Page 79 of Fling

‘I think launching a national holiday is beyond the scope of our marketing campaign, Emily,’ Tara sighed. ‘God, why is it so hard to come up with this slogan?’

‘Stop focusing on the outcome and think about the customer journey. You’re about to take your fling from the app to reality. How are you feeling?’ Emily asked.

‘Nervous. Excited. Free. Reckless. Empowered. Guilty. Worried. Insane. I’m feeling a million different things. Like, I’m not trying to cheat on Colin. But I spent so long feeling sedated that I’m living for the rush. And I need to know why Jack is making me feel this way, why I felt the synchronicity. Colin’s been on the couch all week so Jack and I have been having plenty of late-night rendezvous. We’ve acted out some really steamy role-plays. Like where he’s a lifeguard and I need CPR,’ Tara said cheekily.

‘Oh Tara, you’re so adorable. The fan-fiction I wrote when I was thirteen sounds steamier than that,’ Emily laughed. ‘But I’m glad you’re finally learning to use your biggest sex organ.’

‘Emily, behave,’ Tara said playfully.

‘What? I’m talking about your brain,’ Emily said.

‘Oh.’ Tara laughed. ‘Actually, I better text Colin to say I’ll be home late. I don’t want him getting suspicious.’ Tara took out her phone, and when she unlocked her screen she saw Colin’s text:

Working late, not sure what time I’ll be home.

Perfect.

‘Phew, Colin is working late so I don’t have to make up an excuse. One less thing to worry about,’ Tara said, relaxing her shoulders.

‘So are you going to let Jack take you down to pound town?’ Emily asked cheekily.

‘EMILY!’

‘Tara, aren’t we past the point of me saying something outlandish and you being shocked by it?’

‘OK, fair enough,’ Tara laughed. ‘But the feelings Jack and I have for each other are more than just lust, Emily. He’s not just thinking about sex.’

‘Tara, he’s a man.’

‘Well, nobody’s perfect,’ Tara shrugged. ‘Let’s just say I’m open to seeing where the evening takes us.’

‘Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,’ Emily joked, pretending she was a beacon of virtue.

‘I think that gives me a lot to work with,’ Tara laughed.

‘And while he’s on top of you, ask him for some slogan ideas.’

‘I might have to,’ Tara sighed. ‘I’ve hit a wall. I’m going to take my tablet home over the weekend in case I come up with something. Did you have any trouble getting the reservation at Al Fresco?’

‘What reservation?’ Emily asked nonchalantly.

‘EMILY! THE RESERVATION FOR MY MEETING WITH DICK!’ Tara screeched.

‘Will you calm down. I’m messing with you. I got you a table on the outside terrace and I even put your appointment with Dick in your work calendar,’ Emily said.

‘Wow, Emily, you actually did your job? That means a lot to me. How can I ever repay you?’

‘Money is fine,’ Emily said, deadpan.

With that, the door to Tara’s office opened and in walked Tommy, Mark and Rob. They all had a strange swagger about them and Tara didn’t like it one bit.

‘Can we help you, boys?’ she said, folding her arms.

‘We just stopped by to see how the big pitch is coming along,’ Tommy said.

‘Couldn’t be going better. Myself and Emily are almost finished. Now if you’ll excuse us—’

‘The three of us were doing some thinking,’ Tommy said, interrupting her.

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