‘Sounds perfect,’ Emma said. She would have preferred to have gone home first to change out of her suit and her shoes, which were cramping her feet, but she wasn’t about to look this gift horse in the mouth. Especially when it meant spending an evening with Jay. It was just what she needed after that confrontation with Heather.
‘So what’s been happening at work, then?’ he asked once they each had a drink in front of them.
When she told him, he covered her hand with his and gave it a squeeze. ‘That does sound like a bitch of a day. Heather’s a piece of work. But from what you’ve said, pinning anything on her will be difficult.’
‘I know, but I don’t even want to think about that tonight. We’ve got a rare evening together so let’s not waste it.’
‘I’m sorry. It’s not been easy recently, with me covering for Liz.’
‘What’s wrong with her? She said it was a virus, but it seems to be lingering. I keep meaning to phone her to see how she is, but I haven’t got round to it. I’m such a rubbish friend.’
‘No, you’re not, you’re just busy. Liz is finding it hard to shake off, but she is starting to feel a bit better so hopefully she’ll be back to normal soon.’ Jay looked away and she wasn’t convinced he was telling her the truth, but she wasn’t about to push him on the subject. She didn’t want to ruin the evening. Tomorrow she would definitely make that phone call.
‘Hopefully. You must be knackered, though.’
‘I am, but it won’t be long until she’s covering for me.’
‘She will?’ Emma asked. Then the penny dropped. ‘Have you heard back?’
Jay grinned, a smile so wide it split his face. ‘I’ve got through to the first heats. They start on the twenty-fourth.’
‘Of this month?’
He nodded.
‘That doesn’t give you much time. Especially not with the hours you’re working at the moment.’
‘I know, but I’ve got the menu planned out, so now all I need to do is practise the dishes.’
‘What are they?’ Emma asked eagerly.
‘Well, I’ve got to do a main course and a dessert. I want to do something that is traditional East End fare, so I’ve settled on pie and mash, and treacle tart.’
‘Really? Are you sure that will be enough? It’s difficult to make pie and mash look elegant.’
Jay smiled. ‘I know what you mean, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve.’
‘If anyone can do it, you can, Jay. But I’m glad we’re eating Italian tonight.’
‘Why’s that, then?’
‘Because I have a feeling I’m going to be eating a lot of pie and mash in the next few weeks.’
He laughed. ‘You’re right there. But I’ll try to make it a pleasant experience.’
‘I’m sure you will,’ Emma said. ‘All this talk of food is making me hungry. Shall we go to the restaurant?’
‘Yes, let’s.’
Chapter Nine
Jay was faffing. He knew he was faffing, checking and double-checking everything he needed for the day ahead, but he couldn’t help himself. He’d barely slept all night and, when he did finally fall into a fitful slumber, he’d dreamed about turning up without a vital ingredient and everything going wrong. For about the hundredth time he wished he’d never entered this competition. Just what did he need to prove anyway?
‘Do you want me to come with you?’ Emma asked quietly.
‘No. I need to do this on my own!’ The moment the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. She’d been nothing but supportive in recent weeks, dealing with his moods swinging from elation when things had gone right to downright despair when they hadn’t. ‘I’m sorry. I know you’re only trying to help and I do appreciate it, but I’m no company and I’d rather be on my own.’
‘I understand,’ she replied good-naturedly. ‘But I’m not in work today, so if you need to ring me, at any time I’m here for you.’
