Fuelled by Forever

Ch. 8

Imogen

Last night's takeaway didn't happen.

Jude couldn't leave because of a car repair emergency, so my speech went to waste, but Brittney turned up instead after Jude asked her to keep me company, and we spent most of the night devising a plan to make him listen.

She lets me know I'm not the only one he's avoiding because he won't let her talk about anything either.

It's hard to get him on his own for more than a minute, so she plans to trick him into an intervention tonight. I'm nervous, not knowing how he will take it, but it's gotten to a point where we can't mess around anymore.

I tuck myself away in the reception today, organising receipts and bookings while Jude is away from the building in meetings. Nathan is as flabbergasted as I am how Jude keeps going.

"Do you want to go home now, Imo? I only have one client in until close, and it gives you a chance to get ready early for the anniversary party," Nathan says while signing some paperwork.

It's Halloween today.

The day Brittney and Carrie tied the knot and they're celebrating with a big party.

It's a spooky affair at their house, and the dress code is gothic.

"I don't mind waiting around," I say.

He shrugs with a smile. "You'll only be twiddling your thumbs. It looks like you're on top of your jobs today."

"I'll go, but only if you're sure that's okay? Everything is in order for tomorrow," I say, signing off when he assures me it's okay.

He smiles. "I'll see you there tonight. I'm picking Margot up on the way, so shall I swing by for you and Jude, too?"

I make a mess of putting my glucose monitor in my handbag and end up dropping it. "I didn't realise you were picking Margot up. Yeah, if you don't mind, then?"

His smile... it can't be hidden. "Yeah, sure. I'll probably be at yours around seven. What present did you get them?"

I zip up my bag, still thinking about his smile for Margot. "It's a piece of art, and I put a bit of money towards it that Jude transferred it right back. Why?"

He chuckles. "I was just wondering. I got them some black crystal cocktail glasses to match the champagne ones they use," he says, saying a quick goodbye to me when his client arrives.

When I get home, I find Jude in the sitting room on his laptop. He's home early. We share a look before I go to the fridge to store the insulin I just picked up from the chemist, stopping at the card on the island counter addressed to me.

I rip into the envelope to find a gift voucher for a maternity pamper session and a handwritten note.

A little something to make you feel as beautiful as you are to me. Love you always, your Jude. x

I find him watching me with an unsure look. My eyes skirt back to reread his words, studying the swirl of his handwriting. I settle the paper on the island and go over to him, and he's already clambering to his feet.

"This is very thoughtful, thank you," I whisper, kissing him twice before heading upstairs to get changed.

I'm wearing a deep purple, side-split, satin midi dress that's ruched to compliment my bump. It's hanging up on my wardrobe while I wash and straighten my hair. Jude slips beside me when I do my makeup to shave his face in the second sink after a quick shower.

It's quiet.

I don't feel much like talking because we both seem to have differing views on many things right now, and extending the argument to the party is not kind to anyone.