Emma groaned. ‘Nick lives in the accommodation too. We’ve got friendly, going out in a group, and one night he walked me home. Jay saw us together and jumped to the wrong conclusion. Then Nick offered to cook for me on the night after I moved in. I thought it would save me some time while I unpacked.’
‘So why did Jay think you were together? He said this guy had his arm around you.’
‘Nick’s a bit touchy feely. I think... no, Iknowhe’d like there to be more between us, but I’ve told him that’s not going to happen.’ Emma paused. ‘I don’t think he’s got the message, though, so I’m spending most of my time in my room trying to avoid him.’
‘Oh, that’s not good.’
‘It’s not. And now I’m worried that Jay has the wrong impression and thinks I lied to him. I know it shouldn’t make any difference, I was the one who ended it, but we were together for a long time and, despite everything, I still have feelings for him.’
‘You need to talk to Jay. Tell him he’s jumped to the wrong conclusion.’
‘I doubt he’d believe me.’
‘Maybe not at first, but the only way to sort this out is for the two of you to have a proper conversation.’
‘Yes, I know.’ Emma shook her head. ‘Anyway, let’s change the subject. How are things with you?’
Liz told her about her and Jay’s plans for the business while she was on maternity leave, and how they were going to interview another chef Jay had met at the competition, Chen. Although Jay had already told her that Chloe had beenoffered a job elsewhere, she still felt relieved that they wouldn’t be working together in the future, even though it made no difference now.
‘And what about front of house?’
‘We decided to interview Mia for the job.’
‘Mia’s a good choice. She was in the year below me at uni and she’s well respected.’
‘Let’s hope it all works out then. I’d like to get it settled as soon as I can. But what about you? How are things at the Rosemont now?’
‘Good. I started in HR today.’ Emma told her about Heather and the training programme that she never received.
‘She certainly sounds odd,’ Liz said
‘The strange thing is, I can’t help feeling a bit sorry for her.’
‘Sounds like she got what she deserved.’
‘That’s what everyone else seems to think but I was wondering whether I should go and see her, just to make sure she’s okay.’
Liz pulled a face. ‘That might do more harm than good. What if she thinks you’re rubbing salt into the wound?’
‘That did cross my mind. And I wouldn’t know what to say to her. Maybe I should just forget about it.’
‘I would. She’s responsible for what she did, not you. And right now you should be concentrating on yourself.’ Liz shifted in her seat and grimaced.
‘Are you okay?’ Emma asked. ‘You haven’t looked comfortable all night.’
‘It’s just backache. I get it all the time now, not surprising really with this bump I’m carrying around.’ She put her hand protectively over her stomach as she spoke. ‘I’m knackered most of the time and, even though I’m exhausted, I still can’t sleep at night. On the one hand I can’t wait for the baby to be born, but on the other I’m terrified. What if I’m a rubbish mother?’
Emma laughed. ‘The fact that you’re worrying about it tells me you’re going to be a brilliant mother. And Alex will make a good dad too. Where is he tonight, by the way?’
‘He’s at a corporate event in the counties. Something to do with Henry Weatherton.’
‘Lucky him. He’ll be getting the full dining experience, then.’
‘He will, and he’s staying over, so hopefully he’ll get a decent night’s sleep without me disturbing him.’
‘And what about you? Are you going to be able to sleep?’
‘I doubt it, but I guess I’m just going to have to get used to it.’ She yawned and Emma took that as her cue to leave.
