Page 31 of Love Is…?

“Oliver, I heard the funniest story the other day. I must share it with you.” Tessa’s voice was still bubbly, interested, effervescent, but it was more intimate. Her words were only for her father, and Jayde blinked back tears.

“Oliver, when I was in Canada, I was a nanny for Malik and Yvonne Parker’s twin boys, Harry and Jude. Yvonne is the director of the Netflix seriesHighland South, and famous people used to turn up at the house all the time.” Oliver blinked a little as Tessa squeezed his forearm. “Do you know what one of those celebrities did? They paid Harry to wear a FitBit for a day sothat when they showed the FitBit to their fitness trainer, it would look like they’d actually tracked their own steps, not Harry’s. Yvonne couldn’t believe it. Guess what, Oliver? I couldn’t believe it, either.”

Jayde snorted, and Tessa grinned at her.

“Really?” Jayde whispered.

“Yep.” Tessa bit her lip, then she smiled at Oliver. “It was a pretty good joke when you think about it.”

Jayde exhaled as her father blinked rapidly, turned his face to Tessa and smiled, his eyes twinkling.

“Tessa, I’m writing a book of dad jokes. Jayde says the jokes are dreadful.” He laughed, and Tessa joined him, winking at Jayde.

“Well, I think Jayde might not understand the art form.”

“Exactly!”

Tessa gave his hand another pat. “Dad jokes are the best jokes. Can I add one to your book?” she said, enthusiastically.

Jayde could only imagine how many explosions of joy were going off in her father’s heart at the request.

“Yes please! I need my cymbal and drum.” He clutched at the arm of the chair, pushed himself up, and walked without too much of a hobble over to the instruments.

“Right. What’s your joke?” The animation in his eyes was wonderful, and Jayde wanted to bundle Tessa into a hug, and plant a kiss on her lips.

After an adorable shoulder wriggle and a deep breath, Tessa pointed at Oliver. “What did one wall say to the other?”

She looked between Oliver and Jayde, her eyebrows raised, her hands rolled over in anticipation. Jayde shrugged.

Tessa huffed. “I'll meet you at the corner.”

“Ha! Oh, that is definitely worthy of inclusion. Well done!” He handed Tessa the drumstick. “You need to do the sound otherwise I’ll forget.”

“Of course!” With a quick flick of her wrist, Tessa tapped the drum and cymbal, then returned the stick.

“If you have any more, I’d love to hear them. Tell them to Jayde when you’re on another date. She needs to laugh more.” He smiled, then, suddenly looking exhausted, made his way to the armchair and sat heavily. Jayde crouched down in front of his legs.

“Dad?”

He waved his hand. “I’m okay.”

“I don’t have to go tonight. I can stay.”

“No,” her father said, emphatically. “No.”

Jayde hesitated. She should stay, but she really wanted to go out with Tessa tonight. What would happen if her father had another blank moment? What if she didn’t hear his phone call because she too busy staring into Tessa’s eyes? Then it occurred to her.

Hadn’t she said that Tessa was remarkably safe? Would she agree to Jayde’s request? She turned to Tessa.

“I’m an emergency contact in Dad’s phone, but just in case I’m not available or he has another fade out, I wondered…” She jiggled her knees.

Tessa smiled, and reached for Jayde’s hand. “I’d be honoured. Let’s ask.” She perched on the edge of the chair.

“Oliver, it’s up to you, but would you be okay if I put my number into your phone as the sparest of the spares in case of an emergency? Obviously, I’ll be at the back of the line, but I’m handy. Besides, I have great jokes.” She grinned, and Oliver returned the smile.

“That is a grand idea. The phone is…” He looked about, spotted it on the small side table, and handed it to Tessa. It was one of those phones where the numbers were enormous, the screen was a rectangle at the top, and the only two functions were phone calls and texts.

Tessa quickly input her details then passed it back, and Oliver clutched it to his chest. “It’s not often I have a pretty lady give me her number.”

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