Page 52 of Love Is…?
So, I was wondering if you’re coming by today.
Jayde blinked.Clearly Tessa was staunch member of Team Pretend.
She tapped out her reply.
Good morning right back. Sorry. Got interviews and stuff. Abby’s in Sydney so probs won’t be coming by for maybe a week.
She sentthe message on its way, and watched the three dots bounce almost immediately.
You avoiding another lesson?
The question was followedby a couple of laughing emojis.
“Pretty much,” Jayde murmured.
Just really busy
There were moredots that continued refreshing. Then finally a reply appeared.
No worries. I’ll text you later. Have a great day.
Jayde swallowed. “Okay, then,”she said, and her heart gave her a sad, little poke.
The numberof people walking along the footpaths of Graham Street was overwhelming, even for Jayde who loved the buzz and intensity of the city. She spotted the pub’s sign, and ducked into the side alley, the smooth concrete of the footpath suddenly changing to cobblestones. The old world charm of theBlack Fox, despite its sign announcing that it had been established four years ago, enveloped her as she walked over the threshold.
“Jayde.” Dylan’s booming voice rose from the corner, and she looked across to see all four friends waving their greetings.
She wandered over, squeezed into the booth, and grinned at everyone. Dylan—recent editor extraordinaire—Julian, Hayley, and Luce—journalists of various descriptions and lengths of articles—had been friends for nearly a decade. The once-a-fortnight-or-month catch-up was a highlight for all five, and even though they rarely messaged, or even called each other, the easy pick up of conversation and camaraderie was testament to the strength of their bond.
“I ordered you an IPA, and knowing you and punctuality”—Luce pointed to the glass of beer—“I timed it perfectly. It’s still cold.” She congratulated herself with a quick brush over each shoulder. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with laughter.
Jayde lifted the glass. “Well, you’re all early today. Cheers, everyone.” Then she sipped and replaced the glass. “So…goss?”
“Not much,” Julian announced, with a shrug, then looked across the table at Hayley. “You?”
“Me neither,” Hayley replied, her gravelly voice at odds with her slight frame. It always sounded like she was a fifteen-packs-a-day smoker.
“I’ve got nothing,” Luce said, flicking condensation off her glass.
“Well, aren’t we an entertaining bunch.” Dylan sighed elaborately. “I’ve had nothing exciting happen in my life. So, not even an iota of goss so we’ll just have to sit here talking about how we have nothing to talk about.” Dylan’s eyes were twinkling when Jayde stared at him.
“Unless…” Luce said. She tapped her finger to her lips, then peered at Jayde. “Anything interesting going on with you?”
Jayde gave her a long look. “You lot are theworstactors ever.”
And with that, the table erupted in laughter.
“Come on. You’ve got the most interesting assignment out of all of us,” Julian said, tucking his long brown hair back behind his ears, then jabbing a thumb sideways. “And that’s including Dylan.”
Dylan nodded. “He’s right. My days are filled with approving pitches that range from ‘great’ to ‘I can’t believe what I just read’.” He wiggled his finger at Jayde. “So, come on, spill what you can. How goes the profile?”
The smile, which she hadn’t meant to be so large, lifted Jayde’s lips. “It’s so good. I’m definitely allowed to say that Abigail Taylor is a dream to interview, and even though I’ve only done short interviews with Sam, she’s so funny, and a straight shooter, you know?”
There wasn’t a skerrick of jealousy from anyone, which was another sign of how great their friendship was.
Dylan hummed into his beard. “Topic not too challenging?”
Jayde squinted. “No. Why would it be?”