Page 44 of Hidden Gem
Tanya let out a frustrated growl. “Because it’s Jason Hallett! Have you not seen the news? Everyone’s laughing about this video of him talking to some woman about...” It seemed even Tanya didn’t have the guts to repeat the lines.
Marnie marvelled the sight of her daughter’s mouth soundlessly opening and closing.
“Oh, yes!” Sue blushed, looking away. “Beatrice?”
“That was Mum, apparently,” Tanya deadpanned.
Marnie hung her head, wishing to disappear. If it was this painful to tell her family and friends, how could she ever handle the rest of New Zealand knowing?
Jason’s hand landed on her shoulder. His voice brimmed with lightness that clashed with every other tone in the room. “Yes, I made a fool of myself. But it’s only because I’m head over heels for this woman.”
He hopped off his chair and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, making Marnie shiver. She was too scared to look up, to see the horror she imagined on everyone’s faces.
“Unfortunately, because of my role in politics, I attract a lot of media attention. And I don’t wish to bring that mayhem on Marnie, so I’d really appreciate it if you could keep this between us?”
“Of course!” Sue agreed, echoed by her husband.
Marnie lifted her chin, risking a look around the room.
Tanya twisted her mouth. “Can I tell Hailey?”
“Please, don’t.”
Tanya shot her a defiant look, but she could see the silent agreement behind her pout.
Lando harrumphed. “I’ll keep quiet, for Marnie’s sake. Not yours.” He glared at Jason, who acknowledged him with a grateful look.
“Thank you.” Jason stood up and raised his volume. “I’m actually glad you’re all here.”
Marnie tensed. She could almost see the podium in front of him, imagine the political rally. The image made her both hot and cold. How could he turn things around like that? With a few short words, he’d shifted the energy in the room. Even Lando’s expression had thawed by a degree.
“I was hoping to steal Marnie away from you for a bit, and I need you onboard. I don’t want her family or friends to think she’s actually been kidnapped.”
Sue and John offered him polite smiles, while Tanya’s eyes sharpened. “Where are you taking her?”
Jason glanced at Marnie, his eyes like two beseeching question marks. “If she agrees, I’d like to take her to an undisclosed beach location in Wellington.”
“Undisclosed?” Marnie repeated.
“Are you expecting the reporters to torture us for information?” Tanya stared at him pointedly.
Marnie sighed. This was the kind of teenage baggage she came with. She watched Jason’s face for discomfort, but he burst into a hearty laugh.
“Honestly, that’s what it feels like at times! But no, I’m not expecting them to come after you at all. Not if we can keep this under our hats. I’ll give you the address later. I just don’t know it off the top of my head, I only just made the booking.”
“You’ve already made a booking?” Marnie tried to lower her voice as Tanya leaned in. She hadn’t seen such keen interest behind her daughter’s eyes in a long time. Good to know something could break through the facade of perpetual indifference.
Jason’s eyes begged for understanding. “I’m sorry, I took a gamble. I just really need to disappear for a bit, and I thought I’d use some leave.”
Marnie blinked, trying to rearrange her thoughts, as well as her timeline. “How long are you thinking?”
“Um, two weeks. I understand if you can’t get away for that long. I’ll take whatever I can get.”
“What about Shasa?” Tanya demanded, crossing the floor to get a Diet Coke from the fridge. “She’s going to ask about you. Are we going to lie to her and Mac? And Elsie and Earl? They’re coming for Sunday lunch at Sue and John’s, right?”
Marnie blinked in disbelief. Just last week, Tanya had announced she wouldn’t attend any boring lunches at their elderly neighbours’ house.
“Am I invited to that?” Lando piped up.
