Page 53 of Be More Lucy

Josh perked up too. ‘We’re having Japanese for dinner,’ he said to Hannah. ‘Can I help you choose? I spent a year in Japan, so I know my way around the cuisine.’

‘That’s so helpful. I don’t know my sashimi from my sushi,’ she said. They huddled together over the menu on the kitchen island, Josh asking Hannah what she liked to eat.

Lucy was gobsmacked.

‘I’m sure Josh will be helping you next.’ Em seemed as surprised as Lucy at Josh’s sudden improvement in mood.

Hannah took the hint and went off with Mark to their room.

‘So, are you going to help me?’ Lucy asked Josh, her arms folded.

‘You work opposite a Japanese restaurant. You know exactly what it all means,’ he said, passing her the menu as he headed out of the room. ‘I’m off to the bathroom.’

Josh closed the living room door after him. ‘Sorry I bought the man-child with me,’ Lucy said sadly to Em and Jack

‘Is he always like that?’ Em didn’t look impressed.

‘No. He’s usually good fun. He seems to have made up his mind to be a complete arsehole today.’

Lucy went back to their room.

Josh was sitting on the bed scrolling on his phone again.

‘What’s your problem?’ she said, hands on hips.

Josh looked defiant. ‘What do you think? Draping yourself all over Jack. I thought I’d play you at your own game with Hannah.’

‘Why not Em, if you’re jealous of Jack?’

‘I don’t fancy her.’

‘But you do fancy Hannah?’

‘Nice long legs. Natural blonde. Big smile. Yeah. She’s hot.’

‘And what about Mark?’

‘He’s not my type.’

‘Haha. Very funny.’Don’t lose your rag. Josh might genuinely be jealous.‘I’m sorry I’ve upset you. Jack’s a natural hugger. We’re always like that. Em doesn’t get jealous. She knows it means nothing.’

‘Natural hugger? Creepy old man more like.’

‘Well I don’t think so. Are you going to be like this all weekend because that’s not fair on everyone else if you are?’

‘Just don’t make a play for the professor, ok?’ Josh got up off the bed and gave her a hug. ‘Friends again?’

‘I suppose so. Look Josh. These are my friends. I enjoy their company. If you don’t get on with them then our days are numbered.’

He looked thoughtful for a moment.

‘I better be on my best behaviour then. Don’t suppose there’s any chance of a fuck?’

30

‘Are we standing?’ Josh asked.

‘No, we’re up in the seats.’ Jack was working out which gangway they needed to use.

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