Page 89 of A Lot to Unpack
Having Jordan around for all of that mess – and him not leaving – sounds great to me.
‘Here she is,’ my dad announces as Hannah joins us. She’s been doing the rounds, trying to get to everyone, so I guess it’s finally our turn.
‘Liberty,’ she squeals, giving me a slightly-too-tight hug – she’s definitely making the most of the prosecco. ‘Sorry, I feel like I’ve barely seen you! And you must be Jordan. I’ve heard so much about you. Thank you for coming.’
‘Thanks for inviting me,’ he replies. ‘You look beautiful, by the way. Absolutely stunning.’
Jordan smiles and I could swear Hannah swoons a little. So his charm works on everyone then. She blushes – she’s literally a blushing bride.
‘Well. You can stay,’ she jokes.
Dad drags Jordan into a conversation about something sport-related – and it sounds like he’s holding his own, so that’s a relief. Not that I care about sports but getting used to my dad’s constant chat is easier if you’re invested.
‘He’s great,’ Hannah whispers to me. ‘I’m so happy for you. Especially after everything that happened.’
‘Thanks,’ I reply. ‘I’m really glad I got to be here – for you. And Jordan is right, you look unreal, Han. You deserve every part of this amazing day.’
She squeezes my arm.
‘Whoever I go talk to next isn’t going to be able to top that,’ she tells me before she moves on to the next group.
Just as I’m finishing my drink and trying to decide what to have next, I notice Auntie Eleanor making a determined beeline for us. Oh, joy. This will be the real test for Jordan. I’m practically bracing.
‘Liberty,’ she says. ‘I feel like we’ve barely spoken since this morning…’
We haven’t spoken at all since this morning.
‘Hi, Auntie Eleanor.’ I smile, trying to show her that I come in peace. ‘Have you met Jordan?’
‘Not yet.’ She turns to him like she’s about to give him a performance review. ‘So. What do you do, Jordan?’
‘I work in tech,’ he tells her. ‘Dating apps – I’m just about to launch a new one actually.’
‘Another one?’ she says, eyebrows raised. ‘Isn’t the market saturated?’
‘Name five,’ I suggest.
‘Possibly,’ Jordan tells her, not giving her a chance to react to my remark. ‘But we’re trying to do things differently. Safer. Smarter. More honest.’
Auntie Eleanor makes a vaguely approving noise – or maybe her huge hat is just cutting off the blood flow to her brain.
‘And what are your intentions with our Liberty?’ she asks him.
Our Liberty? It’s not like her to take ownership of me.
‘I’m really enjoying her company,’ Jordan tells her, happy to answer the question. ‘She makes me laugh, she keeps me on my toes, and every day I spend with her, I want to know more.’
Auntie Eleanor stares at him – I don’t know if she’s doubting his word or maybe she’s simply struggling to believe that anyone could feel that way about me.
‘Well, good luck to you both,’ she says.
And with that vague threat of a blessing, she leaves as quickly as she appears.
As soon as she’s out of earshot, Jordan leans in to my ear.
‘Good job I didn’t tell her my actual intentions,’ he replies. ‘Not for tonight, anyway.’
‘I’m looking forward to finding out what those are,’ I reply as I plant a kiss on his cheek.
