Page 29 of Love Is…?

“Right,” she mumbled, and turned to her clothes rack. She’d decided on black jeans, but that’s where inspiration had ceased. Nothing stood out as worthy of a date with Tessa.

Not a date with Tessa. A date with many women.

And Tessa.

At least for a small section of the night. Hence the indecision. Impressing Tessa felt necessary, which was inexplicable because tonight was all about Tessa meeting other people. Jayde was supposed to blend into the woodwork.

Eventually, she decided on black boots, a white collared shirt, a light purple waistcoat that had a thin white pinstripe, and dark purple suspenders.

“There,” she said, nodding at the reflection in the mirror. After putting the final touches to her eyeliner, fluffing out her hair, and grabbing her wallet, she made her way into her father’s house. Having Tessa meet her at the main house had seemed easier.

Her father greetedher with a beaming smile. “How are the interviews going? Getting the scoop on Abigail?”

Jayde went to check on the microwave which was beeping aggressively from its spot in the corner of the kitchen. Aggressive beeping meant that the meal had been ready for at least a minute. She tapped the fridge closed on her way past. That needed sorting out. The appliance must be slightly off-kilter andthat would result in spoiled food, and a very stressed, apologetic father, filled to the brim with self-recrimination about his inability to cope.

“I’m not getting the scoop on anyone, Dad,” she replied, lifting out a container of pumpkin soup. “This is ready. Should I put it in a bowl for you?”

“Yes, please, love. Now, what about that Samantha?”

Jayde settled the bowl and spoon on the little swing table next to his armchair. The table, mobile with four casters at its base and with the capacity to be raised or lowered according to need, was essential on days when her father’s leg and general stability was wonky.

She sat opposite him, surreptitiously watching him eat. He seemed pretty good tonight and that alleviated her worry about going out.

“Sam,” Jayde corrected.

“Sam. I like that. So Sam is lovely?” He settled his spoon and leaned forward. The pose of a person thrilled to hear the latest gossip.

“Very.” Jayde grinned, recalling the dynamic woman who complemented Abby’s reserve of quiet energy. She was looking forward to seeing the two together, and finding out if the rumours were true about the metaphorical love heart hanging above their heads.

“Now, who else? The daughter…Tracey?” He resumed eating.

“Grace. She’s fourteen. She’s an old soul, layered, kind of keeps herself to herself, but really shines with people once she’s checked them out. Excellent sense of humour. I like her.”

“She sounds delightful.”

“Mm. She has a chaperone.” Jayde held the smile at bay at the thought of Tessa. It wasn’t easy, and her father tilted his head.

“Oh! That’s unusual.” He wasn’t subtle. His eyes sparkled over the top of his soup spoon.

Jayde ploughed on. “Not really. Lots of celebrity families employ one for their teenagers. People think that the only adult employed to look after kids is a nanny with their services not required after the kids are twelve or so, but chaperones are different. They’re more of a big sister. Mainly there for emotional support with guidance and tutoring. Grace probably doesn’t need a chaperone but I can see that she’s enjoying the experience.”

Her father laid down his spoon. “Who’s the chaperone?”

“Tessa.” Jayde tried valiantly to stifle the smile, but again her father caught it.

“Tessa…” He trailed off, then delivered a slow nod.

“Tessa.” Jayde nodded as well, not breaking eye contact.

They continued to nod at each other, then her father smiled.

“Does Tessa have anything to do with your fancy clothes?”

Jayde rolled her eyes, leaned back in the chair, and crossed her ankles. “Tessa and my fancy clothes will be in the same location tonight but one does not relate to the other. She’s picking me up and we’re going to an event together. That’s all.”

The last thing she needed was her father getting the idea that his daughter had found her person and was likely to develop feelings for that person and fall into a relationship with that person and that contemplating years together with that person would become a reality.

“This Tessa makes you smile, love.” A soft look appeared on her father’s face.

---