Page 90 of Be More Lucy

Em had picked up her phone. ‘Texting Charlotte to say that you’re alright.’

‘Why Charlotte?’

‘Because I got her to go round your flat to see if you were there. I think you should text Kizzy as well. We’ve all been concerned about you.’

‘I thought I emailed the office to say I’d be away for a few days?’

‘Kizzy didn’t get it if you did.’

‘Shit. Sorry.’

Jack walked in. ‘Lucy! I thought it was your car outside.’

‘Hi. I’m borrowing your sofa for the night. Hope that’s ok?’

‘We could ask Nancy if you can sleep over there if you want a proper bed.’

‘I’m sorry if I’m in the way.’

Jack sounded concerned. ‘No, it’s not that. I thought it would be more comfortable than our rickety old sofa bed.’

‘Stopping with my recent ex’s mother?’

‘I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t know if Mark’s told her yet. I don’t think he’d even mentioned he was moving back to England. You sleep in with Em. I’ll take the sofa.’

‘No, I’m not going to sleep much anyway. Your sofa will be fine.’

‘Are you ok if I tell Mark you’re here?’

‘I guess. Not sure it’s any of his business now.’

‘He’s been trying to get hold of you. He’s worried about you.’

‘I’ve blocked him again. I can’t deal with it. There’s nothing to say.’

‘It’s a no-win situation. It’s awful. He’s so upset, too.’

‘I wish him well. I really do.’ She looked like she was going to cry again. ‘I guess I’ll get over it eventually. You’ll have tough old Lucy back in no time.’

‘Are you sure you’re ok to drive? You look exhausted.’ Em was standing next to Lucy’s car in the courtyard the following morning.

‘I’ll be fine. I did manage to get a bit of sleep last night. And I’m fuelled up with caffeine thanks to Jack’s excellent coffee-making skills. I’ll take it steady. I need to get back. I don’t want to screw up my business as well.’

‘What do you mean “as well”? You didn’t screw this relationship up.’

‘No. For once, I picked a decent man. And look how that’s turned out. I must’ve been some homicidal despot in a previous life.’

They hugged. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll get over it somehow. I’ll see you again in a few weeks for your engagement party.’ She gave what looked like a forced smile. ‘I’m looking forward to that.’

‘Are you?’ Em wasn’t convinced.

‘Yes, I’ll put a brave face on it. It will be good to see Mark again, even if Hannah is with him. I presume you’ll be inviting her now?’

‘I guess so, assuming she wants to travel.’

’I’m sure she will. It’ll be months before she’s too far gone to get on a plane. Make sure Mark knows I don’t mind them both being there. I thought about it last night. It’s not fair on Jack if he thinks he should stay away. ’

‘Thank you. As long as you’re sure.’

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