Page 69 of Be More Octopus

'He's got academic contacts all over the world. I'm sure he'll tell us all about it when he comes back.'

Em was back in her flat that afternoon, doing her best to paint another cheery view of Dashford to replace the one Phil had sold at the weekend. She should be working on Jack's portrait, but she couldn't face it. Her phone rang. Lucy. Em put down her brush, wiped her hands on her apron and answered it.

'How are you? Recovered from the weekend?' Lucy asked.

'I've had a lie-in, and I feel fine now, thanks.'

'You sound a bit down to me.'

Em was fed up but Lucy sounded like she had some news to share. 'I'm fine. How are you? You sound like you're excited about something?'

'I am. Lars has invited me to go with him to visit his folks in Canada in September.'

'Wow! He is serious then.'

'Looks like it.'

'And you're ok with that? I remember what you said in Newquay.'

'Yes. I was having a wobble. We had a serious relationship conversation when I got back last night. I think we're on the same page.'

'I'm so happy for you.'

'We just need to get you sorted now.'

'I'm considering joining a convent. It would be a whole lot simpler.'

'Lars is going away on a stag weekend at the end of next week. I'm guessing you'll be working, so can I come and stop with you? We'll see if we can find you the perfect man.'

'Good luck with that.'

'You're not going to find him staying in Dashford Grange. Any news on Jack and Isabella?'

Em filled Lucy in on why Jack had gone back to London.

'That's great news! Not for Jack's sister, obviously, but you're still in with a chance.'

'Am I? I’m not sure I'll be able to look Jack in the face after that night with Karl.'

‘Why? You didn’t cheat on him. You and Jack have never got together properly. And you thought Jack was back with Isabella. Plus, you were fantasising that Karl was Jack. You have absolutely nothing to apologise for.'

‘I still feel bad about it. I don't think Jack will see it that way. He was off being a saint while I was having a one-night stand. Anyway, he's left the country to spend the rest of the week with a mysterious woman.’

'He’s doing what? Tell me more.'

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

It had been a long week without Jack to talk to. Friday finally arrived, but there was still no sign of him. Em had checked the times of flights between Italy and all of the London airports to see if it was feasible for him to get home in time for the party. It was, but he should have landed by now, and she thought he would've texted her or Nancy if he was on his way.

'You've folded and unfolded those towels at least three times in the last five minutes. What's bothering you?' Nancy asked.

Nancy and Em were getting one of the guest bedrooms ready for Nancy's rock climbing friend, Daphne, who was stopping over after the portrait party that evening. 'It's not Jack, is it? I'm sure he'll be back today.'

'It's not just Jack. I've had nightmares all week about the party. Last night I dreamt no one turned up.'

'I've had 30 positive RSVPs, so I'm expecting at least 20 of them to turn up, plus a few who've forgotten to reply. That's how it usually works out. People do enjoy my parties, you know.' Nancy smiled. 'What other disasters have you dreamt up?'

'Everyone hated the portrait. One person hated it so much he put one of your cake forks through it and ripped it to shreds.'