Page 28 of A Fighter’s Love

No, that was ridiculous. They were simply nice guys looking out for her. They probably felt sorry for her because of the whole Billy situation and the way he’d used her.

But even so, they were taking her out for dinner.

She glanced down at her dull clothes—flat, comfortable shoes, black trousers and a pale blue blouse which had been through the washing machine more times than it should.

“I need to do something about this.” She quickly reached for her phone and drew up Stella’s number. She hit dial.

Stella picked up on the third ring. “Jenny, hi, you okay?”

“Yes, fine…” She paused. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how late it was.”

“It’s okay, I’ve just got home, been out to dinner.” She was quiet for a moment.

There were male voices in the background, deep and rumbling. Jenny couldn’t quite make out what they were saying or identify who it was.

“You sure you’re okay? You didn’t seem yourself at the office today,” Stella said.

“Er, yes.” Was that AndreandTristan with her? Had she been out for dinner with both of them? “Actually I’m ringing about dinner. I’ve been invited out, tomorrow night.”

“Oh, a Saturday night date, how exciting.”

“Well yes it is…the trouble is I have absolutely nothing to wear. I know it’s short notice but do you fancy a few hours retail therapy tomorrow afternoon?”

“Hang on.”

Again Jenny heard voices, then, “Sure,” Stella said, returning to the call. “That would be great. Shall we meet on the King’s Road, at Sloane Square Tube?”

“Perfect. About one.”

“Make it twelve and we’ll grab some lunch, make an afternoon of it.”

“I’d love that.” Jenny grinned. “See you then.” She hung up.

A bubble of excitement pinged in her stomach. Tomorrow was going to be a good day, an unusual one, with a few firsts, but she was looking forward to it.

Jenny awoke late the next morning to the sound of pigeons cooing in the tall tree outside her bedroom window. Before she even opened her eyes, thoughts of the day ahead swirled in her mind. Shopping with Stella was going to be great. Though she had some trepidation about what the night might bring—would Dale and Jackson tell her to keep her mouth shut about what she’d discovered? Was that the reason for the meal? To convince her they weren’t together or confess they were in love but demand her confidence?

She didn’t know, and the more she thought about Dale’s reaction to her mentioning Jackson when they’d kissed, and the way Jackson had ordered her out for dinner, the more confused she became.

Eventually, she pulled herself out of bed, showered and dressed in jeans and a plain white t-shirt. She opted for comfortable shoes then placed her bag over her head so the strap sat securely across her chest, and headed out of the front door.

Sloane Square was, as usual, busy with shoppers and tourists and it took a few minutes before Jenny spotted Stella through the crowd. Her work friend was dressed impeccably in a floral dress with flared skirt and nipped in waist and she wore a matching bow in her hair—though, like Jenny, she’d opted for flat shoes.

Stella saw Jenny and waved. As she moved closer it became apparent she had someone with her. A female with pretty dark hair and dressed like Jenny in jeans and a t-shirt.

“Hey,” Stella said, drawing up close. She gave Jenny a quick kiss on the cheek. “Meet Sian, I mentioned her at work the other day. I just bumped into her; she’s one of my oldest friends.”

“Hey, I’m not that old.” Sian laughed and directed her attention at Jenny. “It’s lovely to meet you though I hope you’re prepared for shopping with a professional. Stella takes clothes as seriously as most of us would take catching Ebola.”

Jenny smiled. Sian’s grin was infectious. “Well that’s good, because heaven knows I need some guidance.”

Stella linked both of their arms. “But first, let’s eat. I’m starved. You haven’t eaten yet have you, Sian?”

“Well no…but…”

“Oh yes, do join us,” Jenny said. Was this the woman who had two men in her life? The one Stella had talked about? If so, Jenny was intrigued as to what had motivated her to allow her husband to sleep with another man, and how did their happily ever after work now? Okay, so she could hardly ask across lunch but she might get some information that could helphersituation.

Chapter Eight

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