She woke late the next morning to the smell of coffee and bacon sandwiches.
‘Morning, sleepyhead,’ Jay said. He put a tray down next to her on the empty side of the bed. Gently she pulled herself up so as not to disturb the coffee, and rubbed her eyes. ‘What’s all this in aid of? It’s not my birthday.’
‘No, but you had a full-on day working yesterday, so I thought you deserved a treat.’
‘Much appreciated,’ Emma said as she picked up the mug.
Jay sat down on the bed. ‘But it’s also an apology.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. For Friday night.’
‘You wanted to celebrate with your new friends,’ Emma said. She tried her best not to sound offended.
‘I pushed you out again and I promised I wouldn’t do that. I just got caught up in the moment.’
‘And that didn’t include me.’ She was unable to keep the hurt out of her voice.
‘No. Like I said, I got caught up in the moment, and later I regretted it. Rav had to go home part way through the evening, and Chloe and I were starving so we went for something to eat.’
‘Just the two of you?’
‘Well, yes. I wanted to talk to her about after the competition. We’ll need another chef when Liz goes on maternity leave and Chloe would be perfect for the job.’
‘So just a colleague, then? Like me and Nick.’
Jay sighed. ‘I suppose so. I haven’t exactly bathed myself in glory recently, have I?’
‘No, you haven’t.’
‘I’m sorry, Em, really I am. I know I’ve been neglecting you, but once this competition is over things will be different.’
‘Jay, I’m really pleased you got through to the banquet, but I have to admit I’m looking forward to it all being over.’
‘Me too. It’s been great in many ways, but it has kind of taken over. Let’s not think about it now. We’ve both got the day off, so why don’t we do something?
‘Sounds good. I’m really tired, though, so nothing too strenuous. Cinema, maybe?
‘Good idea. Followed by a boozy pub lunch?’
‘Perfect,’ she said. She was glad that she wouldn’t be spending the day alone after all and was determined to make the most of having Jay’s attention for once.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Having successfully finished her training programme in the housekeeping department, Emma had moved into working in the office. Although it was always busy, she didn’t find the work as stimulating as working front of house during a busy service. But she was still determined to learn as much as she could from the experience.
When her phone rang, she answered it immediately. It was Faye, asking Emma to come and see her in her office. Her heart immediately started to beat a little faster. Why did Faye want to see her? Had she done something wrong? She racked her brains, wondering what it could be.
But when she knocked and walked into Faye’s office, she was relieved to see that her line manager was smiling.
‘Morning, Emma. Take a seat.’
Emma smoothed her skirt as she sat down. ‘You wanted to see me?’
‘I did, yes. Now, I know you’re supposed to be working in admin, but I’ve pulled rank and asked for you to work with me for the next few days.’
‘Oh! Any particular reason?’
