Page 54 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“A river is always at its best,” she said, relaxing a little.
“I disagree.” He smiled. “Linford has a summer solstice party on the village green every year. The residents’ association committee organises it. Ted supplies all the food and drink and the whole village turns out. Can I tempt you?”
“To Ted’s food?” Her eyes narrowed.
“Come with me, as my date.”
His date. To the summer solstice party in two days’ time!See how easy this is, Jess?
“That sounds great.”
“Excellent.” He checked the time. “I’d better get back to work.” He got to his feet and put out his hand.
Jess took it and scrambled up, pulling down her fitted skirt as it threatened to bunch up around her.
This was perfect, she thought, as they walked back. Every new experience – every date with Robert – was another step in the right direction. Jess slipped her hand into his and he squeezed it gently as they headed into the village.
CHAPTER 27
@starzwatch Do the PR people for Torres and Brooks’ new movie really expect us to believe that the reason they’re fighting all the time is because it’s an ‘enemies-to-lovers’ romcom and the stars are ‘method acting’? #AnIrishInheritance
Anthony met Jess in the foyer of Linford Castle when she arrived in the next day.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, frowning. “Have you been sick at all?”
“No, I’m fine.” Did she look that bad? She’d concluded that JJ Cahill had never worried about his appearance because there wasn’t a single mirror in Ivy Cottage.
Anthony looked relieved. “Most of the cast and crew are down with food poisoning. One of the doctors at the local medical centre confirmed it. Apparently it’s not too extreme, whatever that means, but Health and Safety has shut down the food trucksuntil they investigate. Although it seems to be the chicken tikka masala – everyone who had it for lunch yesterday is sick.”
She made a mental note to text Emily to see if she’d been affected.
“I assume there won’t be any filming today?”
Anthony shook his head. “Or tomorrow. Although a few of them didn’t eat the stuff. I think Afric and Spencer are okay. And Doug didn’t have it either.”
Jess folded her arms. “What’ll happen now with the food trucks?”
“Mel Winters said they’re not giving the company a second chance and asked if there’s something Linford can do instead?” Anthony tugged at his shirt cuffs. “It means we’re able to take most of our chefs back on board, draw up a simple menu for the week. In the meantime, Marco is making consommé for everyone. The doctor said most people should be able to have it later today.”
When she got to her office, Jess texted Emily.Heard about the food poisoning R U OK?
A few moments later, Emily replied with three green ‘sick’ emojis.
Jess sent another text.Want me to come over later with clear soup Marco made?
Emily sent a thumbs-up and Jess phoned the kitchen to request a flask of soup for collection.
She was halfway through a press release when Lisa Greensmith knocked and stuck her head around the door.
“Hey, Jess, you got a minute?”
Jess waved her in. “You escaped the food poisoning?”
Lisa pulled a face. “I don’t eat dead animals. Now, I talked to Afric and got out an official statement denying that TMZ piece about her and Spencer. I’d love to know who our leak is. Like, do Irish people not understand NDAs?” Her mouth tightened. “Wecan’t keep ignoring this. We’ve only got a few weeks of filming left, and I need to generate some fuzzy feels.”
Fuzzy feels?
“As soon as everyone gets over this disgusting food poisoning,” Lisa continued, “I was thinking we invite some of the media in for a day to show them what happens on set, give them a chance to connect with the actors and our movie. And I’d like your help.”
