Page 43 of Washed Up

Frankie remembered Dylan’s words. Was Jake in love with her?

‘Not jealous, are you?’ she ventured.

His eyes flashed. ‘I do have green eyes,’ he said, his mouth curling up in a grin.

‘So?’ said Frankie, watching him carefully.

‘The green-eyed monster? Don’t tell me you’ve never heard that expression before.’

‘I’ve never heard it.’

‘Well, anyway, the point is, don’t be ridiculous. And also, can I walk you back?’

Frankie stared at him. ‘So, you’re not jealous?’

He pulled the peak of his cap down, shading his eyes. ‘Of that guy? That one-hit wonder? Not a chance.’

‘You cocky bastard.’

‘You know me too well. Come on.’

She contemplated storming off ahead of him but what was the point? Sure, it was beautiful, but the problem with Herm was, if you wanted to escape, you had to sprout wings. Or hire a helicopter.

As they walked back up the hill towards home, she resisted the urge to check for any messages. She knew in her heart there was no way Dylan could have replied so quickly, he was literally about to go on stage, after all. Apparently. Not that she’d stared at the post so long it was burned into her retinas or anything.

‘You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?’ said Jake after a while.

‘Thought you weren’t jealous.’

‘I’m not. He’s not worth it, though. Just saying. He’s absolutely definitely got a girl in every town he plays in. And a few for luck. Trust me, I know the type.’

She raised an eyebrow at him. ‘And you’re so experienced, I suppose?’

Jake shrugged. ‘I’m a one-woman kind of guy. Whereas I’m not sure Dylan would even understand the concept of monogamy.’

‘When you say one woman, you mean one woman at a time.’

He had the grace to colour a little. ‘I mean, one woman. When I find her, that is.’

She tried to concentrate on the road ahead but she could feel his eyes on her. ‘Not much chance of finding her here, is there? Basically, it’s Sally. Or my mum, to be fair. She’d shag you in heartbeat.’ Frankie clamped a hand over her mouth. ‘God, I can’t believe I told you that. Please don’t shag my mother, as if it needs saying.’

To her relief, he laughed. ‘That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.’

Frankie glanced at him. ‘Come on, she’s hot. Also, oh my God, why am I still talking? I should never be allowed to talk to people.’

Jake laughed. ‘That’s the first sensible thing you’ve said all day. She may be beautiful but that is very much not the point. She’s your mum. And she’s married to your dad, or she was, the last time I checked.’

Frankie winced. ‘My poor father. There’s long suffering and then there’s my dad. I can’t believe I even joked about it. Now I feel sick.’

‘Oh charming. The idea of me having sex makes you feel sick, does it?’ said Jake.

‘Not you, no.’

As they reached the farm buildings at the top of the hill, Jake put a hand on her arm and turned her towards him. His green eyes flashed as he looked down at her intently, the smile gone from his lips. ‘There. That right there. The way you’re feeling about me shagging your mum – also, can we never say that phrase again, please – that’s how I felt about you and Dylan.’

‘What?’

‘You asked me. On the beach. Why I didn’t go on about Dylan being famous and whatnot. That’s why. Because I didn’t want you to fall in love with him.’