Never As It Seems

Chapter 33

Jay was pacing the floor when Amber stepped out of the lift. But he quickly turned on his cool, calm persona. The one he seemed to be so well practiced at. His smile lit her heart but she wasn't going to let on. There was an awkward moment where neither was sure whether to hug the other or to shake hands or nothing at all. It ended in a strange sort of nothing where both looked away. Jay composed himself again.

"I'm sorry it's kind of late. The bar isn't open."

He motioned to a chair by a small table in the vast lobby area. She sat down and he took the seat opposite. They were the only people in the room apart from a man sitting at the reception desk.

"I'm sorry." He said. "Were you asleep?"

She shook her head "No. I was up."

He looked at his watch. "It's nearly three."

"I know. I couldn't sleep." Amber knew she was giving a lot away. He would know she couldn't sleep because of him.

He smiled "Me neither."

They were interrupted by the man who had been sitting at reception and was now standing over them. He was smartly dressed but he looked tired.

"Can I get you anything? The bar is closed but I can do tea or coffee."

Jay looked at Amber and she shook her head. He turned back to the man.

"I'd love a coffee. Thanks."

As the man took Jay's preferences for milk and sugar, Amber took the opportunity to study him. He looked weary but that was no surprise given the hour. Apart from that it was all still there... The face she had fallen in love with in a matter of hours. The voice that she'd tried so hard to recall in her weaker moments since she last saw him. It made her nervous but at the same time it was all so familiar and comforting. She was lost in her thoughts of him when he turned his attention back to her. It took her a second to snap out of it and she felt her cheeks redden when Jay caught her staring. He didn't say anything though and instead attempted to put her at ease.

"So how's your Mum? Has she missed me?" He smirked.

She laughed and felt the mood instantly lighten.

"I'm sure she does but she never lets on."

Jay grinned and Amber's heart jumped. She inwardly chastised herself for reacting to just a smile but she couldn't help it. She could feel all her resolve melting away and she had no idea how to stop it.

"So what are you doing here?" He asked her.

"Family holiday. You? I thought you'd still be in Dublin."

He nodded "The tour is still in Dublin but some of the guys had some interviews to do, so I thought I'd pop home with them."

"And you're not staying with your family?"

"No. I prefer it here... who wouldn't. And it's paid for."

She nodded and then there was silence between them. They both wanted to ask the same thing but neither could bring themselves to. Amber could feel it coming so she attempted to cover herself.

"I didn't know... That you were going to be here I mean." He didn't respond so she carried on. "I nearly killed Erin. She set it all up."

He just watched her. She could feel herself blushing. "I wouldn't have come if I'd known."

"You wouldn't?" He asked.

Before she could respond, the man returned with Jay's drink. Jay watched the table as the man carefully placed the cup and accompaniments before him. Amber quietly dealt with the confusion her own words had brought her.