Accompanying Soundtrack: Celldweller – "Switchback"

Jen woke the morning after date two, hair now dry but messy and unkempt, spread across her pillow. Of course not her pillow though, it smelt different. She looked over at Jess, who was already up and standing in front of her brandishing some toast, and smiled.

"Hey sleepy, I'm afraid I've got to be somewhere in about an hour, so I thought you might want something to eat and… maybe a quick round two…" she winked. She handed over the plate and as Jen took a bite Jess slipped off her robe and climbed back under the covers…

Before they went their separate ways Jess had quite happily agreed on a third date, although exactly when was to be confirmed. Jen was quietly pleased with how things were going, which made a change from her usually chaotic dating experiences.

Instead of going to H's for breakfast, Jen summoned her to greasy spoon because she was exhausted and ravenous.

"I mean holy fuck what a night! I'd love to think this has potential H," said Jen, scoffing down some fried bread, a slight smear of grease at the side of her mouth.

"Well, well," H grinned, "You are a changed lady this morning. It's amazing what feeds the soul."

"This soul feeds on hot barmaids at the moment," said Jen, almost under her breath.

"Hmmm?" H was aware Jen mumbled something.

"This soul feeds on a decent bloody fry-up right now, babe," Jen felt her cheeks flush, and she silenced herself with another forkful of food. H saw the flush and was keen to tease Jen to try and work out just how much her timid friend might actually like her new conquest.

"So, you you're grinning from ear to ear – so you did her again this morning, huh?"

"Of course this is her doing…" but H cut her off mid-sentence.

"Ah, there's nothing like a hot ride to set one up for the day."

"As always H, your words are pure poetry," Jen snipped. "She's just the right combination of humour and confidence, mixed with a little hint of dominance, which," and she lowered her voice," is an incredible turn-on, and not something I've really thought about exploring before. But I just might now," and she raised an eyebrow at H and nodded at her.

"Ah, spread those wings my dear and embrace the new you," H said, finishing her mouthful. "So you're seeing her again?"

"Oh very much yes! We didn't make any specific plans but we agreed to another date yeah."

"Meh, she knows you're a sure thing, who wouldn't want that on tap?" said H beaming widely. "Listen, given you're all happy and bouncy, there's something I kind of wanted to mention."

"What's that?" Jen looked up from her plate inquisitively.

"I'm pretty sure I'm going to regret this, and I'd talked myself out of telling you this, but…" she fell silent and chewed her lip.

"What's up H? Just tell me," Jen looked concerned.

"I er… Tilly sent me a message online," she said slowly. "I really didn't want to tell you this because I don't want her getting in your head again. You said she was done with, and I don't want this to start everything off again."

"I can't believe she's contacted you," spat Jen, looking furious. "I need to sort this out once and for all. This is not OK H. What did she say in her message?"

H looked sheepish, wishing she'd never brought it up. "She just wanted me to give her your number – she didn't say what for." The air suddenly turned a little thick.

Jen shook her head in disbelief. This had certainly taken the edge off her high from the previous night. "I'll sort it. Something else to fucking mop up again. H she won't contact you again, I promise." They ate the rest of breakfast in an uncomfortable silence whilst Jen's brain raced, and heart pounded with a mix of anxiety and annoyance.

"I'm sorry H, you took me by surprise, I didn't know what to say. I'll sort it, I'll let you know. OK?" Jen never wished to part on unfavourable terms.

"Don't do anything stupid, Jen. Stand your ground." Replied H, and they went their separate ways as H had something – or someone – planned for her afternoon already.

Chunnering to herself as she walked, Jen has all kinds of thoughts running through her head, flicking between anger and confusion, wondering why this had to crop up when things just seemed to be getting on track again. It was more than she could bear to think about and after not too long she took out her phone and searched for Tilly's profile again. She went to send her a message, but she couldn't formulate what to say coherently, and end up sounding more aggressive than she had intended.

"Why did you contact H? What is it that you want?" and she left it short and blunt. She was surprised to receive a response almost immediately.

"I'd like to talk to you, I'm sorry for what I've done and I'd like to apologise in person," said the message.

Jen could feel the anger rising inside her and chose not to respond. The pain Tilly caused her was still so real, and she couldn't think how meeting her again would be anything positive. Her lack of response had obviously been a sign, and she received another message.

"Jen, I'm truly sorry. Please would you let me explain? Could I meet you somewhere later?"

Jen realised that Tilly wouldn't stop until she had her say, so reluctantly Jen agreed to meet her at 2, hoping this would give her enough time to get it clear into her head to say what she needed to say, and to stay strong in the face of adversity.

"I agree to meet you, but I can't see how this will change anything." Jen wanted to set her stall out quite clearly, but she knew it would be a challenge to stay strong.