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‘Right, and one without the glasses,’ Isaac said, crouching in search of a different angle.
Holly’s cheeks ached from smiling but she wasn’t going to let the facade drop. Especially not in front of Jen.
‘I think we’ve got it,’ Annie said, a hand on each of their shoulders. She added, in a near whisper, ‘Thanks again, ladies. Any extra drinks are on me.’
Isaac and Annie-less, awkward silence descended over the table like a heavy blanket.
‘So,’ Holly began.
‘So.’ Jen repeated.
‘You look nice,’ Holly said, feeling her cheeks blush. She wanted to ease into this declaration and it felt right to start with a compliment. It wasn’t a lie, though. Jen’s shoulder-length blonde hair was styled into beach-wave curls and she had on a checked shirt that was tight in all the right places. Under any other circumstances, Holly might have looked twice.
‘Thanks,’ Jen replied, taking a long draw of wine.
‘I need you to know, though,’ Holly said, pausing to get the words in just the right order. ‘I’m not wanting anything from this. I don’t want a relationship.’
‘Worried I’ll fall in love with you?’ Jen smirked.
‘I’m not saying that. I just want to be honest.’
‘Good for you. For what it’s worth, I don’t do dating either. It’s a waste of time. And I don’t do one-night stands either.’
‘Charming. You thought that was on the table?’
Jen blushed redder than her shirt. ‘I didn’t say that. I just wanted to be honest too.’
‘Well, I don’t do them either. So at least we agree on something.’
Silence fell once more. Holly studied the menu like there would be a test at the end of the night.
‘So how did Annie manage to rope you in?’ Jen finally asked, her features softening.
‘I wanted to help my mum and dad. It seemed like a good chance for publicity. You?’
‘Similar. How come I’ve never seen you around?’
‘I’ve been—’ The waiter interrupted and took their orders, complete with another bottle of wine. ‘I’ve been in London.’
Jen rolled her eyes. ‘London.’
‘Yes. What’s so bad about that?’
‘Everybody loves London. What’s it got that Glasgow doesn’t?’
‘A lot, actually. Opportunity, excitement.’
‘Excitement? Must have been great, for you to come back.’
‘I missed my mum and dad,’ Holly replied, shifting in her seat.
‘I’ve never understood the appeal. Will you go back?’
‘Maybe. Hopefully soon.’ Right now, it felt like that was completely off the cards, but she didn’t want to admit that. Anything to ruffle Jen’s feathers.
‘You have a flat there?’
‘Ish.’
