Page 38 of Loving Jemima

Rolly leaned one elbow on the bar. “You mean to tell me that you highly coincidentally get forced into a position where you have to work with a woman that you obviously find attractive and it means nothing?”

“Not a thing,” Jem said. “And who said I found her attractive?”

“You hit on her,” screeched Rolly. “You found her attractive, you said it, or showed it at least. Out of every woman at that club, this is the one that you chose.”

“And she turned me down,” said Jem picking up her drink again. “So she wasn’t interested and now, since we’re both adults, we’ve moved on. We’re being professional.”

“Hmm.”

She sucked in air over her teeth. “Rols, you’re starting to get on my last nerve here.”

“Far be it for me to irritate you,” he said, grabbing his cocktail. “But the Jem I know doesn’t just buckle down and do a job. Not unless there’s something in it for her.”

“There is! I get my car fixed.”

“Really? That’s the prize here? You sure that it’s not Ellie Baker?”

“Absolutely not.”

Rolly put his hand on her shoulder. “Whatever you say, Jem. But regardless of any feelings you might or might not have, you do realize that your worlds are mixing.”

“What?”

“Well, you’re letting someone who knows your secret into the world that you’re trying desperately to prevent learning your secret. That might not be considered wise.”

“I’ll handle it.”

“Can you trust her?”

It was a good question and one that she really should know the answer to. But she didn’t. She had a feeling that she could, she had a feeling that Ellie was a good person. But who really knew? She poured back the rest of her cocktail.

“Obviously, I can,” she said. “Let’s dance.”

Chapter Sixteen

As she left for work, Ellie almost tripped over a sheaf of papers that had been slid under her front door. She was in a hurry and picked them up before locking the door behind her. On her way to the office she flicked through them, finding techniques for calming panic attacks as well as the contact number for a local psychologist.

Paul. She smiled to herself. He really did go out of his way to look after her, and it was kind of sweet. She’d have to remember to take him a muffin from the bakery downstairs, or bake some brownies maybe.

She was busy wondering if she had enough time to make brownies and do the shopping today as she went up the stairs to the office. All was quiet and she slid her key into the lock. It didn’t turn though, because the door wasn’t locked.

When she stepped in she found both Carys and Mo were there, standing as far apart as it was possible to be in the small office, both looking somewhat flustered.

“Oh no,” Ellie said. “I don’t have time for this today. No fighting. Whatever it is that the two of you are arguing about, shake hands and forget it right now.”

Mo cleared their throat and Carys looked like she was about to say something.

“I mean it,” said Ellie. “There’s too much going on.”

“Er, sorry?” Carys offered.

Mo grinned. “Also sorry.”

“Good, well done.” Ellie dropped her bag on her desk. “Right, Car, I’ve got mock ups of the invitations for you. Mo, you’re meeting with three entertainment acts today, you’ll need to go to them, we don’t have room here to see what they can do. But I’ve planned the routes and everything, you can cab it and put it on expenses. And I’ll be eating all day.”

“Aw, can’t we switch?” Mo complained.

“Not if you want to stay vegan, love. I need to taste everything on offer and make a final decision for the Darlington party.”

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