Page 120 of The Romance Library

‘I haven’t seen her since she left this morning. Is something wrong?’

‘If she comes back, could you call me or ask her to? Please? It’s really important.’

‘Course, love.’ Glenda’s face creased with concern.

I walked around the town for almost an hour, hoping to find her, but I couldn’t. Then something told me to go to the beach.

Not caring whether I got sand in my shoes or damaged my suit, I ran along the shore searching for her.

Then in the distance I spotted Jess on our bench, staring out towards the horizon.

Thank God.

I sprinted over and when she saw me, her eyes popped.

‘What are you doing here?’ she said, her voice solemn.

‘Looking for you.’

‘I thought you’d be back in London by now, meeting up with Penelope. I don’t understand why you didn’t just tell me about her. I asked you. When we sat here together. After you made me come on this bench. I asked if there was someone waiting for you back in London. Actually now that I think about it, you didn’t say no. You avoided the question. Silly me.’

‘Jess.’ I sat down beside her and reached for her hand. She pulled it away. ‘There is absolutely nothing going on with Penelope. Yes, Father wants us to get together. He’s been harassing me to go on a date with her for ages, but I’m not interested. The only woman I’m interested in is you.’

She studied my face for several seconds.

‘For some reason, I believe you.’

‘Thank you.’ I blew out a sigh of relief.

We sat there for a few minutes before Jess broke the silence.

‘Your presentation was amazing, by the way.’

‘Thanks.’

‘And personally, I think your suggestion for affordable housing was great. I’ve no idea how Edwin’s going to decide, but I don’t envy him.’

My phone pinged and I groaned. It was probably my father. Whatever he had to say would have to wait.

A notification on Jess’s phone sounded seconds later, and after staring at the screen, she jerked her head in my direction.

‘Looks like we won’t have to wait long to hear Edwin’s decision. Check your phone.’

I pulled out my phone, and as I tapped the screen, a message appeared.

Edwin

Please return to Seaview High in half an hour. I’ve reached a decision.

The moment of truth had arrived.

Shit.

38

Jess

It was funny. Earlier this morning before the presentation, I’d wished I had a crystal ball so I’d know what the outcome would be. But now, as I walked back to Seaview High with Theo beside me, I wished I wasn’t just minutes away from finding out about my fate.

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