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‘Sore heads this morning, ladies?’
‘Just a bit. Evening a success, then?’ Jen asked, hopeful this was just a quick visit to say thank you, although the mischievous glint in Annie’s eye hinted at otherwise.
‘Beyond my wildest dreams. I’m so glad you’re here too, Chloe. It saves me a trip.’
‘How so?’ Chloe asked, leaning forward, her attention well and truly piqued.
‘We’re wanting to show the South how big a success Lovefest is, so Isaac’s come up with a genius idea.’
Isaac was Annie’s right-hand man and he was always coming up with great marketing campaigns. His most infamous being the viral music video he made last year, tempting Southsiders to do their Christmas shopping in Shawlands. Jen had been made to dress as a snowman and lip-sync to Mariah Carey.
‘Am I going to have to dress up?’ Jen asked, nipping any bright ideas in the bud.
‘Not this time. Unless it’s like a kinky thing,’ Annie replied, blushing at her own joke. She chuckled under her breath before carrying on. ‘We want to pick five couples and follow them over the course of Lovefest. They’ll go on a date a week, experiences and such donated by the local businesses, and at the end the community will vote for a favourite couple. They’ll win a cash prize and a night in a hotel.’
‘Nice,’ Jen said, genuinely impressed. ‘What does that have to do with me?’
‘I was wondering if you’d like to provide an experience? Maybe a cocktail masterclass?’
Thank God. For a brief moment she’d thought Annie was going to ask her to compete. ‘Sounds great – I’d totally be up for it.’
Annie gently fist-pumped the air. ‘Result. Thank you.’
‘And what about me? What do you need me for?’ Chloe asked, her brow knitted.
‘Well, as you know, last night we asked folks who wanted to match to leave their details on the way out, and I see you and the lovely Ryan hit it off. He’s a very successful graphic designer, owns a studio in the West End. He’s actually a friend of a friend. Great guy.’
Chloe shot Jen atold youlook. ‘So, you want us to compete?’
‘I’d love that. I’ll message Ryan, of course, get his okay too. But are you keen?’
‘What’s the cash prize?’ Jen asked.
‘Forever the romantic,’ Chloe said with a laugh.
‘Five thousand pounds. Donated by a local philanthropist.’
‘You’re kidding?’ Jen said, agog.
‘What. The. Heck. If Ryan says no I’ll find someone else to date. Hell, yeah. Count me in,’ Chloe joked.
‘Amazing. That’s us got three straight couples and one gay, which just leaves—’ Her eyes drifted to Jen.
She didn’t let Annie finish the sentence. ‘No.’
‘You don’t even know what I’m going to say.’ Annie pouted.
‘Right, go on then.’
‘Which just leaves—’ Annie said, pausing for effect. ‘—one lesbian couple. It wasn’t exactly a hotbed of attraction last night. Sorry about that.’
‘No skin off my nose. I wasn’t there to meet someone.’ Jen took another slug of water. She couldn’t wait to get home and watch bad TV. Nothing was shifting this headache and conversation wasn’t helping.
‘I know, but it’s really important we show the community that we represent everyone,’ Annie replied.
‘Not much we can do if no one matched.’
‘Unless …’ Chloe said, eyebrow arched. ‘I think Annie might be about to ask for a favour?’ She drew the syllables of the last word out, looking to Annie for answers.
