Page 42 of Hidden Gem
Nick nodded, his eyes reflecting a quiet understanding.
Jason turned back to the house. “I love what you’re doing here. So, the concrete mixed with recycled fibre. What does that mean?”
Jason had memorised a few lines from the press release and was rewarded with a bright smile on Nick’s face. “I know it sounds crazy but yeah, basically, we can mix in a lot of stuff. Recycled plastic. We could reduce the amount that’s shipped offshore.”
“Brilliant! I’ll make sure to drum up some publicity. Are you still playing tennis?”
“Not as much as I used to. Can’t you tell?” Nick laughed, patting the padding around his waist. “Too busy.”
“Yeah.” Jason looked away, wishing he could say he was coming back and wanted to start playing again. His body needed it. His soul needed it. But how could he? The journalist lurched, ever closer, followed by Rachel’s imposing figure. These were the shadows that followed him now. Nick stepped back to join his business partner as Jason slunk to his car.
Closing the door of his mint green Prius, he sank into the driver’s seat, grateful he’d paid extra for the tinted windows. Everything about him called for jokes, including the car he drove. He’d always taken it in his stride, proud of how secure he was in his masculinity. But this time, words had made their way under the surface, twisting his gut. His newfound happiness was too fragile. What if Marnie couldn’t take it? What if she left?
Jason started the car and steered away from the housing site, cursing his distinctive vehicle. He’d have to drive around a bit to lose any tails. He couldn’t risk leading any reporters to Marnie’s house. And that’s where he was going, he already knew it. Well, as soon as he used his connections to confirm her address. With a full name and phone number, it was a piece of cake. The idea of seeing her again pulled him like a beacon at night. Nothing could keep him away. But first, he needed a plan.
Chapter 20
Marnie placed a saladbowl on the dining table and ignored the loud moan from her daughter.
“Tell me that’s not all we’re eating.”
“That’s all I’m eating,” Marnie confirmed. “I have to get on top of this illness. It’s the only way.”
After the fast, her pain hadn’t fully returned, and it gave her hope. Maybe the fasting had slowed the progression of the disease. Maybe she could even have this fling with Jason, in secret, if he played his part and avoided public meltdowns. They’d only meet after dark, in private locations. He had her phone number. Once he called, she’d lay out the terms.
“Is he joining us?” Tanya pointed at the lanky figure moving about in their garden.
Marnie looked out to her deck, squinting at the light reflecting off the dolphin fountain. She’d given up trying to get rid of the fountain and allowed Lando to install the water connection. Everyone would think she was out of her mind – a sentiment Tanya had already expressed – but she didn’t care. Nothing could take away the giddiness that had made a home in her chest since the text she’d received from Jason. A single heart. She remembered Tanya telling her the heart emoji was a sign of old age, along with the ‘thumbs up’ icon, and the thought relaxed her. Jason wasn’t too young to embarrass himself with outdated emojis. And more importantly, he now had her phone number. He was busy, but he would call.
Someone knocked on the door, and Marnie stiffened. If Shasa walked in and saw what Lando was doing... she sighed and got up. She’d just have to face it.
She opened the door, and breath caught in her throat. “Jason?”
He smiled his winning smile, out in daylight. Marnie’s other neighbours, Sue and John, Mac’s parents, looked up from weeding the planter boxes in the community garden. They waved, smiling at Jason as they recognised him. Of course they did.
Alarmed, Marnie pulled the man inside and closed the door. “What are you doing here?”
