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The next day, Jen was still mad at Chloe and Holly, although she could see the logic in their actions. But this wasn’t the time for being huffy: she needed all the allies she could get.
A sinking feeling in her gut told her Alison’s visit wasn’t purely social. Her chest tightened. There was no way Jen could afford to buy her share of the flat: with the shop’s cash flow how it was, no sane bank would help her. Which only left selling the flat, leaving her without a home. Jen rubbed at her temples; no point spiralling until Alison made her intentions clear.
She’d made a pact with Holly to let her know if Alison appeared again. Honesty had to come first – her and Holly’s relationship was the number one priority, as much as she’d prefer not to be texting her about her ex. Or talking about her. Or thinking about her.
Holly was being surprisingly cool about it all, but Jen suspected the front was put up for her, and Holly was likely freaking out internally. Calm and jovial uptop, a mess underneath. Just like good ducks are.
The day was whizzing past, but every time the door opened Jen’s heart skipped a beat, certain Alison would be walking through it.
She finally got her heart’s desire just shy of three.
‘Place looks good,’ Alison said, breezing in without a care in the world.
Jen’s heart stuttered before rising to a sickening pace.
‘Thanks,’ she managed.
Why wasn’t it busy? It had been busy all day. Where were the customers now she needed them?
Alison leaned on the counter, a grin taking over her face. ‘So, tell me what you’ve been up to?’
Jen tensed her jaw, wondering what the right response was. Adrenaline surged through her veins like a rip tide. ‘Not much. How’s London?’
‘Amazing,’ Alison replied, shifting her stance, obviously not happy with the welcome she was receiving. ‘You would love it.’
‘Yeah, well. I guess we’ll never know.’
‘You free tonight?’
Jen shook her head.
Alison didn’t take the hint. ‘I’m playing in Bar Orama. I’d love for you to come.’
Jen laughed under her breath. ‘I’d sooner pull my own teeth out.’
‘You know, you’re starting to come off as rude,’ Alison said, standing straight.
‘What do you expect?’
No reply. Instead, Alison turned, her attention going to the cocktail pouches. Jen took her chance to text Holly one word:Alison. Hopefully that would be enough.
Alison picked up a pouch and turned it over as if reading the label, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. After a deep breath, she spoke. ‘I know I fucked up.’
‘Good – I’m glad you’ve finally grown a conscience.’ Jen stuffed some paperwork away to keep her hands busy and hide how badly they were shaking.
Pouch returned, to the wrong place, Jen noted. Alison circled back to the counter. ‘Jen, just come for a coffee or something. Please.’
‘I don’t know what you think we need to discuss.’
Alison extended a hand to take Jen’s, but she swiped it away. The brunette’s eyes fell to the counter. ‘If you’re worried about Holly, just say you’re meeting someone else or whatever. I won’t tell.’
Jen couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘Your morals haven’t changed, then.’
‘What’s that s—’
She was cut off by Holly entering with two takeaway coffees from the deli. At the sight of her Alison groaned, her eyes rolling to the ceiling.
