Page 56 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“Did he mention me at all?” Jessica braved asking.

“Nope,” admitted Andrew, “but we were blokes playing football... none of us really talk about our wives or girlfriends.”

“I’m not his girlfriend,” Jessica said quickly. She saw a look pass between her mum and dad before she said, “Do you know if he’s home tonight?”

“I do, actually. I messaged him earlier to see if he fancied a pint. He said he was going to be spending the evening at home with his dog.”

“Thanks, Andrew!” called Jessica over her shoulder as she headed out of the house again. She would catch Nathan.

It had started to drizzle, and she wished she’d thought to bring a jacket with her, but no way was she going to turn back. Thankfully she was pretty fast on her crutches now.

Nathan’s Land Rover was there. She walked up to the front door and rang the bell. Her heart sank when no one answered. Despondent, she turned to leave, but the door opened and there was Nathan with Dennis by his side. He gave her a little smile. “Hey you,” he said, softly.

Momentarily flummoxed, Jessica forgot what she was going to say. If anything, he was even more handsome and he somehow, magically, hadn’t just slammed the door in her face.

“Hi,” she said finally.

“Would you like to come in?” he asked.

“Yes, please,” she said. Nathan moved aside so she could get past him, but Jessica stayed where she was.

“I’m so sorry,” she blurted out. “I never should have said those terrible things, and I regret them so much.”

“Come inside, I’ll get us a drink.”

Jessica nodded and followed him into the house.

“I’ve been trying to catch you for the last few evenings, but you haven’t been in,” she explained.

“I’ve been out. Trying to get a life,” Nathan said with a wry smile.

Jessica sat down at the kitchen table and put her head in her hands. “I can’t believe the things I said.”

“You were pretty harsh,” admitted Nathan, handing her a beer.

“I was upset . . .” she began.

“I know,” interrupted Nathan. “And I’m sorry too. You’re right — it’s none of my business and I was interfering. It’s your decision whatever you decide to do when you finish dancing, and you don’t have to explain yourself to me. It’s just that I care about you.”

“I know you do, and I should have reacted better. Can we put it behind us and go back to being friends, do you think?” she asked.

“I’d like that,” Nathan said. Jessica stood up and she moved into his open arms and they hugged.

“I’ve missed you,” she said as they broke apart. “Where have you been, really?”

“I was quite serious.” Nathan laughed. “I’ve been getting a life. I’ve lived here for a few months now, but I haven’t made much of an effort to make friends so I’m trying to remedy that. I’ve been out for a meal with some people from work, and I visited my sister, and I played football with your brother and his mates last night.”

“He told me. That’s how I knew you’d be home now,” admitted Jessica.

“I used the excuse of not wanting to leave Dennis by himself again, but, honestly, I needed a night off myself from all the socialising.” Nathan grimaced.

“Your little experiment hasn’t been a success, then?”

“It kind of has. I’ve had a good time, but honestly, I would much rather have been spending my evenings with you.”

“Well, I haven’t had a good time at all,” admitted Jessica. “I’ve been miserable without you to hang out with.”

“Why didn’t you call or message?”

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