MADE IN ESSEX. Laura Ziepe

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СКАЧАТЬ 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,’ СКАЧАТЬ