Page 126 of The Last Saturday In July
Jess knew he was right. She also knew that if she were to do it all again, she wouldn’t do anything differently. ‘Was there anything else?’
He shook his head. ‘Not for the moment, just keep your head down.’
Feeling strangely deflated, Jess got up to leave.
‘Oh, I nearly forgot,’ he said.
Jess turned back, and Adam gave a polite smile. ‘Congratulations on your wedding.’
Chapter 53
Jess stared at the screen in front of her. Nothing made sense anymore. In the last three years, her whole life had been heading in one direction: career, husband, children. Well, she wouldn’t have rushed that last bit. Still, if things had turned out differently, she’d have ended up doing something she’d have regretted. She and Simon had done the right thing. Now, it was probably normal to feel a bit adrift. And more than a little worried.
What hurt most, she realised, was that Adam hated her. After he’d congratulated her on her wedding, she’d had her chance to come clean about everything, but fear had held her back. She was terrified that, even if he knew the truth, he wouldn’t be interested. Or that he’d be disgusted that she’d put the group’s reputation at risk for nothing.
There was also the strong chance that even if Ian kept her secret, Frank might still fire her, or at least demote her, for her unprofessional behaviour. Feeling miserable, she got up and went over to the window to lean her head against the cool glass. The swans were back on the canal, this time with a family of half a dozen brown, fluffy cygnets.
She jumped when her phone rang, but it was just Zoe.
‘Hi, Zoe, I’m fine.’ In a way, it was a relief to be back at work, no matter how long she had left. The day after the wedding had been stressful. Apart from Kate, everyone had tiptoed around her, while her mother had fielded calls from well-meaning relatives and friends.
‘Good, but that’s not why I’m phoning.’
Jess turned away from the view. ‘Is everything all right? Is it Nana?’
‘Nana’s fine, chill. I have amazing news.’
‘I could do with some amazing news.’
‘Okay, get this. Leo Dinardia was so impressed by Finn that he’s booked the whole troupe for two months at one of his big casinos in Vegas.’
Jess blinked. ‘Wow!’ Maybe Leo wasn’t the worst. ‘Wait, what if they want him to stay longer?’
‘Yeah, that’d be terrible. I’d have to pack up the kids and rent out our semi-detached.’ Zoe gave a mock sigh. ‘He got noticed, Jess! Not just by Leo, but by a lot of really influential people. And he’s let the school in Limerick know. They said they’d hire someone to fill in, until he needs the job. He’s so stoked.’
‘You’re right, it’s amazing.’ Jess laughed. Zoe’s excitement was contagious. ‘Tell him I’m really happy for him.’
‘You can tell him yourself when you see him. He wants to thank you in person. You got him this break.’
Jess felt better as she checked her emails. There was a new one from Ian Finnegan, and she took a deep breath before she read it.
Hi Jess, I wanted to let you know that we’ve had a lot of online enquiries about Linford since Saturday. It’s hard to be sure, but people seem very taken with how we fooled the world’s media with a decoy bride. We’ve had two wedding bookings this morning, but we’re also getting enquiries from people who want to stay in our haunted rooms. It seems the public are ready for Helen Linford’s ghost!
Meanwhile, our manager appreciates how resourceful you were, and will be talking with Frank this morning. For now, from myself and all the staff, a sincere thank you.
By the way, despite the last-minute change of bride, our guests are enjoying a very successful third day of celebrations.
Chat soon, Ian.
Jess read the email a second time. There was nothing about how she’d helped Chelsea escape, and judging by what Adam had said earlier, Ian had decided not to tell Frank either. She felt a weight lift.
Having Ian in her corner would make a huge difference, if Frank did decide to haul her over the coals.
There was a knock on the door, and she braced herself.
‘Yes.’
Adam came in. ‘You busy?’
