A Famous Affair

A Famous Affair chapter 34

The afternoon is spent relaxing and playing traditional board games. We listen to Christmas music in the background, eating far too much of the left over party food. I am feeling content and incredibly lucky. I have loved being with Lissy and Lottie, and I know the feeling is mutual. Steph and Harry have been doing their best to not get too close to each other, but there have been many occasions that they have shared lingering glances or their hands have accidentally on purpose brushed against each other's. It's all rather endearing to watch yet I can't help but wonder why they are trying to hide their true feelings from everyone. Do they wish to hide their relationship from other people or just themselves? When I take out a tray of glasses and plates to the kitchen, Steph follows. "I'll come and help you, Jessica."

"Thanks, Steph." We merrily walk in silence to the kitchen. I so want to talk to her about Harry. I am excited and intrigued all at once.

Putting a handful of glasses on the side, Steph stands close to me as I scrape the dirty plates. "What time are your girls leaving?" she asks.

"Simon is collecting them in a couple of hours."

Stephanie's face is now deadly serious. "Are you okay? It must be hard having to share them?"

I smile. "I'm okay, thanks Steph. It is difficult, but it's something we all have to get used to now. It must be even harder for Shawn." I tell her, closing the bin.

"Do you have any contact with him now?"

I sadly shake my head. "None, I contact the girls directly via their mobiles. Any arrangements are done through the girls at the moment. I'm trying hard not to rock Shawn's boat. I don't want to upset him or he could make it very difficult for me if he wanted to." I put my hand on the worktop; it supports me as I lean against it while talking to Steph.

"I'm sure it won't be like this forever. In time, you will be able to have an amicable conversation with him," Steph says.

I agree, nodding slowly. "I'd like to think for the sake of the girls we could eventually be like that, but for now the ball is very much in his court. As long as I can see Lissy and Lottie, that's all that matters to me at the moment."

Stephanie looks past me. "Life can be so bloody hard to understand at times, can't it?"

I look at her face now full of doubt. Her troubled mind has her momentarily in a daydream. I step closer. "What's up, Steph?" I ask gently.

"Nothing," she abruptly answers. I tilt my head and my eyes look at her as if to say "really?" Stephanie's eyes flick up at me then back to the floor. She fidgets uncomfortably where she stands, sighing heavily. "You know, don't you?"

I nod, placing my arm on hers. "Come on, Steph. It's hard not to notice." I weakly smile.

"Does Jonny know, too?" she asks. .

"Yes, he does. What's bothering you?" I question.

"I don't know, really. I have known Harry and Jonny, for what seems like . . . forever. Harry and I have always been close. He's the one I run to when I'm upset. He's the one who calls me every single day to check I'm okay. He's my best friend," Steph answers.

"But?" I ask gently.

Stephanie's shoulders slump forwards with an exasperated breath. "I'm scared to take it further, Jess. It feels weird." She comforts herself by wrapping her arms around her body.

"Weird in what way?" I ask, frowning.

"Incestuous almost. I know that sounds completely ridiculous, doesn't it?" She nervously laughs.

"Harry knows you inside and out. There is no doubt that he's in love with you. Steph."

"You really think so?" she asks in a hopeful way.