Page 40 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“It’s a clichéd romantic comedy.” He dipped a prawn into some garlic mayonnaise. “Apart from the fact that it’s not my thing, I don’t think the leads are going to sell it.”
“We don’t know yet. Anyway, loads of people love romantic comedies.”
Adam had liked them. Or maybe he’d just pretended to like them for her sake, she thought. Still, he’d always made popcorn for those nights cuddled up on the sofa together.
She felt herself grow warm at the memories. They’d rarely made it to the end of any movie before … Her thoughts screeched to a halt. She couldn’t think about Adam. Especially when she was on a date! What had they been talking about?An Irish Inheritance.Right. “You’ve got to agree that it’s an amazing opportunity for Linford Village, though. Most of the locals are extras. Our receptionist got one of the bit parts!”
“Who’s that?”
“Emily? I introduced you.”
“Peroxide blonde, I remember, yeah.” His tone was dry.
Woah, that sounded judgmental. “I like it,” she said.
Robert smiled. “I guess I just prefer something more natural. Anyway … what about the theatre? What do you like?”
“It depends.” Jess tried to be honest. “Nothing too heavy or pretentious. The last thing I saw was a modern version ofThe Taming of the Shrew.” It had been a local production to fundraise for the hospital where her mother worked. She’d takenAdam to see it, and he’d sat between her and Moira. Jess had watched her nana glow as Adam chatted with her during the evening.
“Shakespeare is great,” he agreed. “But I’ve no time for modern versions of it.”
Was he subtly teasing her? She studied him for a moment. Nope, perfectly serious. Move on, Jess. “So, what was it like growing up here?”
He shrugged. “Fine. Except that I didn’t like the GAA and it was really the only sport around. There’s riding stables a few miles away so I learned to ride instead.”
“I learned to ride as a child too,” Jess said, relieved they had something in common.
“Maybe that’s something else we can do together.” His tone lightened. “I really like spending time with you, Jess.”
“Me too.” She tried to ignore the niggling feeling that she still couldn’t be completely herself with this man. It was probably because she wasn’t ready to tell him about Simon or Adam … or the pregnancy. God, maybe she was just using Robert. No, she liked him – he was easy to be with. There was no pressure.
And no chemistry.The unwelcome thought slid to mind and she pushed it out just as quickly, reminding herself that Robert was a slow burn. The fact that her love life was no longer mapped out was also a welcome change.
Robert helped himself to more tapas. “So, tell me how you got into your business.”
“What are your thoughts on dessert?” Robert said, after the waiter had cleared away their main course.
Jess hesitated. “I’m so full!”
“We could share one?”
“Uh, sure. You choose, I want to freshen up.” She headed to the bathrooms, pleased to discover a small, luxurious room with old-fashioned, ornate washbasins, a counter with fabric-covered stools and complimentary beauty products.
Jess sat down at the counter for a moment and scrutinised herself in the mirrored wall. She’d looked pale and drawn in the weeks immediately after the miscarriage. Now the dark circles under her eyes were gone, and her face looked fuller again. She experienced a jolt of recognition as she spotted another woman at the basins.
“Deb? We’ve met at Linford Castle. I’m Jess Bradley, the marketing manager for the hotel group.”
Deb smiled warmly. “I thought I saw you earlier! I decided to treat myself this evening.”
“I heard you’re staying around the area for a while to do some writing?” Jess said.
“Yes, I’m renting a house for a couple of months to get a head start on my next book. But it was exciting to visit Linford Castle and meet all the cast.”
“At the risk of coming across as a scary fan, I’ve read all your books.” Jess grinned. “My favourite isMy Second Choice. ButAn Irish Inheritanceis great, too – very funny!”
“That’s very kind of you. And refreshing to chat to someone who’s not from the press.”
Jess nodded. “I guess it must be a bit overwhelming at the moment.”
