The Translator

Ch 29

Jack had overheard Jay's conversation in the staff cafe and his brain kicked into gear. He had an idea. And this one wouldn't get him into bother with Pep for a change.

The next day, just before he knew she was due to finish, Jack appeared in Jay's office.

'Okay play it cool' he told himself.

'Alright Jack, I was just about to go' she said.

'Oh right, I was just going to ask you for help with something, but it don't matter. Catch you tomorrow then' he gave her his best puppy dog eyes and watched as she visibly caved in.

'What do you need?' She asked. She could smell his aftershave and it was taking her back to Paris. 'Stop it' said her internal monologue.

'Well, I've got to go and get something to wear for this party, and I was wondering, would you come with me? You know what I'm like, I'll turn up in a pink hoodie and sunglasses or somethin' he laughed.

She shook her head at him.

'Actually, I was supposed to be doing the same thing tonight'

'Ah, alright. I guess I'll just need to bombard you with selfies for your opinion then' he sighed.

She imagined trying to pick something with his messages coming through. It would be impossible.

'Is there no one else who could go with you? Like Tasha maybe' her name stuck in Jay's throat.

'She's away. Please Jay, you always look so smart, that's what look I'm going for'

'Okay then, but what if someone sees us and jumps to conclusions?'

'You were the one that told me in Madrid that boys and girls can be friends, were you not?'

'Yeah'

'We'll come on then, let's go' he knew he'd won, as she picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder.

'I can't stay for long though, I'll be going shopping for myself afterwards'

'Yeah, no problem' he said, trying not to smirk.

*****

Jay insisted on taking her own car, and followed Jack through the streets of Manchester. He pulled up outside a shop and she stopped behind him. He jumped out the car and she had to smile, she hadn't really paid attention to the fact he was in long baggy shorts, socks and sliders until now. Maybe it was for the best that she go shopping with him.

She followed Jack into the shop and looked around in awe. He'd brought her to a high end designer boutique, and by the fact the security guard had locked the door behind him she could tell it was a private opening just for him. Oh how the other half live.

'Hi Jack' said the shop assistant, who clearly new him well judging by the broski's getting thrown around.

'This is Dave, this is his place' Jack explained.

'And this is Jay' he said, introducing her.

'So what did you have in mind? Dave asked.

'Smart, it's a bit fancy this party we're going to'

'We're going to?' Thought Jay, he made it sound like they were going to go together.

Dave was nodding.

'Got just the thing. And what about you Jay, what are you looking for?'

She froze. She wasn't planning on buying a designer dress, certainly not from somewhere as expensive looking as this.