Page 91 of Just Like That

Nick scoffs. ‘That might be taking things a bit far.’

‘Call it the lengths I’m willing to go to?’ My eyes are like saucers, fixed on his while I nervously fiddle with the bracelet I’m wearing.

‘All right, I hear you.’ He reaches out and gently takes my hand, eyes soft and resolutely on mine. ‘Shall we give it another shot then? Any new relationship is always a risk, even without the kind of drama you and I have just gone through, and I’m willing to take that risk with you.’

‘Yes, please.’ All the tension and worry I’ve been feeling finally drains from me like a plug being pulled.

I tentatively lean in towards him and he meets me halfway for a spine-tingling, toe-curling kiss, as a hooting applause breaks out not far from us. It appears we’ve attracted some attention from a gaggle of park employees who are hanging around nearby. Breaking apart, we laugh and give them an embarrassed wave.

‘Oh, man, everyone’s looking at us now.’ I put my hand to my mouth self-consciously.

‘Let them. I couldn’t be prouder to be seen with you.’ Nick pulls me into him and we kiss again, while my body aches with desire.

When we finally come up for air, I snuggle into him.

‘Nick, I’m so happy we’re back together, and also that I can be open about everything now.’

‘Me too.’ He tweaks my nose affectionately. ‘So, what happened with your boss? Tell me how that went down.’

‘I will.’ I nod. ‘But how about we go and tell Gwen and the others our good news before that lot beat us to it?’

Chapter 44

On Seth’s request, I arrange for him, Alison, Nick and I to spend Saturday at the wildlife park together, so they can meet and get to know each other. Nick sets up a VIP behind-the-scenes tour for Seth and Alison, who didn’t get to see as much as they’d hoped at the fundraiser – in particular, of Rana. And boy does he deliver on that. We’re treated to various feeding experiences – the one with the giraffes being my personal favourite – the special rainforest tour he puts on for the retirees, playtime with the seals, and then, of course, with Rana, who steals the show as ever. Thankfully Nick stops short of getting us to pick up the elephant poo, but he does relish the opportunity of recounting my first days at the park and all that went on.

‘Oh, my gosh, that’s so funny.’ Alison is almost doubled over as Nick delivers what I would call an ‘overexaggerated’ version of my tantrum in the elephant enclosure. ‘I have to say, I don’t really blame you, Jess. The smell in that place was enough to turn my stomach.’

‘See?’ I put my hands on my hips and aim daggers at Nick, who’s enjoying all this a little too much. ‘Then he has the audacity to talk about how animal shit is used as part of a beauty regime by rich people in Japan. I mean, come on, read the room.’

‘Stop it, you’re killing me.’ Alison laughs even harder.

‘I quite like that… you put my sister… in her place,’ Seth says to Nick. ‘She’s had ideas… above her station… for far too long.’

‘Hey, don’t you dare start siding with him just because he’s your new buddy.’ I shoot my brother a warning look.

It’s light-hearted because the truth is I’m both relieved and delighted that he and Nick are getting on so well. They seemed to click instantly, and given that Seth’s friendship group have all but left him behind, I’m so pleased that he’s got a new blokey pal to meet those needs in his life. In fact, the four of us seem to make the perfect little group. Alison, while I’m a little intimidated by her looking like an angel sent down by the special man upstairs, is the most kind and gentle person. I also have a feeling there’s a wicked sense of humour in her, that I fully intend to tease out over time.

Seeing how she looks at Seth, there’s no mistaking how she feels about him. They’re completely besotted with each other, which makes my heart do a skip and a jump, because this is all I could ever want for my brother. Finding love could have been a lot harder in his situation. This, of course, makes me feel even more awful for having judged Alison the way I did and driven them apart, but I know I have to accept I’m not perfect and make my peace with that.

‘Hi, you lot.’ We’re interrupted by Gwen.

‘Oh, hi.’ I’m delighted she’s made an appearance. ‘Come and meet my brother and his girlfriend.’

I do the introductions and we chat pleasantly for a few minutes.

‘I was actually wondering if I could have a word with you, Jess,’ says Gwen, when there’s a natural lull in the conversation. ‘Nick, can you come too?’

Puzzled by this request, I try to catch Nick’s attention, but unless I’m mistaken, he seems to be avoiding eye contact with me. ‘Sure…’ I say, feeling anything but.

We let Seth and Alison know we’ll be back shortly and follow Gwen to the nearest cafe, which is the one that only has tables outside. Taking our seats, there’s a nervous churning in my stomach; a feeling that something’s going on. I cross my fingers that the huge donation the park received wasn’t stolen or some other type of illegal money.

‘Is something wrong?’ I can’t help but rush to ask.

‘You could say that.’ Gwen shoots an involuntary side glance in Nick’s direction, confirming my growing suspicion that he already knows what this is about.

‘Oh, no.’ My stomach sinks like a dead weight. ‘Are you having to close after all? This can’t be happening. After everything, and then thinking the place was saved—’

‘Jess, stop talking.’ Nick silences me. ‘And Gwen, I know you like to build up to your big speeches, but for the sake of my girlfriend’s sanity, please can you cut to the chase, just this once?’

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