Page 53 of Just Like That

We’re at the point where we’re beginning to cross a line with hands being where they absolutely shouldn’t be in a place of work, and items of clothing coming close to being removed, when the door to the enclosure swings open with a loud creak. We instantaneously jump apart and stand behind it as a group of primary school children trot into the space, chattering exciting, followed by what must be their teachers or parental chaperones. I balk at how close they came to catching us out and receiving an unsolicited sex ed lesson. Nick puts a finger to his lips and silently beckons for me to follow him out of the room, which I do on my tiptoes to avoid giving us away.

Once outside, we fall about laughing, wired by our close call. I straighten myself up and smooth down my hair as Nick watches me with a grin.

‘What is it?’ I demand with a smile.

‘Nothing.’ He shakes his head, still grinning. ‘That was a bit close for comfort, but it was also…’

‘Hot?’

‘So hot. What are you doing tonight?’

‘I’m… erm…’ I hesitate, unsure how to play things. ‘I have a prior commitment, I’m afraid.’

‘No worries. How about tomorrow?’

I pull a face and Nick’s grin dissolves. ‘You’re busy then, too.’

Seeing him looking so disappointed pains me no end. He must have – quite reasonably – thought that, with this being the beginning of something new, and us being that hot for each other, we’d both be going out of our way to free up our time. Which I ordinarily would – if it weren’t for the fact that I’m a full-time carer outside of my job. But feeling so drawn to him, I know I need to find a way for us to spend some time together, especially if we only have a couple of days before I speak to Craig.

Taking both Nick’s hands in mine, I seek out eye contact with him. ‘Give me your number and leave it with me. I might be able to pull some strings.’

Chapter 24

Returning home later that day, I have to continually remind myself that having one night off for a date with Nick does not mean I’m a bad sister. I’m simply doing what Jackson said I must do: filling my own tank so I can be the best sister and carer I can for Seth. It’s a hard sell, so I’m relieved that, when I broach the subject with Seth and Jackson, I receive a unanimous response that I must have my evening out. Jackson also reassures me (as he has already before) that he’s more than happy to take the extra hours.

‘Jess, I’ve got this, OK?’ says Jackson.

‘Yeah, sis,’ Seth pitches in. ‘We will be… fine. Jackson’s cooking… is better than… yours.’

‘Careful,’ I warn him. ‘This hand still has to feed you most other days, and it could add liver and bacon to our meal plan at any time.’

Seth looks repulsed. ‘You… wouldn’t.’

‘Try me.’

‘All right, I will… stop. Anyway… what are you… doing… tomo… tom-orrow night? Do you have… a date?’

‘Maybe.’ I bite my lip with embarrassment and look away.

‘Oh, I’m right… who is he?’ Seth’s features illuminate with interest alongside a streak of mischief. ‘Is he… rich, and… does he have… a six-pack?’

Jackson laughs loudly while I cock my head, perplexed.

‘That’s your first question?’

‘It seems to be… what matters to… the people on the… reality shows I watch.’

‘Jackson, I think Seth needs a different type of stimulation to support his recovery,’ I joke. ‘That crap will damage his brain even more.’

‘You got me.’ Jackson holds his hands up in a comically. ‘We’re actually glued to the reality channel all day.’

Seth snorts with amusement and I can’t help smiling at him. I’m just so relieved that he’s doing so well with all this. Having noticed that his friends haven’t been round as much in the last few weeks, I was worried it would hit him hard, but he seems quite chilled as always.

‘So, this guy,’ Seth prompts me. ‘You’re not… dodging… this one. Who is he, and… will I approve?’

‘All right. He’s called Nick, and he’s the head keeper at the wildlife park. He’s a good guy, if a bit lacking in tact at times. Different to my usual type.’

I glance self-consciously at Jackson, feeling a bit weird about having this conversation in front of him, though I’m not sure why. He’s like an extension to our miniature family unit these days and he hears and sees way worse than me chatting about a guy I like. He simply winks affectionately back at me, putting me at ease with that one tiny gesture.

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