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‘You can’t just let her go.’
‘I know, but she was mad. Really mad. I’ve never seen her like that.’
Chloe nodded silently, a hand still on Jen’s back. ‘You texted her?’
‘Yep.’
‘Phoned her?’
‘Yep.’
‘Any reply?’
‘Nope.’
‘Okay, give her time to cool off. Go to her house in the morning.’
‘You don’t think I should go round tonight?’
‘If she’s that mad she’ll need a breather to see sense. This is all just a silly misunderstanding. Give her a night to sleep on it and she’ll see it wasn’t your fault.’
That didn’t seem like a crazy idea, but Jen’s head was screaming for her to go after Holly now. Chloe was right, though: if she went tonight their conversation would go round and round in circles again. A little time and space and they could be rational. Holly would hear her out.
‘Come on, let’s go home,’ Chloe said, getting to her feet and extending a hand to Jen.
‘You should stay, celebrate.’
Chloe shook her head. ‘Nah, the only people I want to celebrate with are you and Ryan. We can do that back at the flat.’
Reluctantly, Jen got to her feet. She didn’t have the stamina to argue with Chloe. It would be a losing battle anyway.
Chloe linked her arm with Jen’s. ‘Can you believe we won?’
‘I know. Rigged, for sure.’
Chloe poked at her side. ‘You still going to say that when I give you money for your fridge?’
Jen stopped in her tracks. ‘No. That’s too much.’ For a brief moment her troubles with Holly faded.
‘A loan, obviously. I would quite like a holiday. But I chatted to Ryan and we’re happy to wait until after Christmas. Your cash flow should be better then.’
Jen was lost for words. ‘You’re sure?’
‘Course I’m sure. You’re the closest thing I have to family.’ She kissed Jen’s cheek. ‘Now, let’s get home and have a glass of bubbly. I’ll text Ryan.’
They’d only made it to the zebra crossing when Alison’s voice boomed Jen’s name.
Chloe turned faster than a spinning wheel and Jen had the common sense to grab her by the arm. Chloe’s eyes burned with anger.
‘Don’t you fucking dare come any closer,’ she growled.
A few passersby made faces at the outburst, but Alison paid her no heed and sauntered closer without a care in the world. Nikki wasn’t far behind.
‘I just want to say bye to Jen.’
‘I think you’ve done enough.’
Alison diverted her attention to Jen, who was holding Chloe back as much as she was using her as a human shield. ‘The offer still stands, for Dalston. Just call me. Or Instagram. Whatever works best for you.’
