Page 93 of Just Like That

Rotating delightedly on the spot, enjoying the warmth of the balmy evening, while bobbing to the chilled summery anthem that’s filtering through the air (at a volume that won’t negatively impact the park’s residents), I can’t help but feel a sense of immense pride. With a contented grin, I reflect on how everything has changed so much – and for the better – in recent months.

Seth has continued to improve, though he’s not quite at the stage of being able to walk any distance without his wheelchair. We remain hopeful though. And not only have Alison and Nick been welcome additions to Seth’s and my cosy unit, they’ve transformed our quality of life. They’ve rallied around us, making sure we’re both cared for in ways that have made the pressure and uncertainty of our situation far easier to manage. This, of course, was music to my parents’ selfish ears, because it meant we could cut back on how much we needed Jackson around (though he’s very much become a friend as well as an employee). That’s their loss though, because for the first time since they emigrated, Seth and I decided not to join them at Christmas or for our usual summer get-together – and we’ll possibly never do so again. Not because of Seth’s accessibility issues, but because our family is right here in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

‘Hey, gorgeous.’ Nick joins us, slipping his arms around my waist and pecking me on the lips. ‘How ace is this, us getting to be the customers for once?’

Despite me offering to be here in my capacity as the event lead each evening, Gwen insisted I leave some of the responsibility to her and the management team, who I made sure were well-versed on all potential issues that might arise and how to solve them.

‘It’s awesome.’ I snuggle into him, breathing in his manly scent. ‘How did Rana’s move to her new enclosure go?’

‘Fine, generally. She wasn’t keen to get in the crate, which caused a delay, but she’s settling in OK. Lots for her to explore.’

‘Oh, that’s good news. It’s a great space for her, especially now she’s so big. I must admit though, I still miss playtime with her. She was such a cutie when she was little.’

‘Yeah, she was. Guess we’ll just have to play with each other instead then, eh?’ He waggles his eyebrows at me suggestively, making me laugh.

‘Jess, there you are,’ a voice calls out, and Amelia charges across to me, dragging a woman I’ve never seen before behind her. ‘It’s so good to see you.’

She lets go of the woman’s hand and throws her arms around me in a long overdue hug.

‘It’s great to see you too,’ I reply into her now bright blue hair. ‘Been far too long. Who’s this you have with you?’

Amelia steps back, grabbing the hand of the woman with her once more. ‘Jess, this is Luna. Isn’t she all bubblegum and lollipops?’

‘She means she’s delicious,’ I translate for Nick.

‘Oh.’ He nods as he takes in Amelia’s slightly odd description.

‘It’s lovely to meet you, Luna.’ I step forward, giving her a friendly hug. ‘It seems you’ve made quite an impression on my bestie.’

‘I hope so.’ She squeezes me back.

As Luna gets acquainted with Nick, Seth and Alison, Amelia pulls me aside.

‘She’s the one, Jess.’

‘You mean she’s the one for now?’ I reply in a low voice. ‘Until you decide you like a six-foot rugby-playing bloke call Terrence.’

‘No, I really mean it. This is it. She’s the salt to my pepper.’

I pull an astonished face. ‘Oh my gosh, you’re serious. Does that mean you’ll only need one plus one at my non-existent wedding?’

‘It means exactly that.’ Amelia is radiating contentedness in a way I’ve never seen before.

‘Meels, I’m so happy for you.’

We hug again, clutching at each other like best friends who haven’t seen each other in an age do. Especially when so much – both good and bad – has happened in that time.

‘So, here we are,’ I say, when Amelia and I eventually break apart. ‘A perfect group of six. Shall we get something to drink?’

We head to the outdoor bar, where Nick and I get the drinks in, while the others become acquainted. It’s a perfect summer scene. As perfect as you can get for what’s about to come.

Returning with the drinks on a tray, we hand them out and commandeer one of the picnic tables, while ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ over the tantalising flavours.

‘How’s your job going here, Jess?’ Luna asks me. ‘Amelia told me you’d had a hard time where you were before.’

‘I did.’ I nod, taking a sip of my Halekulani, a cocktail I’ve never tried before, and it’s so delicious I’m wondering why. ‘But that’s all in the past now, thankfully. Things are so much better here. We’ve got a full schedule of events underway – we’ve already done January detox days, Valentine’s nights and Easter treasure hunts, we have these beach party nights, and there’s plenty more to come. We’re even making the events as sustainable as possible by running them on renewable energy from the solar panels we’ve recently had donated to us.’

‘It sounds like the park is doing well then?’

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