Page 149 of An Unholy Affair
Estelle knew something was amiss, so, like the true friend she was to both him and Eveline, became the life and soul of the party. Libby was sitting across the table from her, and the two of them traded jokes and banter until the table was in stitches.
But Jack couldn’t relax. Eveline may have been smiling and laughing, but she kept pressing her napkin to her forehead, and hadn’t eaten much. And underneath his concern was the gut-churning knowledge that he wasn’t good enough for her and could never give her what she needed.
‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ he asked as the desserts were brought out.
‘Please stop asking me that. Really, I’m fine.’
‘Sorry.’
Eveline pushed back her chair, and he went to stand. She put her hand on his arm and shook her head. ‘I’m just going to the ladies. I’ll be back in a bit.’
She dashed off, and Jack reached for his glass of water again.
‘What’s up?’ Estelle asked. ‘You’ve had a face like a dog’s dinner since we sat down.’
‘I’m worried about Eveline.’
‘She’ll be okay. You’ll be going back with her tonight?’
Am I?He nodded.
‘Well then, she’s not going to be on her own. Hopefully she’ll feel better after a good night’s shag.’
Jack gave her a look.
‘Sleep! I meant sleep!’
He stood. ‘I’m just going to check on her.’
‘Want me to come?’
Jack shook his head. ‘If we don’t come back, it means I’ve taken her home. I know it’s a dick move, but can I leave the rest of the night to you and the staff?’
‘Yeah, no worries. There’s fuck all to do now, anyway. You go.’
He moved, and Estelle grabbed his arm. ‘There is one thing…’
‘Yes?’
She eyed his untouched dessert. ‘In case you don’t come back, can I have your pudding?’
He managed a smile. ‘Of course.’
‘Excellent.’ She reached for his plate.
‘Er, I haven’t even left yet and I might come back?’
Estelle grinned. ‘I’m banking on the fact that you won’t.’
Outside,Jack strode down the corridor towards the nearest toilets.
‘Jasper!’
He froze.
‘Sacré bleu! C’est toi! Itisyou!’
Panic rushed through his veins, pushed by the frantic thud of his heart.Breathe! Breathe!He turned slowly, a smile on his face.
