Page 85 of Not So Very Sensible

“Yes.”

“Well, he has gotten a little excited when we were kissing and said some stuff, but I’m sure he didn’t mean it to sound like it did.”

Yeah, nothing to be too sure of there. She clamped her lips together.

Katie sighed. “Look, I know you don’t like him very much, but he’s not a bad guy.”

“Just to be clear, what was his reaction when you said you wouldn’t go to his house?”

“He was disappointed but said he understood. That maybe it was too soon for me.”

Oh, good grief. She had to tread carefully here so Katie did not get upset. “Um, too soon for what?”

Katie’s hand shook as she held her teacup, and she put it down on the saucer with a clatter. “I don’t know why you have to think the worst.”

“Katie, I’m not trying to be mean here, but you’re just telling me what he said. So what do you think he meant by too soon for you?”

Katie gave a long drawn-out sigh. “Okay, fine. I think he wanted me to do something like what you’re thinking. I had told him a few times that I didn’t intend to do that until I was married.”

Ellie hid her wince behind a pumpkin scone. No doubt Jason had seen that as a challenge. “So what was the last message you had with him?”

“I called him on Sunday, but he didn’t answer. He did message me back, however.”

“May I read it?”

Katie frowned. “Don’t judge me.”

Wow. She kept her lips compressed to keep from making a comment, like “If you’re worried enough to be saying that, it sounds like there’s something here to be judged!” and scanned over the past few messages.

Katie was right. Nothing since Tuesday. Three days ago.

“Then I texted him, and he sent me a thumbs-up.” Katie’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s not exactly what a boyfriend should do, is it?”

“Did he mention going away for work? Maybe he’s out of mobile phone reception.” She was being generous here, she knew that.

“I think he’s ghosting me.”

Ellie nodded. Poor thing. “Want me to call him? He doesn’t know my phone number, so if he picks up, we’ll know if he is ghosting you.”

“What will you say?”

“I don’t know. I can say that you’re concerned about him and ask why he hasn’t called you. Or you could just use my phone and talk to him yourself.”

The pleats in Katie’s brow deepened. “That could work.”

A minute later, they were holding hands, watching Ellie’s phone as it jerked in the middle of the table, the ringtone on speaker.

Finally, it was answered. “Hello. This is Jason.”

Ellie glanced at Katie, who seemed scared. Katie pointed at Ellie to speak.

She winced. “Uh, hello.” Man, she so should’ve thought this out better.

“Who is this?”

“Is this Jason Willoughby?” She grimaced. How inane did she sound?

“Yes. Who is this?”