Page 122 of Things We Need to Say

‘Yes, I know when we’ve spoken about working with us before, you said you preferred to go your own way, but I think you’ve learned so much at the Rosemont that we’d be offeringyou the job based on your skills and experience, rather than because we know you.’

‘Oh, I see. And what makes you say I’ve learned a lot at the Rosemont?’

‘Ah, well.’ Alex couldn’t quite look her in the eye. ‘I had a word with Faye — and she couldn’t sing your praises highly enough.’

‘You spoke to Faye?’

‘Yes.’

‘And she wants to get rid of me, does she?’

‘Quite the contrary. In fact, she was miffed about me headhunting you. But she thinks a fresh start might be good for you.’

‘Oh, right.’ Emma was once more lost for words at Faye’s thoughtfulness.

‘In fact, if you do agree to work for us I think I’ll have to watch out for her poaching you back further down the line. So what do you think?’

‘I’m a bit shocked, to be honest,’ Emma said. ‘But I am interested.’

‘Great.’ Alex grinned. ‘Why don’t you give me a ring next week and we can fix a date for you to come and have a look around the hotel, and meet some of the staff? We can take it from there.’

‘Sounds like a plan,’ Emma said.

Liz came back over to them. ‘Well, you’re both smiling, so that must be a good sign.’

‘Let’s just say we’re working on it.’ Alex gave Emma a wink.

‘That’s good timing because I think Betty is about to give a speech.’

Betty stood up from the chair she’d been sitting in, while Jay tapped the side of a wine glass with a fork.

‘So much for the woman who didn’t want to be the centre of attention,’ Emma whispered as the room hushed. Liz chuckled.

Betty thanked everyone for coming and said that she was delighted so many people had turned up to share her eightieth birthday with her.

‘My family and friends mean everything to me, so it’s wonderful that you’re all here tonight. And while this may be my eightieth birthday, I still feel like I’m in my twenties and I have plenty of things to do before I pop my clogs, so I’m planning on sticking around for a good while yet.’

Everyone laughed, and then began to sing as a birthday cake was brought into the room. Betty blew out the candles and as the cake was taken away she looked towards Jay, who called once more for hush. ‘Over to you, Jay.’

The colour rose in Jay’s cheeks as he cleared his throat. ‘As you all know, I’d much rather be hiding back in the kitchen than taking centre stage, but tonight is a very special night and I’m hoping to make it even more special.’ He looked over to Emma.

‘Em? Could you come and join me, please?’

Puzzled, Emma looked to Liz and Alex, who were both smiling.

‘You knew about this, didn’t you?’

Liz said nothing, but pushed her gently forward. Hesitantly Emma made her way towards Jay, and felt her face flush with embarrassment as everyone’s eyes landed on her. Jay held out his hand and drew her to him.

‘Emma, you know I’m not big on romantic gestures, but tonight I wanted to show you how much you I love you.’ He reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a small box and went down on one knee before opening the box. ‘Emma Taylor, will you marry me?’

Emma looked at Jay in disbelief and saw love shining in his eyes.

All her life she’d felt second best, but not tonight. Tonight she knew she was truly loved, and knew exactly where she belonged. She wanted to hang on to this feeling for ever.

Without hesitation she answered with a smile that lit up her face.

‘Yes, Jay, I’d be absolutely honoured to become your wife.’

THE END