‘We’ll keep our fingers crossed. But at least she was delivered safely. And you’re okay?’
Liz nodded. ‘Bit tired.’
A nurse came from behind two double doors. ‘Sorry to interrupt, but we need to get you onto the ward and settled in.’
‘Of course. We’ll come and see you tomorrow, or rather later today,’ Emma said as Liz was pushed away.
Alex hung back. ‘I want to thank you two so much. Without you, especially you, Emma, I don’t know what would have happened. You really are true friends. I switched my phone onto silent during the speeches after dinner, and forgot to change it back. I can’t believe I made such a stupid mistake. So thanks, Jay, for getting hold of Henry. I may have missed the birth, but at least I got here to be with Liz in these first few hours.’
‘We’re just glad that so far everything is all right. That little girl gave us all a bit of a fright.’
‘She certainly created some drama. Although as long as she’s okay — as long as they’re both okay — I really don’t mind.’
‘You just concentrate on your two girls and try not to worry,’ Jay said. ‘If she asks, tell Liz that between us Emma and I have the business under control.’
‘Oh, you know Liz. She will be worrying about it.’
‘Tell her there’s no need. We’ll keep her fully up to date to put her mind at rest, but she won’t need to lift a finger.’
‘Thanks. Now, I’m going to make sure she’s settled and then hopefully I’ll be able to see my daughter.’
* * *
After barely any sleep, Emma phoned Faye at work. She explained the situation and asked if she could take the day as holiday to help out with the business.
‘Of course you can,’ Faye replied without hesitation. ‘And if you need more time off, just let me know what’s happening so I can sort out the rota. But don’t worry, we’ll just extend your time in HR and you can pick up where you left off when things calm down.’
Relief flooded through her. Emma thanked Faye and put the phone down. She never would have had that response if Heather had still been her line manager.
Chapter Thirty-Six
‘So what’s been going on in your life, then?’ Betty asked Jay when he called round to see her the following afternoon.
He and Emma had spent a productive morning interviewing Mia and Chen. Thankfully they’d both been happy to come and work for him. Chen had to give notice on his current job, but as Mia had been enjoying some time off after graduating she was happy to start the following week. Emma had agreed to help out with the first functions, although considering Mia’s experience he doubted she would need help for long. Still, it was good to know that someone was around to support her while she was getting used to running the front of house without Liz. That meant that Jay could concentrate on the food.
Emma. His thoughts kept slipping back to her. It had been great being with her today. It had been just like when they’d used to work together. They’d always made a good team, but he’d had to keep reminding himself that they were just friends and that Emma had been there to help Liz out as much as she’d been helping him.
‘Hello, earth to Jay.’ His nan’s voice brought him out of his reverie.
‘Sorry, Nan. Well, actually there’s been a bit of a drama at my end. Liz had her baby last night.’
‘What?’ Betty banged the cup of tea she’d made for Jay down on the kitchen table and some of the liquid slopped over the top and into the saucer. ‘But she’s not due for ages yet.’
‘I know, but the baby obviously thought otherwise.’
She sat down beside him. ‘And are they both okay?’
Jay explained what had happened and Betty’s eyebrows almost rose into her hairline. ‘Flipping heck, that was a drama.’
‘It was scary. I’m going to the hospital in a bit. I don’t know if I’ll get to see the baby, but I’m hoping I’ll be able to take a quick peek. I just wanted to see how you were doing before I went.’
‘And as you can see, I’m fighting fit. I don’t much like taking these tablets, but they seem to be doing the trick. Now, as it happens, I’ve just finished knitting a matinee jacket this morning. I don’t suppose it will be any use to the poor little mite just yet, but I’ve got some pink wool in my bag, so I can get cracking on a smaller version straight away.’
Jay laughed. ‘It’s nice to see you back to your normal self.’
‘Can’t keep me down for long, Jay, love. Now tell me, how’s young Emma?’
The smile slipped from his face. ‘Well, I was with her at the hospital last night and she’s been helping me out today, but I think she’s only doing it for Liz. I can’t say I blame her.’
