‘Jay spoke to me about your offer of the front-of-house role when you go on maternity leave. I do appreciate you thinking of me and a few weeks earlier I might have jumped at the chance. But I really want to learn about the hotel business, and now that I’ve got a new line manager I’m going to get the training I need.’
‘I completely understand. When I spoke to Jay about it, I didn’t realise how much things had changed. You would alwaysbe my first choice, but you have to decide what’s best for you. How’s it going, anyway?’
Emma smiled. ‘It’s intense and, after everything thing that’s happened with Heather, I do feel like I’m being scrutinised. But I love it. I’m learning so much, so, yes, it’s going well.’
‘I’m really pleased,’ Liz said. ‘I know what it’s like to be bullied and it puts such a strain on you.’
‘It did, yes, but hopefully that’s all in the past now.’
‘And how is Jay? I’ve barely seen him. How did he get on yesterday?’
Emma shrugged. ‘I don’t know.’
‘Sorry?’
‘Last night, I was waiting for him to phone me when the competition was over, but I didn’t hear from him. He didn’t come in until I was asleep and then I was out first thing this morning.’
‘And you haven’t been in touch today?’
‘Nope. I suppose I could have phoned him in my break, but, if I’m honest, I’m a little bit disappointed in him, so I’m waiting for him to make the first move.’ She sighed. ‘I could be in for a long wait, though.’
‘Oh, Em, I’m sorry. I thought the pair of you were getting on much better now.’
‘We were. But this competition and the people he’s met there are all-consuming. It’s not so bad in between the rounds — in fact, we had a lovely weekend the other week — but when he’s in the throes of it, it’s like I don’t exist.’
‘It must be very difficult. For both of you.’
‘I know. I’m trying to be supportive and I really want him to do well, but, even though we’ve spoken about it, it just feels like he’s shutting me out.’
‘I don’t know what to say, Em, except try to be patient. Maybe when he’s not in full-on competition mode, explain to him how you feel.’
‘I will. And in the meantime I’m just trying to concentrate on work.’
‘That’s a good plan. I’m sure everything will change when the competition’s over and then you’ll get the old Jay back.’
‘I hope so,’ Emma said.
When she got home, Jay was sitting on the sofa with a beer in his hand and his feet up on the coffee table. Strewn all around him were recipe books.
‘Hiya,’ he said as she walked through the door. ‘Where’ve you been? I thought it was your night off tonight.’
‘It was. I texted you to say that Liz had asked me to serve at a function as one of the girls had let her down.’
‘Oh, right.’ He frowned. ‘I don’t think I got that message.’ He leaned over to the table and picked up his phone. ‘Oh, yes, here it is. I’ve had a really busy day, I’ve been trying to come up with some ideas for some new dishes in case I get through to the next round.’
‘Do you think you will? How did you get on yesterday? You didn’t bother to let me know.’
A moment of guilt flashed across his face. ‘Ah, yes, well, after the competition finished—’
‘Don’t tell me, you went for a drink with your fellow competitors.’
‘We did, later, yes, but it’s more complicated than that.’
‘Go on then, tell me.’
‘One of the other chefs, Chloe, well, she was attacked by Louis in the changing room. Rav and I were around just after it happened, so we stayed with her while she reported it to the judges and then to the police.’
Emma dropped her hands from her hips, immediately contrite.
