Nah, fuck this.

Anger flashes through your veins. ‘Just say the word,’ you manage through gritted teeth. ‘Say the word, Em, and I’ll go over and ask him in what parallel fucking universe it’s acceptable to cheat on you in your own bed.’

There’s a pause, and you look back at Emma, confused.

She doesn’t look like she’s even heard you.

And that, more than anything, stabs unexpectedly at your heart. You feel your grip on her shoulders relax without thinking. ‘Emma?’ you repeat. ‘Are you okay?’

She blinks suddenly, eyes unfocused – and it’s like she’s coming out of a dream. ‘Yeah,’ she breathes, finally turning back to stare up at you. ‘Sorry. Oh, I’m so sorry, James…’

‘You’ve got nothing to apologise about,’ you reply automatically, even though the way she was staring at Justin has sent hot spikes of jealousy through your stomach. ‘He’s a jackass. He cheated on you. It’s the first time you’ve seen him since then. Of course it’s going to be weird.’

‘Well…’ Emma looks suddenly, horribly guilty. ‘It’s not exactly the first time I’ve seen him since… that night…’