Liz sighed. ‘I just wish you could see how perfect you are for each other.’
‘Really? Liz, I know you must have lots of hormones swimming around at the moment, but perfect? I don’t think so.’ She looked up as she saw Jay walking into the ward. ‘Talk of the devil.’
Emma waited until Jay had settled himself down in a plastic chair on the other side of the bed before getting up herself.
‘I’ll go now, if you don’t mind, Liz. It’s been a long day and I didn’t get much sleep last night.’
‘Oh, must you go so soon?’ Liz asked. Emma knew she was engineering for her and Jay to spend some more time together.
But the truth was, being with Jay was painful. It would be easy for them to slip back into a relationship, but she knew in the long term it would only cause her more pain.
* * *
‘Well, she couldn’t get away fast enough,’ Jay said when Emma was out of earshot.
‘Maybe that’s because she still has feelings for you,’ Liz replied.
‘She’s firmly put me in the friendship zone and that’s where she wants me to stay. Still, I suppose it’s about as much as I deserve.’
‘Don’t give up on her, Jay. You two will work it out, I’m sure you will.’
‘Don’t give up your day job. Relationship counselling’s not for you,’ Jay replied grimly. ‘Anyway, I’ve been to see Nan. She’s finished her first matinee jacket, but obviously it’s going to be too big so she’s starting on a miniature version today, in pink. I hope you don’t mind gender colour stereotyping.’
‘Not at all and I can’t wait to be able to dress her myself.’
‘I’m sure it won’t be long. Have you got a name yet?’
‘Isabel.’
Jay grinned. ‘That’s a beautiful name.’
‘It is, isn’t it?’ Liz said, unable to keep the answering smile off her face.
They chatted for a while, and Jay assured her that all she needed to do now was concentrate on her family and he’d take care of the rest.
‘Thanks, Jay. I’m so glad you’re my business partner, I don’t know what I’d do without you, especially at the moment.’
‘Well, that’s what partnership is all about, isn’t it?’
‘It is,’ Liz said. She grinned as she spotted Alex arriving with a large bag in his hand. ‘And talking about partnerships, don’t give up on Emma.’
Jay got up to leave. ‘I won’t. But I rather think she’s given up on me.’
* * *
Emma was hoping that she could sneak into her room unobserved when she got back to the hotel. She was so tired, she’d almost fallen asleep on the Tube on the way home. All she wanted was her bed and the oblivion of sleep. But as she walked into the living room, Nick accosted her.
‘Emma! There you are. Where have you been all day?’
She sighed as he cut off her escape route.
‘My friend had her baby last night. She was only twenty-eight weeks so it was all a bit frantic.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. They’re okay now?’
‘Hopefully, yes.’ She moved to one side, hoping he would let her pass, but he moved with her.
‘So, do you fancy wetting the baby’s head, then? I’ve got a bottle of wine in the fridge.’
