Page 63 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
Jess thought hard for a moment. The only explanation for any of it was that Afric and Spencer had been doing their best to make everyone think that they weren’t even getting on. When the opposite was true.
And now that they’d been caught out, they’d decided to take control of the situation.
“I don’t regret it,” Emily was saying defiantly.
It took Jess a moment to figure out what she was talking about. “No, right. That was generous of you. Especially as Afric could well afford to buy it!”
“I know, but I was thinking if I gave it to her she’d share it on her socials.Omigod, omigod, this is unreal – you’re not going to believe this!”
“They’ve just announced their engagement?”
“No! There’s a gang of reporters hanging around the courtyard in front of my apartment. I think they’re waiting for me.”
“Shit!No, it’s grand, let me think for a minute.”
“What’s there to think about?” Emily sounded a bit huffy. “They obviously want to ask me about my jewellery.”
“Yes.” Jess paused. “But they might also want to ask you about Afric and Spencer, and you have to be careful how you answer.”
“So I just tell them the truth! I gave Afric the ring.”
“Normally a good option,” Jess agreed. “Except, say, for some crazy reason, Afric, or even both of them are trying to spin this another way? I’ve no idea how or why, but the last thing we want as representatives of the hotel – of the whole group – is to interfere with that.”
There was a silence. “So, I lie?” Emily said, finally.
“Not lie, just say nothing. Or say you’re thrilled that Afric likes your jewellery. That way you’re not actually admitting you gaveit to her.” Jess hurried on. “But I wouldn’t worry too much – they might be gone by the time you leave your apartment.”
“How do they even know where I live?”
“It’s a small village, Emily. Anyone could have told them.”
“I suppose.” Emily’s tone brightened again. “So, how wasyournight?”
“Mine?” Jess tried to play for time.
Emily sighed. “You and Robert left together.”
“He walked me home.”
“Oh.” Emily sounded disappointed. “Was that all?”
Jess hesitated and Emily squealed. “Oh my God! I just knew he was into you. That is epic! I mean, he’s not, like …” She trailed away.
“Adam.” Jess’s stomach squeezed as she said it. “I know. Look, Robert and I aren’t serious, okay? Not even slightly. We’re just having fun. And to be honest, I still don’t exactly know how I feel about last night.”
“Why?” A note of sympathy crept into Emily’s voice. “Was he crap in bed?”
In spite of herself, Jess started to giggle. “No, it’s not that. Okay, don’t forget what I said about the reporters.”
“Keep it vague – got it.” Emily hung up.
She might as well get up, Jess thought, looking around the small, over-stuffed room. She was wide awake now. Plus, her hangover wasn’t going to go away without help.
Part of her was tempted to head up to the castle to find out for herself what was going on. But the other part of her figured that this changed things – and she could be facing a hectic week ahead. Maybe she’d just chill out for the day.
She still hadn’t replied to Robert’s message, but she needed to word it properly. She’d said she didn’t want anything serious, but after last night, he might figure she’d changed her mind.Still, even if it had felt like another step in the right direction, they could probably both do with some space today.
Had a lovely evening, catch up during the week. She hit send. Now what? She wasn’t in the mood to be on her own. She sent Emily another WhatsApp.
