TLSB chap 34

A/N: I know it's been ages between updates again and for that I'm sorry. I've just struggled to find the time and couldn't really get back into this story, even though I've got a clear idea where it's going and I'm still excited about my plans for the rest of it.

This is a filler chapter, all from Emily's pov and I'm not that happy with it but it hopefully moves things along. Next up is the Gina lunch.

Emily

"Katie, for fuck's sake will you. Please. Just. Hurry. Up." I enunciated each word as I exasperatedly called out for my twin again.

When there was still no answer after a couple of minutes I stomped up the stairs and burst I to her bedroom. Katie sat serenely straightening her hair, she was fully made up and dressed to the nines.

"Katie, you said you'd help me pick some plants for the garden, Danny's at Ellie's and we're out tomorrow so this is the only time we can do it." I moaned.

She looked at me strangely, "I know that, which is why I'm off to some lame out of town retail park instead of going into town on a Saturday."

"That's how you dress to go to Homebase?" I spluttered as she gave me a long, appraising stare up and down.

"I always look my best Em, I have standards. You on the other hand..." She said with a slight sneer.

I looked at my clothes, what was wrong with some old jeans and a comfy shirt, especially as they were almost certain to get muddy? Ok, so my hair was a little bit unruly and I wasn't wearing a scrap of make up but I was planning an afternoon of gardening, not a fucking catwalk show for Christ's sake.

"Look, we don't have time for this. Let's just go, ok?" I said refusing to engage in the debate.

She shook her head pityingly and put a pair of killer heels on, "Oh come on be serious, at least put something more sensible on your feet."

Katie looked at my attire and visibly shuddered, "I never have, nor do I ever wish to, own anything that could even remotely be classed as 'sensible shoes', I'd rather chop off my feet and walk on the stumps than let anything that disgusting near them."

I rolled my eyes, "I think that's a little over dramatic don't you?"

She shook her head, "I mean it Em..."

"Anyway, I don't care. The traffic will be murder and it'll be heaving, can we just go please?" I said with a resigned tone.

She gave me a last withering look as I followed her out of the room and down the stairs. I had to admit it was fairly impressive how well she walked in heels that would give me a nose bleed. Yeah sure I dressed up when I had to and could manage a couple of hours without looking like Bambi but Katie's everyday footwear was at least a couple of inches higher than anything I'd ever attempted.

She turned at the front door and tutted, "I thought you were in a hurry..."

Yes, she was quick too, years of practice I suppose. I locked the door and hurried after the clicking dervish tearing down the path. I rolled my eyes as two young lads walked past with their tongues hanging out as Katie smiled sweetly and said hello. She honestly had no shame.

She walked to the passenger door, obviously me and my sensible shoes would be driving. I muttered under my breath as I got into the car.

"See Em, you never know who you might meet, it's always good to look your best."

"Hmmm, I'm sure Cook might have something to say about you flirting with other men." I replied sulkily.

Katie laughed, "He loves it babe, says it makes him feel good to have an attractive girlfriend other men fancy. You're just annoyed we look exactly the same but I get all the male attention."

I tried to bite my tongue, honestly I did, it irritated me when we bickered and I was starting to get in a bad mood, but what a stupid thing to say. I glanced over to find her sitting there smugly.

"First, I'm not a total slut who craves attention from everyone, second I'm not really interested in male attention am I now? Finally, I have a girlfriend so I don't really give a shit if anyone else finds me attractive."

To my surprise she chuckled more, "seriously babe, if Naomi saw you looking like that she'd run for the hills. She hasn't been around much lately, you sure she hasn't clocked you with no make up and already gone?"

I knew she was trying to wind me up, but I still bristled, "She's been working..." I said through gritted teeth as we pulled into the car park.

"Right, we go in, we get some plants and we leave as quickly as possible. I don't want to be seen in here, understand?" Katie instructed as we walked towards the door.

I mumbled something again as I followed her inside. I'd lost count of the times I'd traipsed around hundreds of shops on a Saturday afternoon as she searched for new clothes or shoes. Was it really that much to ask that for once she did something I wanted? I'd even compromised by agreeing to come to Homebase instead of a specialist garden centre as it wouldn't take so long or be 'lame'.

We made our way outside and I perused the cuttings. Actually some weren't that bad and I quickly found a few bedding plants that I knew would give the borders some colour. Ok, I know it's not exciting but I liked gardening, growing things. I stopped and sighed, Jesus K was right, I was pretty boring.

"Are we done?" Katie said expectantly.

I picked up a last tray and nodded, "Yes, we can pay and go home."

We made our way back inside and walked down the aisle. I was balancing the tray and two pots, obviously Katie wasn't carrying anything. I glanced over, she was texting and paying no attention. I got near to the tills and abruptly stopped.

"What the fuck Em, you nearly tripped me."

I moved the two tall plants in front of my face and stared at the cashier's desk, "shhh."

Katie bent round the plants, "I thought you said she was working?"

Shit, so it wasn't my imagination, Naomi was at the counter.

"So I was right, you wouldn't want her to see you like this?" Katie said triumphantly.

"I said shut up, I want to hear." I hissed as I leaned closer.

"You again eh? I'm starting to think it's more than a coincidence."

I looked at the woman on the till, she was about twenty and even if I didn't want to admit it, very pretty.

"Definitely the last time, I'm nearly done." Naomi replied.

"Shame. I've enjoyed our chats."

Fucking bitch, trying to hit on my girlfriend.

Naomi laughed, "service with a smile eh? Makes a change. Thanks for your help."

Another coy smile.

"Maybe see you around?"

"Probably not, if I never set foot inside here again I really won't mind. See ya."

I stood rigid as she left, then the plants shook in my hands, what the hell was that about?

"Em? It's nothing ok? Naomi loves you." Katie said gently as she took the pots away.

I zoned out as we paid. Naomi said she had to work, she was supposed to be in the office, yet here she was in a DIY store and not only that, she obviously knew the assistant well enough to flirt. We got to the car and Katie put the plants in the boot.

"I'll drive home yeah?" She asked.

I nodded and got into the passenger seat. The journey passed in a blur, I tried not to think the worst, I knew Naomi loved me, but she'd still lied. I didn't understand. We pulled into the drive and walked into the house.

"Babes, I'm sure it's not what you think." Katie said as she put the kettle on.

I sat at the island, "funnily enough I don't know what I think."

She placed a cup of tea in front of me, "Why don't you call her?"

I reached in my bag for my phone, I wasn't sure I wanted to ring Naomi but it was too confusing not to, I held my breath as I dialled the number.

"Hey sexy, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Her voice was light and she really sounded pleased to hear from me. I panicked but held it together.

"I just wanted to check we're still ok for tomorrow?" I said slightly shakily.

"Of course, I'm really looking forward to seeing you both and Mum is like a jack in the box. I'm sorry we've only had snatched moments, I miss you."

There was such sincerely in her voice I doubted myself. "I miss you too and you're sure lunch is ok? Danny was disappointed we had to cancel last week."

A slight pause, "yeah, we're good. I did say it was only a postponement not a cancellation."

I sighed, "I know. So where are you now?"

"At the office, honestly Em, she's a slave driver."

My heart jumped into my throat, another lie. "Ok, we'll see you tomorrow."

"Can't wait, I love you."

"I love you too." I replied with a gulp.

I put the phone down and sat in a kitchen chair, Katie stared at me with concern. "Everything ok?"

I shrugged, "apparently Naomi's in the office..."

Katie frowned.

"But we both know she isn't." I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"There's bound to be an explanation."

I huffed, "Do you think the idea of a holiday freaked her out? I mean it's a big step, going away with your girlfriend's family, was it too much?"

"She wouldn't have let you book the flights..." Katie stopped when she saw my face. "Oh..."

I smiled ruefully, "every time I've asked Naomi's changed the subject. I've hardly seen her, she cancelled lunch at her Mum's and now she's pretending to work."

"Do you want me to speak to Cook? Find out what's going on?" Katie offered.

I shook my head, "No, if Naomi's having cold feet I'd rather discuss it with her, but thanks for the offer."

I picked up my phone and pressed the number, it rang a few times until Naomi picked up.

"Hey baby, back so soon? But I meant it, I am a bit busy right now so can you make it quick?"

"Busy in the office?" I said cautiously.

"Yes, that's what I told you before..." She said unsurely.

I sighed, "so that wasn't you then? The person at the counter in Homebase?"

Another pause and another jumping of my heart.

"Shit..."

"Rumbled then. So you're not working? Not tied to a desk? Naomi if it's all a bit overwhelming, if you don't want to go away just tell me, don't fucking make up excuses..."

"Can you come over? To mine? I can explain."

"No! I want an explanation now." I replied.

"Em, please? It's easier if you're here. Please?"

There was a vulnerability about her voice and although the thought of seeing her still filled me with dread in case it was bad news I agreed, "Fine, I'll see you in a bit."

"See you soon."

I grabbed the car keys and turned to Katie, "can you stay here? Ellie's mum said she'd drop Danny off and I need to go out."

She nodded, "sure, any chance of getting out is pretty much over anyway."

"Thanks K, I'll see you later."

I walked towards the door, "Em? Don't go in with all guns blazing, give her a chance to explain."

I nodded, "ok, but I'm so cross it's going to take something exceptional..."

I pulled up to the house and sat in the car. I took a few deep breaths, I know what I saw and besides regardless of any flirting it didn't matter, Naomi pretended to be working and she very clearly wasn't. I got out and marched up the path before I rang the doorbell.

The door opened and for a moment I couldn't think, well I could but it wasn't outrage that occupied my thoughts. My eyes traveled up and down, she was dressed (if you could call it that) in a pair of paint stained dungarees. Yes, ok, it's a cliche, but fuck, she looked gorgeous, and I mean really, really gorgeous. Her hair was held back with a band of material and it was like my teenage 'land girl' fantasies wrapped into one package. My mouth went dry and I struggled to remember why I was angry.

Focus Emily, focus.

I noticed the slight smirk on her face and shook myself, "this had better be good..."

"Come on in..." She said as I entered and stood in the hall with my arms crossed.

Naomi closed the door and turned to face me, she smiled and stared appreciatively.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I said unsurely.

She shook her head, "like I said before, I don't know how you do it, no matter what, you always look beautiful..."

Ha Katie. I knew Naomi wouldn't care that I had no make up on or scruffy clothes, I blushed, "thanks." Then my resolve hardened, "but I didn't come here for flattery Naomi, I want an explanation."

She bit her lip, "Come upstairs?"

In spite of my reservations I allowed her to take my hand and lead me to the top of the house.

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

She opened the spare bedroom door and I entered, it was like being hit with a sea of red.

"Jesus, did someone eat the gift shop at Anfield and throw it up?" I asked.

The lip chewing grew, "Is it too much? I... I... Wanted Dan to feel comfortable...maybe you'd both like to stay...tomorrow after lunch instead of rushing home?"

I turned to her, "this is what you've been doing?"

She nodded.

"Not working?" I asked.

A shake of the head.

"And why you cancelled last weekend's lunch?"

"It wasn't ready..." She replied as she stood unsurely.

I smiled, "babe, he's going to love it."

She let out her breath "so you'll stay? Tomorrow I mean, it's still ok for the school run on Monday."

I nodded, then frowned, "Naoms, if you're not ready for the holiday it is ok you know, we can do something else."

She smiled sheepishly, "Mandy's been off the past couple of weeks, it's why I got time for this."

"So you'd still like to come?" I asked.

"Absolutely, going away with you both would be lovely. I'll ask on Monday."

I grinned and pulled her towards me, "Gina's out?"

Naomi nodded, "probably won't be back for a while..."

"Hmmm, Katie's taking care of Danny..."

Naomi looked thoughtful, "the final coat of paint needs to dry..."

"So we have some time to ourselves?" I asked with a questioning eyebrow.

"Looks that way, what did you have in mind?"

I pulled her towards her bedroom, "I want to find out what's underneath those dungarees..."