Page 68 of Just Like That

‘Fantastic. That’s exactly what we need.’

There’s a loud burst of applause in response to Gwen’s final thank you and she steps down off the stage.

‘Erm… Lauren, are you seeing what I’m seeing?’ I ask her, as the camera crew make their way over to Gwen.

‘Yup. Looks like they want an interview.’ She grimaces, aware that an unscripted Gwen might not be such a good thing. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll oversee this, Jess. Always fancied being an internet sensation, and I reckon a mother-daughter “zoo crew” will do it.’

‘Break a leg,’ I call after her, then turn to Nick. ‘How are the animal demonstrations going?’

‘Great. The visitors are loving getting a closer look at our park residents. Rana has, of course, stolen the show. I’m half expecting her to become an online celebrity by the time the day is out.’

‘Perhaps her and her keeper?’ I raise a suggestive eyebrow.

‘I sincerely hope not.’ He looks appalled at the idea. ‘She’s the star. I’m just the—’

‘Support act?’

‘I was actually going to say “staff”.’

‘Well, you’re a lot more than that to me.’

‘Now that is something I like to hear.’ He leans in, giving me a kiss that’s fleeting but loaded with meaning. ‘I can’t wait for tonight.’

‘Me neither.’ I bite my lip coyly.

Despite my concerns about taking our relationship to the next level, while at the same time continuing to meet Nick’s criteria of being ‘uncomplicated’, I’m more than ready to feel every part of him against my bare skin. A rush of longing courses through me at this thought, and I turn away to stave off a flush I can feel coming on. As I do this, my eyes sweep across the crowd and land on a familiar face looking straight back at me.

‘Shit,’ I mutter under my breath. ‘Nick, that’s my boss, and he’s coming this way. I think he just saw us kiss.’

Chapter 31

Nick stiffens beside me, which I know is not just in anticipation of what might be about to go down, but also at what might spell the end of our relationship (for now). Because I never did get round to telling Craig about us. With all our time being sucked up by the planning and preparations for today, I didn’t have the bandwidth or the appetite for such a conversation. I had to stay 100 per cent focused.

‘Hi, Craig,’ I greet him, swallowing down a gulp. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you here today.’

‘Everyone else seems to be here, so why not me as well?’ He doesn’t even look at me, his focus fully on Nick. ‘I gather you’re the head keeper here.’

‘That’s right, I’m Nick. Good to meet you.’ Nick shakes his hand with what I can’t help thinking is a stronger grip than he might ordinarily exert.

‘Jess, can I have a quick word?’ Craig finally shifts his attention to me.

‘Of course.’ I glance at Nick, who excuses himself and heads for the barbeque where Serge and his team have a seamless production line in operation, preparing burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches to order.

Craig and I step away to the side where it’s quieter. I can feel my body jittering with nerves and I so badly want this to be over.

‘I gather you and Nick are… involved,’ says Craig.

‘Yes.’ My eyes instinctively fall to the ground in shame, then I look up at him. ‘Craig, I’m so sorry you had to find out that way. I was going to talk to you about it, and then things just turned crazy with organising this event, and—’

‘Jess, it’s fine.’

‘It is?’ I blanch with surprise.

He nods. ‘You’re not the first to get involved with a client – or in this case, a client’s employee – and you most certainly won’t be the last. What’s most important to me is that the company reputation stays intact and the work gets delivered. I know you won’t allow this to get in the way of your integrity and sense of professionalism, will you?’ He gives me a look that feels like more of a warning than a question, making me think he’d prefer situations like this didn’t arise, but he grudgingly accepts they’re a fact of life.

‘Of course not.’ I wipe away the tiny beads of sweat that had pooled on my forehead. ‘That you can be certain of, and I hope that today is evidence of it.’

Craig turns and surveys the sight before us: people everywhere, eating food at picnic tables, perusing the stalls, enjoying drinks at the outdoor bar while listening to the music from the local band who have occupied the stage following Gwen’s speech (with strict instructions not to play too loud, so they don’t upset the animals). There are even some people up dancing. The place is alive, buzzing like it should be all the time.

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