Page 22 of That Secret Something

But after what had almost happened with Rebecca, it was clear I needed to put myself out there. It was much too risky spending so much time with her and being so friggin’ horny. So, after debating whether I should call or text, I caved and texted Jade, asking if she wanted to meet. I’d half-expected her to ignore me, or to completely forget I even existed, but instead she’d messaged me with the time and place—right here, right now.

My anxiety toyed with my bladder, but there was no way I was going to go and nervous wee again. The waiters would think I was having issues. Or Jade could turn up and think I’d not shown up, and both of us would be none the wiser.

I had another sip of my wine and checked my watch. She was ten minutes late, but that was okay. I mean, in ordinary people’s lives, what was ten minutes? In Jess-time, ten minutes was a whole lifetime. I caught my leg nervously bouncing under the table and stilled it. How long was I supposed to wait for a date before I gave up and went home?

I glanced at the other diners around me, a mix of old and young couples, and a group of friends laughing in a tattered booth by the bar. Would they be talking about me? Or worse, betting on me? Seeing how hard I could drink myself under the table before being politely asked to leave?

A realisation dawned on me: I was probably the most uncool twenty-something-year-old there was. Just as I was about to down my drink and go home, Jade pushed through the door, wearing a leather jacket and a long orange dress that complemented her rich black skin perfectly. She gave me a half-wave, and anxiety surged into my veins. I could already tell by the way she walked in so effortlessly, orange cotton floating around her ankles like silk, that she was way cooler than me.

Plus, she was wearing a leather jacket. I could never pull off one of those.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Jade said, pulling me in for a kiss on the cheek as I stood up. “My boss is the worst. I swear he waits until one minute before finishing time so he can ask me boring-ass questions that no one gives a shit about.”

We both sat, and a waiter strolled over, pulling a pen from behind his pierced ear. He popped his chewing gum and addressed Jade. “Would you like a drink?”

Jade glanced at my wine. “I’ll have what she’s having. Thank you.”

With a nod, he was gone, clacking his mouth as he went.

Nerves bubbled in my stomach. I took another sip of my wine, willing my brain to work.

“I like your playsuit,” she said with a smile, and I noticed her nose-piercing. Was that there before?

“Thank you.” I glanced down, trying not to think about the last time I wore it and whose body had been pressed up against it. “I love your dress, too. But I’d probably trip over it with my little legs.”

That’s good. Keep saying more words, Jess.

Jade let out a soft laugh, and I relaxed a little. “I think it’s cute how small you are.”

“Really? I don’t know.” I scratched at my neck. “It’s quite annoying not being able to reach stuff.”

She smiled, brushing her braids behind her shoulder. “Shorter people live longer, though.”

“Is that a thing?”

She nodded, leaning forward.

“Well, at least you’ll be able to live life to the fullest. Reaching the top shelves. Just looking over people’s heads. You must be able to see so far. That’s the dream.”

Jade laughed, and I instantly felt self-conscious. She raised her eyebrows in a challenge. “But we do bump our heads on things,” she said.

I calmed a little, realising she was playing along. “I guess that’s true. And you’ve got further to fall if someone trips you.”

The conversation flowed between us, easy and light. I truly was enjoying myself, and all thoughts of Rebecca Lawson’s long and perfectly shaped legs were well and truly out of my mind. Mostly.

Jade worked in a nursery, and we bonded over the mutual struggles with overbearing parents. She had three sisters and a brother, and they all met up regularly. I felt a tinge of jealousy at the bond they shared. I’d always wanted a sibling. Lily had been the closest I’d got to that, but it wasn’t quite the same.

The waiter brought over our food: a vegetable risotto for me, and a chicken-and-sweetcorn pizza for Jade. We were discussing our time at secondary school—not my favourite topic—when my phone vibrated again. That must have been the third time in the last five minutes.

I smiled awkwardly. “I’m sorry,” I said. “Do you mind if I take this quickly? It might be an emergency.”

“Of course.” Jade took a sip of her wine. “As long as this isn’t one of those ‘My aunt’s fallen off the roof and I need to leave’ scenarios.”

I pulled my phone out of my bag and looked at the ID. “More like a ‘my best friend is getting married and is driving me insane’ scenario.” I offered another smile. “I’ll be right back.”

As soon as I stepped out of the doors, I hit accept on the call, and Lily started chatting in my ear.

“Ah, Jess, there you are. I’ve been trying to get through to you for half an hour.”

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