Page 71 of Washed Up

‘I guess we’re both idiots, then,’ said Frankie, lips pressed together as she tried to control her anger.

‘That’s for sure,’ said Sally a little wryly.

There was a long pause. Then they both burst out laughing.

Frankie got herself together first. ‘I’m so sorry, Sal. I’m sorry about smashing your phone. I’m sorry for being such an arse.’

‘Me too,’ said Sally, throwing her arms around her. ‘You and I, we don’t fall out, right?’

‘We can’t because I’ve got something to tell you. Something juicy,’ said Frankie.

‘Is it about you kissing Jake last night, you little hussy?’ said Sally, her eyes flashing fire.

‘What? How do you know about that?’ Frankie goggled at her friend.

Sally shrugged. ‘Saw him this morning. He was walking on air.’

‘Was he?’

‘Be careful there,’ said Sally. ‘Don’t break that lovely man’s heart, will you?’

Something twisted in Frankie’s chest. ‘I would never. And I’m sorry, I know you like him.’

Sally shrugged. ‘You might, you know. Break his heart, I mean. He’s got it bad. I couldn’t even get him to agree to go out for coffee with me, and well, just look at me.’

Frankie giggled.

‘Seriously,’ Sally continued. ‘If you don’t want him – and if what you told me about Dylan is true then you definitely don’t – you should end it fast.’

Frankie swallowed. What had she been thinking, kissing him? What a bitch she was. ‘I know. I’ll be careful.’

‘Is he a good kisser, then? I’ve always wondered.’ Sally’s left eyebrow lifted.

‘Yes. I mean, no. I mean, yes he is, a really good kisser but I’m sorry. I know you were hoping something might happen between you.’

‘I’ve got Bobby now. Don’t worry about me,’ said Sally. ‘I’ve never been so happy.’

‘If you’re sure you know what you’re doing,’ said Frankie.

‘Course I do,’ said Sally. ‘The question is, do you?’

Did she?

That night she sent Dylan a message.

Frankie: Hey, Dylan, thanks for your lovely message yesterday, and for the song, wow I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, it seems to have disappeared from my inbox, I’m so sorry, could you resend? Hope you have a great weekend. XXX

Three kisses. Three kisses should do it.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Frankie avoided Jake for as long as she could, but two days later, there he was as she came out of Kingfisher cottage on a warm sunny morning. Leaning on the gatepost, arms crossed. Looking quite delicious, actually, it had to be said. With still no word from Dylan, she was starting to think she’d imagined the whole song thing. And Jake was looking like a pretty good back-up option all round. She studied him, tried to get a handle on any feelings that might be lurking about inside her, but all she could think was that he looked damn fine in the morning sunshine. Was that enough to sustain… whatever this was?

‘Hey, you,’ he said, seemingly unbothered that she was just standing there, staring at him.

‘Good morning,’ she said, pulling the door to behind her.

He pushed off the gatepost with one foot and walked towards her. ‘How have you been?’