Page 78 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
He shrugged. “I got lucky but, yeah, it was great to work out in the States. And I was just finishing another job out there when they were looking for crew for the early scenes shot in Seattle, so I crewed up.”
“Congratulations! Hollywood movies on your CV!” Jess said.
“Ah, I don’t mind where the work comes from once I’m working.”
Jess thought quickly. “Do you mind me asking, have you heard anything about the filming planned to take place in the castle tunnels?”
“I haven’t.” Dermot shrugged. “I don’t know what they’re like, but you’re not going to get quality lighting and sound in a tunnel. But look, I’m not the director, so I can’t say what they’ve planned.” He cleared his throat. “How’s the jewellery-making business, Emily?”
She flushed again. “I’ve had a few people ask if I could make them a ring like Afric’s.”
“Afric might be looking for her money back if she finds her ring isn’t a one-off,” Robert teased.
“Oh, she didn’t –” She caught Jess’s eye. “Er, do you think she’ll be upset? I mean, they’re handmade, so they’re all a bit different.”
“Just go for it, Emily. Don’t overthink it,” Dermot said.
“Dermot’s probably right,” Robert agreed. “How are you settling into Linford, by the way?”
“Great, thanks.” Emily glanced shyly at Dermot. “Starting to love it, actually.”
Robert nodded. “There’s pros and cons to living in a village this size. People get to know everything about you.” He picked up his drink again. “It’s not always a bad thing – it can make people feel safe. But nobody forgets anything either.” He added jokily, “Anyway, now that Emily is one of us, we’ll all be keeping a careful eye on you, Dermot.”
“It’s not like, we’re not that …” Emily stumbled over her words. “Dermot’s not … like, we’re not …”
“Oh, sorry.” Robert looked puzzled.
Dermot just grinned. “Easy mistake to make with us rocking up together like that.” He winked at Emily, who was now radiating enough heat to keep the whole pub warm.
Christ, Jess thought, poor Emily would have been better off if they hadn’t shown up. She glanced at Robert, who shrugged and mouthed a quick ‘sorry’.
“Excuse me.” She stood up, shooting Emily a meaningful look.
“Right, yeah.” Emily scrambled to her feet. “Me too.”
They headed straight for the ladies’ which, to Jess’s relief, were empty.
Emily sagged against a wash-hand basin. “Do you think he’s guessed?”
Jess gave her a sympathetic look. “Does it really matter if he has? I think he likes you.”
“Maybe?” Emily chewed at a purple nail and then seemed to remember it was acrylic. “You definitely think he does?”
“Definitely.”
“I think Robert likes you too, you know.” Emily tucked her hands into her armpits.
“I know.” Although he’d put his foot in it tonight, she should have spelled things out more clearly for him. “When we finish these drinks, I’ll suggest that we head off.”
As they approached their table, Robert and Dermot were chatting but broke off as they sat back down.
Jess cleared her throat. “I was just telling Emily that Robert and I won’t stay long. We’re up really early tomorrow morning to go riding at Linford.” She remembered she’d never asked Emily if she’d be interested and made a mental note to correct that. “Do you ride, Dermot?”
He flicked a quick look at Emily. “Not really, no.”
Jess turned to Emily but she seemed distracted by something or someone behind them.Shit, it had to be Adam. She wouldn’t look, she’d pretend she hadn’t noticed. Except that her whole body seemed to be tensing now that she could sense him approaching.
Reluctantly, she turned slightly, her stomach knotting as their gazes clashed. He and his girlfriend were leaving – and they had to pass by their table. They stopped, and for a long moment Jess felt the full impact of Adam’s gaze.
