The Translator

Ch 26

Chris dropped Jay back off at the house just after tea time on Sunday.

'Well..... how did the weekend go?' asked Anna excitedly, as Jay ambled tiredly into the kitchen.

'Good yeah, we went walking, swimming, had a bbq, toasted marshmallows, stayed in the hot tub until our fingers went wrinkly.... And loads more that I can't even remember!' Replied Jay happily.

'That's great, but you know fine well that's not what I'm asking you. Now, you're not talking to your mum and dad, you're talking to me, Anna, your favourite sister in law'

'My only sister in law' corrected Jay.

'Technicalities Jayme' said Anna, not giving in to Jay's distraction technique.

'Oh I see, I'm getting my Sunday name am I?' Laughed Jay.

Anna glowered at her. 'Spill'

'Okay, there were a few kisses and we did share a bed. But that's it. Fully clothed at all times, no hanky panky, not even a cheeky bum squeeze'

'Did he try to, you know?' Asked Anna.

'Actually, no. Neither of us did' said Jay.

'Hmm' said Anna.

'What?' asked Jay, confused by the pensive look on Anna's face.

'Well, if I were in bed with twitters favourite "hot Man City translator girl"- who incidentally now has an Instagram account dedicated to her, then I'd want to be in her knickers' laughed Anna.

'Anna! He's just a gentleman. He's clearly waiting for me to give him the green light, and well, I've not really done that yet, have I? But, I have asked him to be my date to the City Christmas party'

'The same City Christmas party that Jack will be at?' Nothing got past Anna.

'Yes, the one Jack will be at with his "fiancée". So either way it's going to be awkward. Me and Chris always have a good time together so it'll be fine'

'If you say so. Listen Jay, I just want you to be happy with who you want to be with, not who you settle for. That's all I'm saying' said Anna, holding her hands up.

*****

On Monday morning, Jay looked at her work diary for the week, there wasn't really anything exciting to look forward to, apart from on Thursday. On Thursday Rachel had drawn a picture of her, Nadia and Jay in fancy dresses for the Christmas party to remind Jay that they were going late night shopping to choose their outfits.

Nadia was a bit hesitant to leave John on his own for the first time since the accident, but he'd eventually convinced her that she would be absolutely fine to go. Truth be told, her constant nursing and fussing was starting to get a bit much for him, even though he knew that she meant well. He was just dying for a simple game of FIFA where he could shout and swear at his mates til his heart was content. Luckily when he'd posted in the boys group chat about it, they'd all been up for it too.

After her first lesson of the day, Jay took a quick walk down to the staff cafe. Of course she'd looked out over the training pitch to make sure Jack was busy first. She still wasn't ready to bump into him yet, especially when she knew in her heart of hearts that she wouldn't be able to congratulate him on his engagement without bursting into tears.

She had just ordered herself a latte when her phone rang. It was Josh. He should be at work. Her blood ran cold, was something wrong with Olly?

'Hello?' She answered as quick as she could.

'Jay, it's Dad, he's heart attack. Mum said we need to get to Edinburgh ASAP. I don't know but it doesn't sound good' she could tell Josh was about to break down.