‘Certainly wiped the smile off Tia’s face, didn’t it?’
Jay chuckled. ‘Oh, it did. I could hardly contain myself. Although I couldn’t have been more shocked when you agreed to paying rent.’
‘I know. I’m sorry. Normally I’d have discussed it with you first, but the I didn’t get a chance before the meeting. Something Alex said about leases on the way in struck a chord and I realised it might be the perfect way to get Tia to relinquish control.’
‘Genius idea if you ask me.’
‘The lease on our own kitchen ends in a few months. If we do agree to lease Diva’s we could terminate that lease and reduce some of our overheads. I know it won’t be as convenient for you though, not having the workspace downstairs from where you live.’
‘I don’t mind that at all. I actually prefer the kitchen at Diva’s.’
‘I do too, although I will be sad to say goodbye to that little kitchen. I have lots of good memories there.’
‘Yes,’ Jay said. ‘It’s where it all started. But looking to the future, you moving house has made me realise I can’t rely on being your tenant for ever.’
‘I’m not thinking of selling, Jay. I told you, you’re welcome to stay there as long as you want.’
‘I know, but after everything that’s happened I think I need some stability in my life. I’ve got some money saved, so I was thinking I might look into buying my own place.’
‘But what about your plans for your own restaurant?’
‘I’ve realised it’s a long way in the future and maybe a house would be a good investment. Besides, it doesn’t feel the same being in the flat without Emma, so maybe a fresh start is just what I need.’
‘How are you coping, Jay?’
‘I’m just taking it one day at a time and trying to keep busy.’
‘Well, you’re certainly going to be that for the foreseeable.’
‘Yes, and it’ll be great to have something else to focus on.’
Liz fell silent as they continued their journey. She felt certain that Emma wasn’t seeing someone else, but Jay seemed pretty convinced. She still hadn’t got round to meeting up with her friend, but she’d give her a ring later and invite her round. Then she could really get to the bottom of what was actually going on.
* * *
Liz was dozing on the sofa when Alex returned from the meeting later that afternoon.
‘Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you,’ he said as she stirred.
‘It’s okay, I was cat-napping. It’s the only kind of sleep I seem to get at the moment.’
‘Must be the little one preparing you for all those night feeds. But it’s good to see you’re getting some rest. You must need it after this morning.’
She pulled herself up into a sitting position. ‘Yes, it was a bit dramatic.’
‘Wait until I tell you what happened after you left. It got even worse.’
‘Oh, I can’t wait to hear about that.’
‘Let me get myself a cup of coffee first. Can I get you anything?’
‘A peppermint tea would be nice. I’ve got terrible heartburn and a thumping head, so some paracetamol wouldn’t go amiss either.’
‘Consider it done. And when you’ve caught up with everything, I think you should go for a proper lie-down.’
‘Yes, I will. It’s really taking it out of me at the moment so I’ll be glad to see the midwife next week.’
‘Me too. I’d like to make sure that everything’s okay.’
