Page 65 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“I’ll take that as a no,” Jess said. “What about the pregnancy?”
“You think I’d know? It’s exactly the sort of shit Ishouldknow, of course. Doug and Mel have been clawing out each other’s eyes since the story broke.”
“So they’re upset because of the pregnancy?”
“The way it got out, I’d say.” Lisa sighed. “They’re blaming me, obviously, for not having control over the narrative.”
Jess tried to think. “But isn’t this good for you? You’ve been trying to market Afric and Spencer as a potential couple, and now they actuallyarea couple.”
“You think?” Lisa rubbed the back of her neck. “That was a great party, by the way. Are summer solstice celebrations a big thing here?”
“Theyareat Newgrange.” Jess shrugged.
Lisa frowned. “Newgrange?”
“It’s a neolithic site in the Boyne Valley. At the summer solstice the rays of the rising sun directly hit two huge slabs there – I mean, it was engineered so exactly that would happen – and at the winter solstice the rays shine directly into a passage grave inside a huge mound through a tiny window. Amazing to see!”
Lisa’s eyes were glazing over. Time to move on.
“Anyway, Lisa, I think Linford Village just uses the longest day as an excuse to throw a get-together for the village. You know that Emily, our receptionist, made the ring that Afric is wearing.”
“Seems she’s multi-talented.” Lisa shot her a sly look. “If her jewellery goes viral, she could be in demand. She might not need to work in a hotel, no offence.”
Did Emily want that too? It was a side-hustle now, but it could easily take off. She gave a distracted smile. “None taken.”
Back in her office, she messaged Zoe.U free 4 a call?Her sister had been living in Vegas for the last few months, after Zoe’s partner Finn and his dance troupe had stepped in at the last minute to perform at the celebrity wedding the previous year, and subsequently accepted an offer of residency at Leo Dinardia’s casinos. Despite the eight-hour difference, Zoe now lived like a vampire and was usually able to take her calls.
Sure enough, after a couple of moments, Zoe video-called her. “Hey, all good?”
She looked different, Jess thought. Like she’d got some sun. Paradoxically, she also looked like she hadn’t slept in a week.
Jess shrugged. “Busy. What about you?”
“Same.” Zoe paused. “Bit wrecked, nobody sleeps here. Well, they do, mainly during the day – it’s kind of a weird place. Hey, what’s the story with Afric and Spencer? Are they for real?”
“It’s hard to tell. The pregnancy thing was leaked so it seems real enough.”
“Unless they leaked it themselves?”
Jess laughed. “God, I hadn’t thought of that. Maybe? So, you still having fun over there?”
“Mostly. You missing home?” Zoe tipped her head. “I’m getting a vibe.”
“A bit,” Jess admitted. “I miss not seeing Mam and Dad, even though Iwasseeing way too much of them. And I don’t really miss all the Irish country and western music, or the way Mamstilldoesn’t lock the bathroom door when she’s in there!”
Zoe snorted. “She blames me. Apparently when I was little I used to get upset if I couldn’t see her the whole time.”
“You’re twenty-six – she really needs to break that habit. But yeah, I miss Nana. And Kate.”
Zoe gave her a look.
“What?” Jess asked.
“Is that all that’s bothering you?” When Jess said nothing, she added, “You have to be a bit spooked by how close Kate and Simon’s wedding is. I still can’t believe it’s happening at pretty much the same time you guys were supposed to get hitched last year.”
“Yeah, it’s strange,” Jess murmured. It was easier to let Zoe think that, than let her know the truth. Kate and Simon’s upcoming wedding didn’t bother her – except as a reminder of how her relationship with Adam had started. She couldn’t admit how much she missed him. And how hurt she felt about what they’d both lost.
“How’s Nana doing?” Zoe asked.
