If You're Not the One by Jemma Forte Page B

I’ve got to go out in this rain I may as well.’
    As Jennifer waited for the kettle to boil, she wished Aidan would go. Apart from anything else her new book on reflexology had arrived and she wanted to start readingit in peace. She was seriously considering applying to do a course. Emma, a friend of hers from yoga, who was already a qualified practitioner, had told her a lot about it. The subject completely fascinated her. Becoming a certified reflexologist would not only provide a way to earn some more money but she suspected would also be something she’d actually enjoy.
    If only Aidan would find something to get enthused about. It would make life a lot easier. She was unable to prevent one solitary tear from rolling down her cheek and onto the laminate worktop which due to how old it was never looked totally clean no matter how much she scrubbed it. She wiped the tear away impatiently, bored of feeling down. Bored of feeling bored.
    She glanced at the cork notice-board which was covered in bills, all of which needed paying, takeaway menus, letters from Nath’s school and, in the middle, a photograph. A tatty, dog-eared photo of her mum and dad, whom she hadn’t seen for eighteen long years now. For what felt like the thousandth time her hand went to her dressing gown pocket to feel the letter she’d received from her mother only a week ago. It had come to her work address and she knew it pretty much off by heart.
    Her mum wanted to see her. Her dad still hadn’t come round but her mum had decided it was finally time to let bygones be bygones. The only decision that needed to be made was where and when. Possibly the most surprising thing of all to Jennifer was that, rather than questioningthe decision to contact her mother in order to hold out an olive branch, all She found herself debating was why she’d left it this long.
    As she was stirring the teas Aidan appeared behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
    â€˜All right, gorgeous?’
    â€˜Yeah,’ she said miserably, feeling anything but.
    â€˜You just rest up while I go out. Put your feet up,’ he said, as if he was bestowing some massive favour upon her.
    Too right she’d be putting her feet up. She had a double shift tomorrow, and one the day after that and besides, ‘putting his feet up’ was all Aidan seemed capable of doing these days, so why shouldn’t she?
    â€˜Even go back to bed. I know you’ve been dying to start reading that book. Then maybe me, you and Nath can have something from the chippy tonight?’
    â€˜All right,’ she agreed, slightly mollified. ‘Sounds good.’
    â€˜Eh, what’s up?’ he said, spinning her round to face him. ‘If you’re still worried about my mobile bill don’t be. Worst comes to the worse I’ll get my old “pay as you go” out but knowing you you’ll rake the tips in tomorrow. I know my girl and not only are you my sexy little minx, you’re a bloody good little waitress too.’
    In that instant Jennifer figured she should just tell him. After all, given everything she’d given up for him over the years, friends, family, an education, prospects, surelyhe wouldn’t begrudge her the chance to rekindle relationships which had been put on hold for long enough now? There wasn’t so much water under the bridge as opposed to an entire river.
    â€˜Mum wrote to me,’ she said calmly, deciding to omit the fact that she’d been the one to get in contact first.
    Aidan’s face froze.
    â€˜She wants to see me and I think I’m going to go.’
    â€˜Why?’ he said, looking totally flummoxed.
    â€˜Honestly? You need to ask why?’
    â€˜Of course I need to ask why,’ he exclaimed, looking thunderous. ‘After all these years of them being sanctimonious, judgemental arseholes, I hardly think I’m weird for thinking you should give them a wide berth. They treated