Page 33 of Be More Octopus

It was Em's turn for a hug. Olivia squashed her against her ample chest, nearly suffocating her in a cloud of Chanel No 5, then stood back to look her up and down too.

'You look lovely as well.’

Em wasn't sure her jeans and strappy top were that lovely, especially after a day on the road, but at least Jack's mother seemed to like her.

'Will you join us for dinner? Nancy's making her amazing paella. There's enough for everyone, isn't there, Nancy?'

'Of course. You must eat with us. You can tell us all about what you and Jack have been doing today. ' Nancy seemed equally as enthusiastic about Em joining them.

'We did have a big Sunday lunch earlier,' Jack said, looking at Em. It looked like he was trying to read her body language to decide how to respond to the invite, or perhaps he hoped she'd say no.

'But we could just have a small portion of paella for dinner?' Em looked at Jack.

He smiled. 'Yes, let's do that.'

She’d given the correct answer, then.

'Have I got time to freshen up, Nancy?' Em asked.

'Yes, dinner will be ready in 20 minutes.'

Em arrived back in the house just as Nancy was serving the paella.

'I was about to send Jack to get you,' Nancy said.

'Sorry - I lost track of time.' That wasn't entirely true. After a quick shower, she'd spent the little time she had left trying on different outfits.

She settled on a floral sundress which she hadn't worn for ages. It seemed more appropriate for a meal in Nancy's grand dining room than jeans and a T-shirt.

Jack noticed the dress. 'That's pretty. I haven't seen you in a dress before. It suits you.'

'Thanks. I fancied a change from jeans.'

'So, tell me all about your art,' Olivia said. 'Nancy sent me a photo of her portrait. It's excellent.'

'Thank you. I've got several pieces I'm working on currently. A couple of landscapes that I'm hoping the gallery in the village will be interested in. And then there's Jack's portrait, of course. We haven't completely settled on the background for that, have we?' she said, trying to bring Jack into the conversation, so it was less of an interrogation.

'I assumed it would be in your office, darling,' Olivia said, not giving Jack a chance to answer. 'Though perhaps that's not such a good idea at the moment with you know who around.'

'Em knows about Isabella.' Jack shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

Olivia hesitated for a moment. 'She came to see me the other day. I'll talk to you about it later.'

Jack looked even more worried now. 'You can tell me in front of Nancy and Em.'

'If you're sure.' Olivia didn't look entirely convinced. 'She begged me to tell you she wants to get back together. She told me how sorry she was about what had happened. That it was a misunderstanding.' Olivia kept glancing at Em to see how she was reacting. Em concentrated on her meal, feeling very awkward. 'I told her I didn't trust her, and neither did you now. I asked her to leave you alone. I hope that was ok.'

'Yes, thank you. I've got to go back to London for a few days next week. I'm hoping she won't pounce on me.' Em pricked up her ears at that. He hadn't mentioned a London trip to her. But then why would he?

'Is she expecting you?' Olivia looked concerned.

'It's a summer school. I've got to deliver a couple of lectures, that's all. It's not a public event, so she shouldn't know anything about it.'

'You can stop in my London flat,' Nancy offered. 'She's never been there, so hopefully she won't find you, in case she's got someone watching your flat or your mother's house. I wouldn't be surprised if she has.'

Em didn't know Nancy had a London home as well. Surely she hadn't kept the one where she'd found her husband dead in bed? Em kept her head down, thinking her thoughts must be written all over her face.

'When are your lectures?' Nancy asked Jack.