MADE IN ESSEX

Lisa had a feeling where this was going. ‘Yeah, go on.’

‘Well, when I asked about him, she said he was a carpenter and he was from round here. So I asked his name,’ she looked up at Lisa’s face, unsure whether to continue, ‘and she told me it was Jake Sutcliffe.’

Lisa froze. She could hear her heart beating so loud it sounded like someone was banging drums ferociously. Her head felt hot, like it was going to burst.

‘Are you okay, honey?’ Nicola asked, worried. ‘Oh, babe, please don’t get upset. I didn’t want to tell you, but thought it was better coming from me than someone else!’

Lisa couldn’t speak. She never thought she’d feel this way. She knew Jake hadn’t been the right man for her and she knew her cheating on him was a cry for help, but now he was gone for good. She could never get him back, even if she wanted. He had moved on; he was marrying someone else. How could he have moved on with someone else so quickly? How could he be engaged again?

‘Lisa?’

Lisa shook herself and looked up at Nicola. ‘Sorry. I was in a world of my own. I’m okay. Thanks for telling me. It just feels so weird! I can’t believe Jake is marrying someone else. He didn’t waste any time did he? We’ve only been split up for eight months and he is already engaged again!’

Nicola shrugged, her brow wrinkling. ‘Maybe it’s just a rebound?’

‘No, Jake would never propose on a rebound. He is far too sensible for that. He just loves being in relationships and he’s obviously met someone else he truly loves already. I’m happy for him, really I am. But, I just feel so shocked. I always assumed it would take him ages to get over our relationship, like it’s taking me. Yes, I’m happy and I like being single, but I’m still not one hundred per cent over him. I’ve been with him since I was sixteen! I still have days when I feel a bit lonely and question whether I did the right thing!’

Nicola cocked her head to one side thoughtfully. ‘That’s understandable. You know you did the right thing, don’t you?’

‘Yes,’ Lisa said, ‘I know I wouldn’t have been happy to stay with him forever and that wouldn’t be fair on me or him. I always knew he’d meet someone else and I thought I’d feel fine about it, but I’m so shocked. The thought of him being with someone else just seems so strange. This time last year, he was with me and we were happy. Well, I thought I was, anyway. He’s moved on so quickly and is settled again. Then there’s me going on loads of dates and just being the fussiest person in the world.’

‘We’re too young to meet Mr Right,’ Nicola said.

Lisa thought for a moment. ‘You’re right. Let’s just have fun meeting Mr Wrongs!’

‘That’s the spirit,’ Nicola said getting up, ‘now come with me to the kitchen.’

Lisa followed as Nicola pulled out a bottle of Moët from the fridge and got two glasses out of one of the cupboards. She squealed as she pulled the cork out and it made a loud popping sound.

‘Scares me every time it does that, honey!’ she explained, her hand on her chest. She filled their glasses. ‘A toast. To being single, having fun and to not being engaged at twenty-two!’

‘I’ll cheers to that,’ Lisa smiled. ‘Also, to having the most fun ever in our new flat. Cheers!’

‘Cheers,’ Nicola grinned, taking a sip of the bubbly liquid.

They both jumped when they heard dogs barking.

Lisa put her glass on the glass table. ‘Oh my God, Cupcake!’

‘Oh shit,’ Nicola muttered under her breath, worrying when they saw the flat door ajar.

Luckily the dog sounded close by, and Lisa sighed in relief when they opened the flat door and found Cupcake barking at a miniature Yorkshire Terrier dog sitting at the door of the flat opposite.

‘Cupcake, that’s enough!’ Lisa said loudly, trying to capture the dog’s attention, which didn’t work. The other dog started to bark back even louder and Cupcake made a growling sound.

‘Cupcake, honey,’ Nicola chipped in. ‘Be nice.’

‘Yes Cupcake, stop that. Come inside, that’s enough,’ Lisa said sternly, wagging her finger at the dog.

They heard a girl shouting in the flat opposite and when she appeared Lisa stood there with her mouth wide open, agog.

‘Oh hi, it’s Lisa, isn’t it? What are you doing here? Is that your flat? Buddy, stop that yapping!’ she yelled at her dog, brazenly.

‘Adele? You live here?’ Lisa asked, her voice almost a whisper, hoping she was just visiting a friend. This couldn’t be happening!

‘Babe, these flats are like the nicest round here for miles. Of course I live here!’ Adele cackled, reminding Lisa of a witch.

‘Oh …’ Lisa said feebly, her earlier excitement bursting like a bubble.

‘So is this your flat or your friend’s?’ Adele asked, eyeing them one at a time quizzically.

‘It’s mine,’ Nicola informed her politely, ‘and Lisa is going to be renting a room as from tomorrow.’

‘Oh amazing!’ Adele smiled, ‘we can do dinner and have girly nights in. How great is it we live opposite?’

Lisa nodded unenthusiastically, ‘Yeah, really great.’

‘Excuse the state of me, girls, I’ve only just got back from last night, if you know what I mean,’ Adele grinned, pulling her dressing gown round her tighter.

‘What’s his name?’ Nicola asked with a wry smile.

Adele held her hands up with a mock-offended look. ‘Now come on. Do I look like the kind of girl that would kiss and tell? Sorry, I didn’t catch your name?’

‘It’s Nicola.’

‘I’m Adele.’ She picked up Buddy who was still barking at Cupcake and shut him in her flat. ‘Give them time and they’ll be best friends,’ she gave a short, gravelly laugh, which sounded like she smoked too many cigarettes. ‘Do you mind if I take a look at your flat?’

Lisa looked at Nicola, willing her to say no. She wanted to get away from Adele and pretend this wasn’t happening. How could she live in the flat opposite? Out of the whole of Essex, what were the chances of them both being in the same building? It wasn’t fair! This was supposed to be their dream flat. A chance to finally taste freedom. This wasn’t freedom – what with Adele living dead opposite, showing up at their door every night, like Lisa bet she would. Girly nights in? This was a complete nightmare!

‘Of course you can,’ Nicola said, scooping up Cupcake and walking inside.

Lisa followed reluctantly.

‘Oh, it’s so tiny compared to my one!’ Adele exclaimed, looking delighted as she nosed around in every room. She noticed Nicola’s frown as she made her way out of the bathroom. ‘Of course, it’s more homely or whatever this way though.’

She clearly doesn’t want to get on the wrong side of Nicola, Lisa thought resentfully.

‘How big is your one then?’ Nicola enquired.

‘It’s got a much bigger lounge and the rooms are double the size,’ Adele boasted smugly. ‘Your one is really cute and small, though I could never live somewhere as little as this myself.’

‘Well I like it,’ Lisa retorted.

‘Oh great, champagne!’ Adele squeaked, walking to the kitchen and looking through the cupboards for a glass.

Nicola looked at Lisa questioningly and Lisa gave her a furious expression to show how annoyed she was with Adele for just inviting herself in for a drink. What a nerve she had! Helping herself to their champagne! Who did she think she was?

‘We can’t stay for long,’ Lisa lied, frustrated that Adele had ruined her morning. First she found out Jake was engaged, now this.

‘Oh I’ll just have a quick glass to celebrate us being neighbours. Oh, it’s Moët,’ Adele said disparagingly, trying to disguise her grimace as she tasted it. ‘I haven’t had this since I was a teenager.’

‘What’s wrong with Moët?’ Nicola asked, puzzled.

‘Nothing, hun. It’s nice. I think I’ve just been spoilt with expensive champers in my time and it’s hard to go back to the cheap stuff. I’m a Cristal girl myself. Ignore me,’ Adele said, flapping her hand.

‘We will,’ Lisa said under her breath, making Nicola snort with laughter. ‘Anyway Adele, I hope you don’t mind, but we really must be going soon.’

Adele looked disappointed. ‘Oh right. Where are you going?’

Lisa was caught off guard. Where could she be going? ‘Oh … erm … we’re …’

‘She needs to go to the clinic,’ Nicola helped out quickly.

Lisa shot Nicola a baffled look, who then made a face as if to say the clinic was the first thing that came into her head.

‘The clinic? Are we talking …?’ Adele nodded, eyes widening as she gave them both a knowing look.

‘That’s right,’ Nicola said, continuing the lie, ‘the STD clinic.’

‘But it’s Sunday,’ Adele frowned. ‘What clinic is open Sunday and what’s actually wrong?’

Lisa faked a strained expression. ‘I’d really rather not say.’

‘Oh, well okay then,’ Adele said, looking rather uncomfortable as she downed her champagne. ‘Though if you want my advice the best clinic to go to is the one in Romford and ask for Dr Stevens, he’s the best. Hot too. He’s helped me loads in the past.’ Adele looked flustered as she realised what she’d just said. ‘Not loads exactly … just the one time. Anyway, must go, I think I can hear Buddy barking for me!’

She turned and left, leaving Nicola and Lisa standing there in fits of laughter.

*

Sam woke up and groaned. His head was throbbing in pain and he was gasping for a drink. What on earth had happened to him last night? How did he get home? He shivered, and wondered why he was completely naked. He had been so drunk and he could feel that he was going to be paying for it today. He got his phone from his bedside table and saw he had two messages. The first was from Jade. He squinted as he read the message, trying to focus on the words.

Morning. Hope you don’t mind, but I’m coming over this morning as I left my red notebook at yours and also think we need to talk. Xx

The message was sent about an hour ago, so he needed to sort himself quickly. He didn’t want Jade seeing him in this state. He was bemused when he saw his previous message was from Adele, and then memories of him speaking to her and apologising came flooding back to him.

Hi Sam. I left early this morning before you woke. I hope you don’t mind. Had the most amazing night with you;) You’re still as good as I remember! Adele xx

Sam felt as though someone had punched him. Still as good as she remembered? What was she talking about? What the hell happened? Surely he hadn’t … he couldn’t even bear thinking about it. This was a disaster! He felt his face burning and a sick feeling wash over him. He deleted the message, jumped up and grabbed his dressing gown, running to the toilet and just making it on time before he spewed up vast amounts of liquid. What a mess, he thought, as he hugged the toilet seat, feeling like death. Why on earth had he thought it was a good idea to drink so much? He was such an idiot! What had Adele meant? he questioned, as he got up and walked to the kitchen to get a sachet of Alka-Seltzer. He put the white tablet in a glass of water, waited for it to dissolve and then downed it as though his life depended on it. Please make me feel better, he prayed as he wiped his mouth, and inhaled deeply as another wave of nausea washed over him.

He froze when the loud shrill of the doorbell went off. Surely Jade wasn’t here already? He hadn’t even had a shower or brushed his teeth! He didn’t want her seeing him hungover; he knew she hated it when he went out and got wasted and now he could see why.

He opened the door, attempting a smile as he saw Jade’s pretty face staring back at him. Her long dark blonde hair was loose and wavy and even though she was wearing casual jeans and a mint green jumper she still looked as glamorous and sexy as ever.

‘Morning,’ she said, kissing him.

He grimaced as he turned; knowing he’d just been puking up and she’d kissed him.

‘Hi,’ he exhaled, concentrating on acting completely normal. He didn’t want her to guess anything was wrong.

‘Rough night?’ Jade asked, going into his room.

‘No, not too bad,’ he lied. ‘I’m just going to jump in the shower and brush my teeth. Won’t be long.’

‘Okay, I’ll watch the telly for a bit.’

Sam put his head under the hot sprays of water and rubbed his face. What had he done last night? Adele’s message kept flashing through his mind. He had to act normal. Whatever had happened, Jade couldn’t know about it. Surely he’d been too drunk to do anything though? He would never cheat on Jade, would he? If only he could piece together last night’s events. He honestly didn’t believe he had slept with Adele, but the sad and frustrating thing was, he couldn’t be certain. He was so annoyed with himself for being so stupid! He had been completely drunk, which was why he’d blacked out and could only remember being in the club. The last thing he remembered was speaking to Adele. Why did things go so wrong whenever she was around? He needed to talk to her and get her to tell him the truth. The trouble was, he was terrified what she was going to say. He wrapped a towel round his waist, brushed his teeth and put some deodorant on and then made his way to his room. Stay calm, he told himself; you’re not ill, you’re fine. And you did not do anything untoward with Adele last night.

‘There’s nothing on,’ Jade sighed as she saw him, throwing the remote control on the bed. She sat down and patted the duvet. ‘Come sit.’

Sam sat down, feeling nervous and paranoid. Alcohol always made him feel that way the day after, and he wondered, not for the first time in his life, why he even bothered drinking. It always seemed like such a good idea at the time.

‘Listen,’ Jade started easily, ‘I really want to apologise for being so busy recently. I’ve let you down time and time again, but I promise it’s got nothing to do with my feelings towards you. I just really want my business to do well, but you’re more important to me and will always come first. I’ve been in another world recently and I’m out of it now. I’m so sorry for always being late and letting you down, I really am. But it stops now.’

Sam put his head in his hands and gave a gusty sigh. ‘Jade, it’s me that should be sorry. I was acting like such a spoilt brat not getting my own way, and I know it’s not your fault you’ve not had much time recently. I was just hurt and disappointed, which turned into anger. I know it’s pathetic. I want your business to do as well as you do, trust me. I suppose I just don’t like sharing you. In a selfish way, I like to have all of your time, but I understand that that’s not always going to be the case.’

Jade gave a natural smile, looking relieved they were having this conversation. ‘So we’ve made up then?’

He nodded.

‘Good,’ she said, ‘that means I didn’t buy the tickets for nothing.’

‘What tickets?’ he asked, baffled.

‘Plane tickets to Italy. I’ve booked a long weekend in a hotel for the two of us in September. We’ll have so much fun and Kelly may be booking for her and Billy to go too. It’ll still be hot and we can sunbathe all day and go for romantic dinners at night,’ she beamed.

‘Babe, are you kidding? That’s amazing!’ He pulled her to him, kissing her passionately. ‘That’s so nice of you.’

‘You’re worth it,’ she replied, kissing him back.

‘I love you,’ Sam said without thinking. It was the first time he’d ever told her. The words just came right out and he felt embarrassed, not knowing where to look.

‘Awww,’ Jade looked into his eyes, ‘it’s a good job I love you too then.’

Sam smiled warmly, even though his head was throbbing in pain. He was so glad he’d finally said it and even happier she loved him too. Jade pushed him playfully on the bed and slid the towel off from round his waist. ‘You know the best thing about arguments?’ she asked him, with a suggestive glint in her eye.

‘What’s that?’ He smirked.

‘Making up,’ she said, her voice soft and sexy.

Sam pulled the duvet back and got under, watching her as she removed her clothes and joined him. He kissed her hungrily, his heart beating faster by the second. As he felt under the covers to touch her warm body, his fingers brushed past something unexpected. As Jade kissed his chest, he sneakily peered underneath the covers and felt faint with fear when he saw an unfamiliar bright pink thong. Where on earth had that come from? The words from Adele’s text message flashed through his mind: You’re still as good as I remember. It must be Adele’s thong! He frantically kicked it to the very end of the bed where Jade wouldn’t see it, then did his very best to try to relax. Unluckily though, there was only one thing on his mind the whole time.

*

An hour later and Jade was still lying in bed with Sam, cuddling up to his warm body and not wanting to leave the bed. The TV was on in the background and Sam was playing a game on his iPhone. She stretched lazily and smiled. He’d finally said he loved her! She felt like she’d been waiting forever to hear those words. There had been so many times she was sure he was going to say it, but nothing. Now he had, Jade felt she could finally tell him her true feelings also; she was head over heels in love with him too.

‘I better get going,’ she groaned, getting out of bed and getting her clothes on, ‘you need to leave for football soon.’

Sam looked at the clock on his wall and sighed, ‘Yeah, you’re right. I would rather just stay with you today if I’m honest. But, I can’t let the team down and then I’ve got to help my cousin, Joe.’

‘Are you sure you don’t want me to help?’ Jade offered sweetly.

‘No it’s fine. Thanks though, it’s nice of you. When will I see you next?’

‘Look at you,’ Jade smirked teasingly, ‘just can’t get enough of me.’

‘You’re not wrong there,’ he said, pulling her over to him as she pulled her jeans on, and making her giggle as he kissed her.

‘Why don’t we go for dinner one night this week?’ she suggested as she wrapped her arms around him.

He nodded as he kissed her neck. ‘Sounds good.’

‘Oh before I go, I need my red notebook. Good job I remembered. Whereabouts did you put it?’

Sam was mystified. ‘Where did you leave it? If I’m honest, I haven’t even seen it. You sure you left it here?’ he asked, glancing round his room.

‘Yeah, a hundred per cent,’ Jade replied as she walked around and searched.

‘What about in the lounge? Or kitchen?’ Sam suggested. He hadn’t seen it in his room.

Jade pushed her hair back from her face. ‘I didn’t even go in there though. I only came in your room.’

‘I swear to God I haven’t seen it. You must have left it somewhere else.’

Jade scratched her head, perplexed. ‘Maybe Kelly picked it up then? Or maybe it’s in my car or something? I was certain I’d left it here though. I remember bringing it in.’

Sam shrugged. ‘It’ll turn up. I’ll search a bit more here if you want and call you if I find it.’

‘Thanks,’ she answered, frustrated with herself for losing something so important. How could she have lost it? It had every bit of information they needed in there. ‘I’ll have another look round and then go in a bit.’

Fifteen minutes later, Jade kissed Sam goodbye, leaving his flat without her notebook. She was losing her mind. She was certain she’d left it at Sam’s. She got in her car and searched everywhere, but to no avail. Where on earth had she put it? How had it disappeared into thin air? Her phone rang and she was glad when she saw Kelly’s name flashing on her screen.

‘Hello,’ she answered.

‘Hi, babe,’ Kelly greeted her brightly. ‘How did it go last night?’

‘Yes, really well. The website is pretty simple to work and I think I’ll be able to upload the products quite easily. I was just about to call you actually. Did you take my red notebook by accident?’

Kelly paused as she thought. ‘No. Why, have you lost it?’

‘Yeah. I was sure I left it at Sam’s when I dropped you back and then went to see him, but it’s not there, I just checked. I must have left it at Tony’s then. I don’t think it’s there though. It’s so strange.’

‘It must be at Tony’s, hun,’ Kelly replied to reassure her. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll find it. It’s bound to turn up somewhere. I was just calling you because I’ve been up since seven this morning making some sample bikinis for the photo shoot.’

Jade felt excited. ‘Oh well done. Do they look good?’

‘Totes amaze. Seriously, whoever wears them is going to look so reem it’s not even funny.’

Jade laughed gaily. ‘Well, I look forward to seeing them. Aren’t you tired getting up so early at the weekend?’

‘No babe, I would work twenty-two hours a day, every day doing this. I love it!’

Jade was confused. ‘Why twenty-two hours?’

‘You know, a full day, hun,’ Kelly answered as though it was obvious.

‘A full day is twenty-four hours though,’ Jade said, smirking.

Kelly gave a little giggle. ‘Is it? Oh my God, how funny? I thought it was twenty-two. Are you sure?’

Jade burst into laughter. ‘I’m pretty certain, Kelly.’

Kelly laughed even more at herself. ‘So, shall we meet Lisa for lunch today and ask her to do our bikini modelling?’

‘Yes, good idea. If there are two of us we’ll be able to convince her. Then I’ll go to yours after and help you do more bikinis.’

‘Cool. Call me in a bit and I’ll ring her.’

*

Two hours later the girls were sitting in Pizza Express in Loughton.

‘What did you get up to last night?’ Kelly asked Lisa as she studied the menu, running her long French-manicured finger down the page.

‘Oh, I had another date actually. A guy called Mark who Nicola set me up with because her brother plays rugby with him and thought we’d hit it off.’

‘And?’

‘Mmm … he was okay,’ Lisa said nonchalantly. ‘His shoulders were a bit too broad for my liking. I have so much to tell you two by the way.’

‘Oh good, I love a gossip,’ Kelly said eagerly as the waiter came over and took their orders.

‘The first thing is that I heard some news about Jake today. Big news,’ Lisa told them as she handed her menu back to the waiter.

‘Jake your ex?’ Jade asked, wondering why Lisa was talking about him all of a sudden.

Lisa nodded. ‘I met up with Nicola today to see the flat, which is amazing by the way and where the second part of my news comes in, but I’ll discuss that afterwards. Anyway, so I met her and she told me that her nail technician …’

‘What? Where and who does she go to? She could use me!’ Kelly interrupted morosely with a pout.

‘Okay, calm down,’ Jade giggled, ‘I’m sure Lisa will tell her all about how fantastic you are and she’ll use you in future. Go on, Lisa. What about Jake?’

‘He’s engaged. Just like that. He’s all loved up with this nail person Nicola knows and already he’s replaced me with someone else. That quickly! I can just see him now; he’s probably bought a flat, she’s moved in and they probably sit there doing each other’s nails every night.’

Jade sat there, incredulous. Jake was engaged to someone else so soon? She’d imagined him wallowing in self-pity for months, not getting hitched!

‘Well I think that maybe it’s a good thing,’ Kelly finally spoke. ‘I mean, at least you won’t have to feel guilty now he’s happy with someone else?’

‘I suppose so,’ Lisa replied stoically. ‘It’s just a really weird feeling, but I’m glad he’s happy. I would be a complete cow not to be pleased for him.’

‘And you’ll be happy with someone else one day too,’ Jade added, trying to cheer up her friend.

Kelly grinned. ‘Yeah babe, you go on more dates than bloody Russell Brand, I wouldn’t worry!’

Lisa snorted with laughter. ‘The next bit of news is probably even worse than that. Just guess who lives dead opposite our flat?’

‘Oh please say Jodie Marsh or Chantelle Houghton or someone? I could do with some celebrity clients. People love it if you’ve got a few celebs under your belt, my beauty business would be even more booming and we can give them a free bikini each,’ Kelly said hopefully.