Page 101 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
An hour later, Jess found herself heading to Knock Airport – a forty-minute drive from Linford Castle – after Afric had messaged Doug to say she’d seen the news about the producers’ arrival, was catching the first flight out of London and should be arriving at Knock by one o’clock.
“Don’t forget the producers will be here by the time the London flight lands,” Doug had reminded her. “We’re gonna tell them that Afric’s sick in bed but there’s only so long I can hold them off. Eventually, they’re going to want to see her.”
Jess didn’t bother to ask Doug if he knew how and why Afric had left the country. Instead, she’d come up with a slightly desperate plan to get her back into the castle and had got Emily’s agreement to help her carry it out.
Now she parked at the airport and checked her phone, but there was nothing from Afric. She rang Emily. “Hey, just checking that you’re going to –”
“Jess, those producers are here and we’re just about to reshoot a big scene with all the extras. Don’t worry, I won’t forget what I’m supposed to do.”
“Great, I really appreciate –”
Emily had hung up.
Jess went into Arrivals and scanned the information board to see if the flight was on time. There it was: the Aer Lingus one o’clock flight from London Gatwick.Shit!It was delayed by half an hour – this wasn’t going to work.
She bought a coffee and sat down. No wonder Afric wasn’t online – she was still in the air. And when she landed she might just have to kill her.Breathe, Jess, it’ll be fine. It’ll work out. Look atlast time!A brief memory of her wedding day – half of which she’d spent at Linford Castle trying to sort out the celebrity wedding – flashed through her mind. Except it wouldn’t be anything like that. In fact, it was safe to say she wouldn’t have to manage anything as dramatic as that again. By comparison, this would be very doable. She drank some more coffee and messaged Robert.
Hey, good news. At Knock Airport to collect Afric. Emily ready in the hotel to get her back in via the Lady Linford tunnel. See you tonight x
By the time the flight landed, and passengers began to stream through the airport, Jess was convinced that Afric wasn’t among them. She waited, anxiously, as the last few passengers drifted through. Where was she? It wasn’t like she had to wait for luggage – not if she’d simply hopped on a stupid plane with no luggage just a couple of days ago! Had she somehow missed her? She turned slowly, scanning the small area.
“Jess.” Somebody whispered loudly right into her ear.
“Crap!” Jess jumped and spun, to find herself face to face with Afric, who was wearing a long, dark hoodie over black leggings, the hood drawn tight around her face. On her back was a small, designer rucksack.
“Let’s go.” Jess started to steer her quickly towards the exit. “My car is parked just outside. The producers are already atLinford, and Doug is doing his best to keep them distracted for as long as possible.” They got outside and Jess pointed her key-fob at the car. “Get in but keep your face covered.”
Minutes later, Jess pulled out onto the road. She glanced over at Afric. “I’m not going to ask why you pulled a stunt like that in the middle of filming. But just to be clear – you’ve spent the last two days in bed with a terrible stomach bug.”
“So what’s going to happen when we drive back? There are paparazzi everywhere. I don’t want to get Doug into trouble.” Afric folded her arms. “Fuck it, I don’t want to get in trouble either. Who released that story about me being back earlier?”
“Mel.” Jess sighed.
“Stupid wagon,” Afric muttered.
Jess ignored her. “Lisa was called back to the States. Something about post-production publicity.”
“So if I’m supposed to be in bed, how are you supposed to get me back in?”
“We’re meeting Emily at the entrance to the tunnel that leads directly into your suite.” Jess indicated and changed lanes. “She’ll take you safely back inside.”
“Uh huh, no way!” Afric spluttered. “I’m claustrophobic, remember? I can’t do that!”
Jess gripped the steering wheel tighter. “We don’t have a choice, Afric. You’re taking the tunnel.”
CHAPTER 50
Jess hoped that Afric’s mutinous silence was a sign that she’d resigned herself to the plan and tried not to dwell on the fact that the last time she’d been in a tunnel she’d lasted five seconds before panicking and almost concussing herself.
It was also why she’d been careful not to mention her plan to Doug or Mel. After Doug’s insistence that Afric shouldn’t go near the tunnels, there had been no point in saying anything. But with so many paparazzi around Linford, she was out of options.
When she eventually pulled into the outskirts of Linford Wood, she turned to Afric.
“This’ll be fine, Afric, honestly.” She tried to think of something reassuring. “When you get back you can soak in a nice bath, or something. Pamper yourself a bit.”
“I’m not doing this.” Afric hunched down in her seat. “You can’t make me.”
“I know I can’t.” Jess tried to sound firm. “But I’ve talked to Doug and Mel. If the producers find out that you just took off without a word to anyone, you could be sued.”
