Page 17 of Life After

“I’m glad you’re doing something for yourself, Jen. It’s important that you put the past behind you.”

“You know, I haven’t really thought much about it in the last week. I guess I’ve had other things on my mind since meeting Suzanne.” Suzanne was probably the only person who had the ability to make Jen forget lately. Then again, she only had to flutter her eyelashes, and Jen was putty in her hands. “I think Ruby would have liked her.”

“You do?”

“Oh, yeah. Even if they only sat around talking about fashion, they’d have been right at home with one another.”

“Well, I know she’s looking down on you and cheering you on.”

Jen sat beside her mum and took her hand. “You think so? Because I always have it in my head that the day I also arrive up there, she’ll tell me she’s not speaking to me for being such a dick down here.”

Denise laughed from deep within her belly. “She probably would say that to you, but I know deep down she’ll be beside herself with happiness. She always did want the very best for you.”

“We were like sisters. We always said we’d been separated at birth because no one mother could handle us both.”

Denise patted Jen’s cheek and smiled. “Well, I can promise you right now that only one baby came out. And it was you. And even now, you’re as beautiful as you were the day I laid eyes on you for the first time.”

Jen wrapped her mum up in a strong embrace, willing her tears to remain at bay. “I missed you so much when I was away.”

“I know, love. I missed you, too.”

“Good days are coming, Mum. I just know they are.”

Denise held Jen against her, squeezing her tight. “I’m so proud of you, Jen. Even though you don’t believe me, I am. I’m proud of you for facing everything you had to face and coming out of it on the other side.”

“I’d hit the bottom. The only way was right back up again.” Jen soothed a palm down Denise’s back and sighed as she pulled away. “I’d better get ready for my hot date. I’m due there at seven.”

“Let me drop you off there.”

Jen lifted a brow. “You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not. Just let me know when you’re ready, and we’ll head off.”

Suzanne opened the front door,taken aback by the sheer beauty Jen possessed. She’d dressed up, as had Suzanne, and that honestly meant a lot. It meant Jen cared about whatever was happening here. Of course, she would have dressed up if they’d been going to a restaurant, but Suzanne had wondered if casual would have been better. Right now, she was glad she had spent the last hour or so applying makeup. She wanted Jen to know she was trying, too.

“You look…” Jen puffed out her cheeks and shook her head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Then say nothing and get yourself inside.” Suzanne encouraged Jen through the door, closing it the moment she was over the threshold. “You look amazing, Jen.”

“Thank you.” Jen stepped closer and pulled Suzanne in. When their lips met, Suzanne gripped the front of Jen’s shirt. Quite frankly, she wasn’t sure they’d make it to dinner. It seemed far more necessary to take Jen upstairs right now. When they broke apart, Jen’s eyes practically agreed. “You smell so good.” Jen held onto Suzanne’s waist, her eyes dipping as she smiled. “And you look remarkable.”

“I wanted to make the effort.” Suzanne guided Jen into the dining area. “And I’m glad I did since youreallyturned up.” Suzanne looked back at Jen, her gaze sweeping up her body. “You and black shirts go very well together.”

“I will admit that it took me a few hours to decide what to wear.” Jen lifted a shoulder, clearly not caring about too much honesty. But Suzanne loved that. It meant Jen felt comfortable with her. “My mum thought we were being burgled.”

“Oh, you’re one of those people? Empties the entire wardrobe until you’re satisfied?”

Jen held up her hands and laughed. “Guilty.”

“Me too. I’m terrible for it.” Suzanne moved through into the kitchen and took a 0% beer from the fridge. She handed it to Jen, then lifted the 0% gin and tonic she’d poured just before Jen had arrived. “Cheers to a second date.”

Jen checked the label before she clinked her beer bottle to Suzanne’s glass. “Cheers to you being so thoughtful.”

“Thoughtful?”

“Yeah. The beer. Most people wouldn’t bother to accommodate someone who didn’t drink alcohol.” Jen rested back against the edge of the dining table, holding out a hand to Suzanne. “But you? I think I’m beginning to understand that you’re kinda perfect.”

“Me? Oh, I’m not perfect. I never will be. But I do want you to feel comfortable here. I want you to enjoy the time we spend together. A few bottles of alcohol-free beer just seemed logical to me.” Suzanne came to stand between Jen’s legs. “And I’m drinking alcohol-free gin. It’s actually pretty good.”

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