‘I think it might be past that stage. But I know Jay — he’ll tell me what he thinks I want to hear and then nothing will change. I don’t think I can live like this anymore.’
‘What are you going to do?’ Liz asked. She was sad that it had come to this. She wanted Emma to fight for her man, but she could see that her friend thought it would be a battle she would lose. Maybe Jay was just caught up in the emotion of the competition, but it was clear that he and Chloe had developed a bond that was more than that between just competitors.
‘Nothing just yet. He’s worked hard for this and I want him to be able to enjoy his success. But I won’t be able to keep up the pretence for long. I’ve started to think that maybe I should move out.’
Liz gasped. ‘Where will you go?’
‘I don’t know. There is staff accommodation at the hotel. My friend Jen organises it, so I suppose I could ask her if there is any space.’
Liz sighed. ‘Oh, Em, that sounds desperate.’
Emma shrugged. ‘It couldn’t be any worse than living with a man who has feelings for someone else.’
‘I think you need to bide your time. See how things develop now that the competition is over.’
‘Maybe, but I think I need to be prepared for the worst.’
‘Just don’t do anything too hasty. You’ve got too much to lose.’
Emma nodded. ‘We’ll have to go back in. I’ve got work to do.’
As they walked back into the room, Liz said, ‘We’ll have to go and congratulate him. If we can get to him that is. He’s surrounded.’
Emma and Liz waited on the edge of Jay’s well-wishers until he eventually noticed them.’
‘Em! Liz!’ He beamed at them.
‘Congratulations,’ Emma whispered as he reached out to embrace her.
‘Thank you. I can’t believe I actually won.’
‘I can,’ Liz said. ‘And you absolutely deserve it.’
‘I don’t know. I was up against some tough competition.’
Emma couldn’t help noticing his glance towards Chloe and her reciprocating smile. Anger burned within her and, when Liz squeezed her hand, Emma realised she must have seen it too. At least after today she knew she wasn’t imagining it.
The organiser of the competition interrupted them.
‘Jay, I’m sorry. Can I just drag you away? There are people I want you to meet.’
Jay glanced apologetically at Emma. She pinned a smile to her face.
‘It’s okay, I need to finish up here anyway. I’m on till close.’
‘I’ll try to catch up with you later, then.’
‘Yes, that will be nice,’ Emma said, trying to keep her voice light.
Chapter Thirty
Jay should be feeling over the moon. Winning the competition was a massive achievement and more than he ever could have expected when he first entered. But something wasn’t right, or should he saysomeone. That left him feeling deeply unsettled.
Ever since the day of the competition, Emma had been off with him. On the surface she was bright and cheery. But there was a distance between them that he couldn’t breach. Whenever he asked her what was wrong, as he had done several times over the last few days, she denied that anything was the matter. Perhaps he’d pushed her too far over the last few months. He had got so caught up in the competition and the people taking part that he’d neglected the people he cared most about.
‘Are you okay, Jay? You seem a bit quiet,’ Liz asked as they were preparing for a function.
‘I’ve got a lot on my mind.’
