“Nik, are we nearly done here?” Paisley asked pinching her brow.
“Almost,” she nodded. Paisley closed her eyes as her fingers rubbed across her forehead.
“Paisley?” I asked again. Her head shook as she slipped from the stool and stood on wobbly legs, her hand reached out to steady herself. I grabbed it and helped her as she blew out a breath.
“I’ve got a banging headache.” Paisley said, gaining concern from everyone in the room. Roman stood and moved in front of her, his hands framed her face as he tipped her head back ever so slightly to look into her eyes.
“What’s up, baby?” He kissed her cheek then her nose, “Why don’t you go and lie down. Do I need to get a doctor?” he asked, his tone full of concern for his wife.
“No, I’m fine. Just a headache and a bit dizzy, that’s all.”
“Hmm,” he pressed his lips to her forehead, “come on, I’ll help you up the stairs and maybe we should make an appointment to see him.” She looked at him, but you could see she didn’t have it in her to argue and just quickly nodded. He gathered her into his arms and led her out of the kitchen.
Nikki watched her leave the room then finished the meeting off. To be honest, I didn’t think there was anything left to go over. She’d already told us it would be a convoy and what would happen on the night, she’d told us the rules, and then a yawn came from across the room. I looked up and smiled when I saw Gav exaggerating a yawn, his fingers tapping his lips.
“Really, Gav?” Nikki asked in a high-pitched tone.
“Sorry, you were boring me.” He said and pushed from the counter. “If we’re done here then I’m off.” They had a sort of standoff as they stared at one another. Gav looked relaxed and smirked a little, while Nikki was tense and clearly angry with him. Were they always like this? I wondered.
“Are you okay to do this? If not, we’ll get someone else?” I listened hard as Nikki lowered her voice. I shouldn’t have done. I should have been out of there like a freaking shot but again my inquisitiveness knew no boundaries. I pulled out my phone and scrolled through social media as they spoke.
“Of course, I’m good. He’s my best friend, I should be there.”
“Not if this is going to cause problems, Gavin.”
“Well, Nicola, I don’t need you on my fucking case.” Gav sneered with a small shake of his head as he said her name.
Maybe this was a good time to get the hell out of here. I stood up and pocketed my cell. “Right then, I guess it’s done?”I asked, interrupting.
“Oh Karen, can you hang on just a minute for me. I just want to go over the shoot.”
“Of course.” I nodded as Gav walked around her and looked my way as he reached the kitchen door. His mouth tipped up at the one side in a smirk as he threw me a wink. That small gesture had my heart beating out of my chest. I need to get a grip on myself otherwise I was going to fall, quick and fucking hard… that’s if I hadn’t already.
My head was so fuzzy this morning, I felt quite sick, I did drink quite a bit last night though, but honestly, I was a lightweight. It was either that, or it was from how Gav made me feel. I’d popped two Tylenol with a cold bottle of water as soon as I got indoors, it instantly refreshed me and I’d set about getting changed in record time. I could still feel him everywhere and to be honest, I didn’t want that feeling to end.
“Right, so,” Nikki brought me back to now and I crossed the floor to her. “We’ll take some pictures outside the casino, then according to the manager they’re going to have the tape just outside of the double doors that leads into the main gambling room. It’s two floors so they’re expecting him to open both rooms. Then more pictures, pictures, pictures.” she repeated herself and smiled. “Are you okay with all this?”
I quickly nodded, “Of course, I can do whatever you need me to. It’s what I’m paid to do. I’m looking forward to it,” I took in a breath, “One question though?” I breathed out gently.
“Go on.” Nikki replied as she typed something on her cell.
“What do I wear?”
Nikki’s finger stopped suddenly, she glanced up, and a wide smile stretched her lips. “Anything.”
“I don’t have the types of dresses they wear at casinos. You know, flashy, expensive dresses. I was a struggling photographer before I met you all.”
“Sounds like a shopping trip to me.” She smiled even wider. “We’ll find you something, or you can borrow something of mine. I’ve got plenty.”
“Really?” I asked, “I mean you don’t have to do that, I’m sure Holly has something, she’s always dressing up.”
“Yeah, really.” she looked at her watch, “So, are you okay with everything for next week?” I nodded again and watched her fingers fly over her keyboard before she glanced up again. “Okay then, I’m going. People to see and all that.” She stepped around me and lifted her huge purse from the counter that sat along the far wall. Her heels clicked on the tiled floor as she made her way to the door, “Oh, and great night last night. We should do it again.”
“Definitely.” I smiled.
Her hand rested on the doorframe as she spun back to me with her eyes narrowed. “You and Gav looked like you were getting along last night.”
Her forced grin betrayed her eyes, I knew she was fishing for information. My tummy physically turned with her statement as that sick feeling returned. It made me remember that I still hadn’t eaten. “Um, yeah. He’s nice.”
