Page 126 of The Upper Crush

Shit. Did he know this was all a lie?

‘Well, they do say opposites attract.’

‘Hmmm. I wouldn’t say you were opposites. I think you’re both cut from the same cloth.’

That doesn’t sound like a good thing… Change the subject!

She smiled. ‘I so appreciate you taking the time to come here this evening so we can share our ideas for the festival. Even though we’ve got acts from further afield than Foxbrooke, I want to make this an event that celebrates homegrown talent and uses local businesses.’

‘In what way?’

‘Everything from food to fencing. For example, we’re working with the owners of The Colour Palate on the high street to make the outside catering not only local, but affordable, the Shakespeare performances in the garden will be staged by The Foxbrooke Players, and we’re aiming for at least sixty per cent of the musicians at the festival to be from the local area.’

As if on cue, Willow started playing the piano, and Connor began singing. Mark glanced up to watch them, chewing his food more slowly.

Knowing she had a captive and well-fed audience, Estelle kept talking about her plans, hoping at least some of the passion and enthusiasm she had for it filtered into Mark’s ears and down to his heart. When his attention was on his plate or her brother and sister, her eyes sought out James. He was working the room like a seasoned pro, his smile broad, his expression engaged, his body language relaxed and confident.

As if someone like that would ever truly want someone like me…

Meaning? Shut up with the trash talk. You’re a badass motherfucker!

Men don’t want a woman like that. They want someone like Eveline or Summer. Willow or Libby.

Says who?

Remind me the last time I had sex? Or the last time a man wanted an actual relationship with me?

James might want one?

Yeah, right. And anyway, he’s off-limits. Remember what he did to Henry?

Despite her smiles, Estelle was miserable. There was no guarantee the evening would be a success, and without a licence, the event couldn’t go ahead. If it didn’t, the estate would incur more losses and would never be able to repay the money they’d already spent securing acts. But despite those huge and very real worries, her main concern seemed to be that James Hunter-Savage didn’t fancy her, and this made her furious.

You’re not a stupid, love-struck teenager. Get a grip!

But even if he does like me, he’s not going to make a move.

Hello? Are you even listening to me?

It’s like he starts flirting then draws back. He might fancy me, but he doesn’t want to take it any further.

Oi! Cut it out!

I mean, why would he? He hates Somerset, despises my brother, and god knows what he thinks of Dad. He wants someone like Elyse, not me.

Blah, blah, blah…

He’s coming back over. Be cool!

‘How’s it going?’ James asked Mark as he sat next to Estelle and took her hand.

‘Interesting,’ Mark replied in a tone that gave nothing away.

‘Vivienne and Leo are going to give a short Shakespeare performance now,’ James said. ‘It’ll give you a taste of the standard of the acts we’ve booked for the festival.’

‘Hmmm.’

James leaned back in his chair, facing the side of the room where Leo and Vivienne were standing.

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