‘I really didn’t know he was coming here,’ Jenny said in a rush. ‘At least, not until we’d already got under way and I realised he wasn’t on board.’
Helen took great interest in combing her wavy shoulder-length hair. ‘It’s quite all right, Jenny. He didn’t stay long.’
‘Long enough to upset you all over again. You were only just starting to get over the previous Saturday. You were like a ghost when I got in.’
‘I was fine,’ Helen lied. ‘And I don’t think Mr Masters will be bothering me again. A chase is fine, but an out-and-out battle is too much like hard work,’ she said lightly. ‘And with me it would be a battle.’
‘Maybe he just isn’t the one for you.’ Jenny bit thoughtfully into her toast. ‘He is a bit overpowering, and maybe a little too old and experienced. But you do need someone in your life, Helen, someone you can care about.’
‘Why?’
‘Because—well, because everyone needs love.’
’I don’t. At least, not that type of love. And I don’t believe that what Leon Masters wanted from me had anything to do with love—of any kind. He only came here to tell me that he wanted me—wanted me, Jenny, nothing else.’
‘Well…it’s a start.’
Helen shook her head. ‘Not for me.’
Jenny sighed; ‘No, I suppose not.’
Helen frowned. ‘Aren’t you going to get ready for work?’ Her cousin was still in her dressing-gown and it was already a quarter to nine.
Jenny grinned. ‘Brent’s given me the day off for being a good girl.’
‘Oh yes?’ Helen queried suggestively.
‘Now, now,’ Jenny chided, ‘I told you there’s nothing like that between Brent and me.’
Helen shrugged. ‘Things could have changed.’
‘Well, they haven’t. He gave me today off because I worked late Friday evening. Anyway, he’s away for the day.’
‘How the other half live,’ Helen said teasingly. ‘Well, this working girl is off to another hard day at the office.’
Jenny grinned. ‘My heart bleeds for you!’
Helen laughed. ‘I’ll bet! Say, perhaps you should marry Brent and then you could take days off all the time.’
‘Chance would be a fine thing,’ Jenny said ruefully.
‘Jen?’ Helen probed gently.
‘Just joking,’ she gave a bright smile. ‘You’re going to be late,’ she reminded her.
‘Jen, about Brent—’
‘We’re just good friends, as the saying goes. And likely to remain that way.’
‘But you would like to change the arrangement?’
Jenny bit her lip. ‘I’m not sure. Probably not. Let’s forget it.’
’But—’
‘I said forget it, Helen. Sorry,’ Jenny mumbled. ‘Touchy subject.’
‘If you ever feel like talking about it you know I’m always here,’ she told her cousin.