Page 21 of The Last Saturday In July
She knew he was deliberately misunderstanding her. ‘You make it sound like Vegas.’
‘What’s wrong with Vegas?’
And now he was winding her up. ‘It’s fake. And gaudy.’ She threw up her hands. ‘And, I don’t know, too easy to get married by mistake.’
His eyes glinted. ‘And wake up the following morning with a ten-dollar ring on your finger, and a stranger beside you in the bed?’
Jess reddened, and Adam had the grace to look sorry.
‘All I’m saying is Vegas is fun, Jess.’ His tone softened. ‘People know what they’re getting.’
‘People will know what they’re getting with Linford. And it’s authentic.’
‘Like the Linford Curse? Come on, Jess, we’re selling escapism.’
Jess took a deep breath, and reminded herself that managing people was part of her job. ‘I think we both actually want the same thing.’
Adam studied her a moment. ‘What I want is to market the place to a wealthy global audience. What you want is to give a history lesson. It’s a five-star hotel, not a visitor centre.’
He had to be the most annoying person she’d ever worked with.
‘Just think about it,’ Adam continued. ‘If we’re to turn a profit, Linford will always be about the big events and the international market: Europe, America, Asia.’
Which was why her proposed ad campaign was perfect! Except that he was completely ignoring what made Linford Castle special.
‘Look, I’ve quite a lot to do this morning,’ Adam said. ‘Do you want to talk about it over lunch? We can work here, I’ll bring food.’
It sounded more appealing than Jess wanted to admit, but she remembered just in time that she had to meet Simon at Occasions on D’Olier Street, so they could choose their wedding favours. Finally, they were about to do the most fun planning since their cake-tasting. And this time, it would just be the two of them. Operation Be a Better Fiancée:tick!
‘Sorry, I have other plans.’ She tried not to look smug.
‘Pity.’ He turned to leave. ‘Do you think Emily likes pizza? I’m having some delivered.’
God, she’d kill for a pizza. She adopted her most disinterested expression – he was clearly looking for a reaction. Simon would never behave so childishly. Although Simon didn’t like pizza. Still, that wasn’t the point.
Adam winked. ‘I’d better go down and see if it’s here. Catch you later. Enjoy your lunch.’
As discreetly as possible, she pushed her folded arms into her stomach, hoping Adam couldn’t hear it rumble. ‘I will.’
Adam left, and Jess checked the time. Ten past one! Shit, she was late, and it was all Adam’s fault. She wouldn’t even have time to eat now. She’d slung her bag across her body before she remembered the chicken sandwich from the previous day. Opening her desk drawer, she eyed the chocolate before grabbing the sandwich bag and unzipping it, sniffing cautiously. It’d be fine.
Outside, the lift was opening, and she waited for it to empty, before jumping in. She took a large bite of the sandwich.
Better to eat it as quickly as possible – she’d have to try to get a taxi now.
‘Hi, I was starting to worry.’ Simon pulled her in for a quick kiss, as she arrived at Occasions.
‘I know, yeah, I’m sorry.’
Jess took a deep breath, determined to forget about work for a while. The next three-quarters of an hour was about making memories, choosing small, thoughtful gifts that their guests would treasure forever. At least, that’s what it read on the shop’s website.
‘You must be Jess and Simon.’ A dapper, middle-aged man in a three-piece suit, complete with buttonhole, approached, smiling widely. ‘I’m Ken and I’ll be assisting you today. Lovely to meet you both. Now, you’ve booked an hour, so let’s get started.’
Simon pushed his glasses up his nose. ‘Actually, I have to be back at the office by ten past two.’
‘But I’ve been on the website and I’ve narrowed down our choices,’ Jess said hurriedly.
Ken frowned. ‘That’s a bit tight, but we’ll do our very best.’ He tapped on the iPad he was carrying. ‘Let me open our order form and we’ll make a start.’
