Page 134 of An Unholy Affair
‘Seriously? About what?’
‘Apparently, I’ve broken the law in using my pork for “Sausage Saturdays”, broken church law by fitting a new back door and shower without permission, sublet the rectory for financial gain—’
‘Sublet? To whom? Jack? But you’re giving it to him for free, aren’t you?’
She nodded.
‘These are all minor things.’ Estelle let go of Eveline’s hands and pulled her phone from her bag. ‘I’m ringing the family solicitor. He’ll—’
‘Estelle, no. I can’t afford it—’
‘You’re not paying a fucking penny, Eveline.’
‘Stop! Wait, that wasn’t all of it.’
Estelle put her phone on the table. ‘Ah, so now we get to the part where you tell me you’ve been running drugs out of the rectory and selling off the church candlesticks?’
Fire stung her cheeks, but the desperate need to share what had happened with Jack burned just as strongly.
‘I’m, erm, in a relationship. I have a boyfriend.’
‘And you didn’ttellme? Fuck! It’s not that dweeb from the dating site, is it?’
Eveline shook her head.
‘Isaac? Look, I know I called first dibs, but I love you more than I lust after him, so I give you my blessing.’
The corners of Eveline’s mouth lifted. ‘It’s not Isaac.’
‘Phew-be-doo. He’s the only hottie in the village and I swear to God I’m going to make him mine.’ She frowned. ‘Finn?Connor?’
‘No.’
Estelle appeared completely confused. ‘Do I know him?’
‘It’s Jack.’
There was a brief pause, then Estelle’s face snapped from surprise to excitement. ‘Oh, my god! When did this happen? Is he staying in Foxbrooke now? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Is he good in be—no, don’t answer that. Does anyone else know? His mum?’
‘You know… And one other person.’
‘This is so cool! It means he’ll stay in Foxbrooke and won’t fuck off back to France!’
‘We don’t know that for sure.’
‘Bollocks. You’re a total babe and the nicest person I know. Of course he’ll stay.’ Estelle sighed happily, then her forehead creased. ‘But what has that got to do with Simon—oh fuck. Does he know? Is this why he’s trying to get you sacked?’
She nodded, swallowing bile as she imagined Simon watching her and Jack. She felt utterly violated.
‘But how?’ Estelle continued. ‘You and Jack are both single. What’s the fucking problem here?’
Eveline dropped her head. ‘We made love in the kitchen in front of the window. And Simon saw everything.’
‘What a fucking perve!’
‘No, Estelle, he’s not. He’s so lovely.’
‘Not Jack, doofus,Simon. Once Jack finds out about this, that sleazeball is going to get what’s coming for him.’
