Page 42 of Never Gonna Happen

‘It sounds stupid now you’ve said it.’

‘It is stupid. You’re twenty-nine and I’m thirty. We’re single, consenting adults. But if it makes you happy, I’ll do it.’

Emily thought about it for a moment, wondering if Jamie even asking Mr Hunter might reflect badly on her. She couldn’t see how. ‘Fine,’ she said. ‘But just hypothetically. You can’t tell him I know you’re asking.’

Jamie fished his phone out of his pocket and swiped the screen.

‘What, now?’ said Emily, her heart thumping.

‘No, three weeks on Tuesday,’ replied Jamie drily. ‘I’m very much hoping to kiss you again before midnight, so let’s get this done.’

He pressed a button and put the phone on speaker. Emily could hear the long, single note of the international dial tone, followed by a click of connection.

‘James!’ exclaimed Mr Hunter’s voice. ‘We were all just talking about you. Why aren’t you here with us?’

‘Sorry, Dad,’ said Jamie with a smile. ‘Maybe next time. I’m just ringing to wish you a Happy New Year.’

‘Well, that’s very thoughtful. Do you want to speak to your mother? We’re all going to a party shortly, but I think she’s still sober enough to speak.’ Emily heard a short scream in the background, followed by the sound of a slamming door.

Jamie pulled a face. ‘I’ll call her tomorrow, but give her my love.’ He smiled reassuringly at Emily. ‘I actually have a question for you.’

‘Of course, fire away.’

Emily felt a bit panicked. What if he was furious, or upset, or horrified that Jamie would consider somebody as ordinary as her?

‘It’s about Emily.’

‘Emily?’ said Mr Hunter, sounding surprised and concerned. ‘What about Emily?’

‘I wondered how you’d feel if I asked her out on a date.’

Mr Hunter was silent for a moment, and Emily felt like she might be sick. ‘My assistant? That Emily? You want to ask her on a date?’

‘Yes,’ said Jamie emphatically. ‘I really like her.’

‘Good lord, James,’ laughed Mr Hunter. ‘Absolutely not. I forbid it.’

Emily pressed the heels of her hands into her eyeballs as Jamie’s face fell. Tears weren’t far off, and she tried to push them back. ‘Can I ask why?’ Jamie asked, his voice wavering.

‘Because she’s far too good for the likes of you. If you start courting Emily, she’ll realise how entirely worthless my family is, then leave.’

Jamie laughed nervously. ‘You’re kidding, right?’

‘Of course I’m kidding,’ roared Mr Hunter. ‘You’re both adults and can do whatever you like. Although don’t be surprised if she tells you to bugger off; she can do much better than you.’

Jamie met Emily’s gaze as her insides did cartwheels. ‘Thanks, Dad.’

‘Is she there?’ asked Mr Hunter knowingly.

Jamie chuckled. ‘She is, actually.’

Mr Hunter chuckled. ‘Happy New Year, Emily. And to you, James.’

Emily couldn’t speak, so Jamie did it for her. ‘Happy New Year, Dad.’

He pressed the button to end the call and turned to Emily, picking up a snowy tendril of hair and tucking it back inside her bobble hat. ‘Better?’ he asked.

‘Much,’ said Emily, feeling like she was unravelling with a hundred different emotions. The realisation dawned that Jamie could be her boyfriend, and they wouldn’t have to sneak around, and this was happening for real.