replied, trying to sound casual but managing the opposite.
‘You’re distracted, weird to say the least, and jumpy. Really fucking jumpy. This isn’t just nerves.’
Jen sighed, her shoulders slumping. She took a deep breath. ‘Alison and Nikki are here.’
Chloe’s jaw hung slack for a beat before she pursed her lips, her eyes clouded with disappointment. ‘Why didn’t you just say?’
‘I didn’t want Holly to worry.’
‘And this is better, how?’ she asked, crossing her arms.
Embarrassment prickled Jen’s skin in a wave. ‘I’m being that obvious, huh?’
‘Just tell her – she’ll understand.’
‘I want to go home,’ Jen said, the words getting caught in her throat.
Chloe’s face creased as she gathered Jen in a hug. She squeezed tight, kissing the side of her head. ‘Aw, pal. It’ll be fine. Promise.’
Jen held on, swallowing her doubts. Everything felt too much. Usually Chloe was the one to ground her, trick her into actually believing things would work out, but even her words of reassurance were falling flat. She needed Holly, too, and the only way that was going to happen was by being honest. Holly was strong, and if she trusted Jen she would take this in her stride. Still, Holly’s reaction to Alison’s video hung in the air. The hurt in Holly’s eyes had seared a mark onto Jen’s heart, one she didn’t want to repeat.
Jen pulled away from Chloe’s embrace, her throat still tight with hesitation. ‘You’re right,’ she said, her voice getting lost in the crowd around them. She gave herself a shake. ‘You’re totally right, I’ll be honest with Holly.’
Chloe smiled. ‘Good lass. Now, let’s get back to our dates and focus on winning that five grand.’
An excited chill tickled its way up Jen’s spine. She’d barely had time to think about the money. Her new fridge was within touching distance; she could feel it. ‘You go, I’m going to pee. I’ll see you at the back of the stage.’
Chloe thought for a second before her smile grew, cementing her faith in Jen. ‘Yeah, sure. Just don’t be long. Wouldn’t want you to miss me winning.’
Jen shot her a look. ‘You mean missmewinning.’
Chloe rolled her eyes. ‘Whatevs. Just don’t be an age.’
She disappeared into the throng and Jen trudged towards the queue for the toilets, hands stuffed in her pockets. She didn’t really need to go – she just wanted a moment alone, a second to get her thoughts in order.
A hand on her elbow made her jump.
Her breath came out as a growl when she saw who it was.
‘Thought I’d never get you alone,’ Alison said, her eyes playful as she bit the corner of her bottom lip.
‘What do you want?’
‘Is that just how you greet people now?’
‘Alison.’
Finally, she took the hint. Nodding her head like a glum pigeon. ‘Can we chat? Quickly. Then I’ll leave. Promise.’
‘Go on then.’
‘Not here – somewhere quiet.’
