Page 59 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“Absolutely not.” God, that was a complete lie. “And I’m just,um–”Don’t admit that you’re down here to troubleshoot, Jess, or it’ll be taken right out of context!
“She’s just enjoying the summer solstice festival with some friends,” Robert said firmly. “We were just about to go on the Ferris Wheel, actually.”
Jess flashed the reporter a quick smile. “Excuse us, please.”
Robert took Jess by the hand and pulled her in the direction of the wheel.
A few moments later, Jess glanced behind her. “It’s grand – she’s not even looking this way.Uh, where are we going?”
“To the Ferris Wheel.”
“As in ‘on’ the Ferris Wheel?”
“Yup.”
“I haven’t been on a Ferris Wheel in years,” Jess said, looking over to see people starting to climb into the carriages for the next ride.
“You scared?” There was a glint in Robert’s eyes.
That sounded like a challenge. “Absolutely not scared.” Jess squared her shoulders. “Lead on.”
CHAPTER 30
By ten o’clock, most of the parents of young children had left the party, and some of the cast and crew had slipped away back to Linford Castle. Jess wondered if they’d simply taken the party back there.
Not that it mattered at this stage. They’d all made a huge effort and she had a feeling the resulting publicity would be very positive.
As soon as the celebrations began to break up, she’d spotted groups of teenagers – armed with plastic shopping bags – head in the direction of Linford Wood and had mentioned it quietly to Sylvia.
“I don’t want to be a killjoy so feel free to tell me to mind my own business. But I know the river’s quite high right now, and if they’re drinking …”
Sylvia had squeezed her hand. “I saw them going too, don’t worry. A couple of us will check up on them in a while.”
Look at me, Jess thought as she wandered away. Just a year after getting so drunk on her hen weekend that she’d slept with a total stranger, she was worrying about teenagers drinkingaround water. Clearly, a huge leap of maturity. Not to mention that she didn’t want anything else blamed on the Linford Curse.
As she wandered back across the green, she spotted Emily with a group who were all playing cards. Jess waved, and Emily and Holly waved back. There was no sign of Afric or Spencer, she realised. Not surprisingly, all the press had disappeared too.
She turned to Robert. “I’ve decided this is my favourite bit of the night.”
He grinned. “Not the Ferris Wheel ride?”
“That’s a close second, obviously. Hey, what were you and Afric chatting about?”
He shrugged. “She was on her own so I was just asking if she was enjoying the party. Hang on.” He strode over to the table and picked up a bottle of wine. “Seems a shame to waste it.” He poured two glasses and handed her one. “To our summer solstice!”
They clinked and grinned at each other. Over the speakers, the music changed from popular country hits to quieter, cool jazz.
“People will be trying to get their kids to sleep,” Robert said. “This usually winds down shortly after midnight but, apart from putting the food and drink away, most of the cleaning is left until tomorrow.”
“I wonder if any of the cast have updated their socials yet.” Jess checked her Instagram feed. “Afric has something.” She tapped on her story and watched as it unspooled through the highlights of the solstice party. “Oh my God, this is brilliant publicity for Linford!”
Robert stepped behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. “We’ve a full moon,” he whispered.
“Should I be scared?” She twisted her head to meet his smile, and met his mouth in a lingering kiss, before leaning backand gazing into the still-bright sky, determined to imprint the moment on her memory.
“Stay right here, will you?” Robert moved away. “I’ve just remembered there’s something I need to give Ted.”
Jess wandered back over to the food table where Sylvia, Sinéad and some of the other committee members were packing leftover food into foil containers.
