Page 74 of The Last Saturday In July
Zoe’s eyes narrowed. ‘I won’t say a word if you tell me what’s going on.’
‘Just promise me.’
‘Okaaay, I promise.’ Zoe stared at her.
Jess nodded, relieved. ‘I’ve to go find Gemma, see you later.’
Adam and Ian were chatting by one of the two grand fireplaces in the foyer.
‘Jess.’ Ian shook her hand. ‘Great to see you again.’
Jess smiled. ‘You too, Ian. How’s the repair work coming along?’
‘We’ve a team working around the clock.’ Ian adjusted a crisp white handkerchief in his top breast pocket. ‘Gemma’s making sure they clear out while the photos are being done. Anyway, busy day ahead, but I’m around if you need me for anything. Take it handy.’
After he left, Adam turned to Jess and sighed. ‘Zoe’s already here?’
‘She’s getting the outside shots done first.’
‘I need to make a phone call, excuse me.’ Without another word, he turned and went back outside.
Jess breathed out. The sun was shining and she was away from the stuffy confines of the office. She’d try not to worry about anything else.
Ian had organised a buffet lunch in one of the conference rooms.
Zoe grabbed Jess at the door when she came in with Gemma.
‘Jess, a quick word?’ Zoe took Jess’s hand and marched her into a quiet corner before rounding on her. ‘Tell me what’s going on with you and Adam.’
‘Nothing! I can’t believe you even asked me that.’ Jess wiped her hands quickly on her long linen dress.
Zoe sighed heavily. ‘Cut the crap, Jess. I’m lying for you. And Adamhas been asking about you being bridesmaid at Kate’s wedding.’
‘What? Shit.’ Why had she ever agreed to a hen weekend? She’d actually suggested it. Why hadn’t someone talked her out of it? ‘Tell me exactly what you said, Zoe.’
Zoe folded her arms. ‘As little as possible. That’s not the point. The guy’s clearly into you. Why didn’t you tell him you’re engaged to Simon? Why does he think Kate is?’
It was her own fault, asking Zoe to do the photo shoot. Even as a child, she’d demanded to know everything.
‘Keep your voice down, Zoe,’ she hissed. ‘There’s no time for the long version.’
‘Give me the CliffNotes.’
Jess massaged her temples, frantically trying to work out how much to tell her. ‘I might have let Adam think I was single andum, interested. In my defence, I was a bit drunk and so was he.’
Zoe looked perplexed for a moment, then her eyes widened. ‘Shut the front door! The hen weekend? Did you two actually …?’
Jess checked that nobody was within earshot. ‘Yes, okay? Obviously, I completely regret it. You’re the only person I’ve told. I just can’t tell Adam the truth. Anyway, I don’t have to because he’s going back to head office in Switzerland after this wedding.’
‘So why does he think Kate and Simon are engaged?’
‘Because he saw Simon and me together and I told him I was Kate’s bridesmaid. It was the first thing that came to mind.’
Zoe gaped at her. ‘You do get how screwed-up that is?’
‘Which is why you can’t say anything to Adam.
‘Adam is the least of your worries.’
