A French Affair Read Online Free PDF

fears, and reassure her that no matter what her commitments, Nikki and Harry would
always
come first.
    Well, there didn’t seem to be an issue now, did there, at least not of the kind she’d expected. She put a hand to her head and pressed her temples. It had never even occurred to her that the news channel would turn her down, not only because of Charlie, but because Melissa Kingsley, the executive editor, was a close friend of theirs who’d frequently said what a great asset she’d be to their schedule. So what had changed? It was true she hadn’t offered herself up as an on-screen presenter, which was what she was known for, but her skills as a producer and interviewer would be just as valuable behind the scenes, so she couldn’t think why Melissa had taken a negative decision. More to the point, at least right now, was the fact that if Nikki knew she’d been turned down for the job then surely Charlie must have known too, so why was she finding out like this?

Chapter Two
    â€˜ I DON’T KNOW what else to say, except I’m sorry,’ Charlie told her later.
    By then dinner was over and Nikki had gone to take a shower, while Harry was revising for a spelling test the next day. ‘I didn’t expect it to come out like that, obviously,’ he continued. ‘Christ, it didn’t even enter my head that people would talk about it . . .’
    â€˜How did they even know?’ Jessica demanded, embarrassment heating her anger. ‘Whatever happened to confidentiality?’
    His eyes sharpened as he looked at her. ‘I hope you’re not accusing me . . .’
    â€˜Don’t be ridiculous, but someone must have told them, and as Melissa was the only one I spoke to . . .’
    â€˜She’s not a gossip and you know it.’
    â€˜All I know is that she led me to believe there was a job waiting for me any time I wanted one, so I asked if she’d consider me as a producer, or even a researcher, something low key and not on camera, and as far as possible, not on the same shift as you. I have to get out of this house, Charlie. I’m driving myself crazy, sittinghere thinking and hurting and longing for her in ways I can hardly even begin to describe.’
    His face immediately paled, the way it always did when any mention was made of Natalie. ‘I know, and I understand,’ he said, ‘which is why you’ve got my full backing . . .’
    â€˜Really?’ she challenged. ‘Because frankly I don’t think you want me to go back to work any more than Nikki does. In fact, you probably blame me too, for putting my job before Natalie.’
    At that he jerked up from the table and stormed over to tear open the fridge. ‘I’m not going there again,’ he growled angrily. ‘No-one blames you . . .’
    â€˜You know damned well Nikki does.’
    â€˜Because you put it into her head. You’ve got to stop this, Jessica. You’re punishing yourself for something you had no control over . . .’
    â€˜But if I hadn’t put my job first she’d still be here . . .’
    â€˜And now you want to work again,’ he cried, throwing out his hands.
    â€˜You see, you do want me to stay at home.’
    â€˜No, I just don’t understand your reasoning. You keep reminding me of how it’s too late for Natalie, but there’s still Harry. He needs you too.’
    â€˜Which is why I asked Melissa for something undemanding and flexible, something I could even do from home if need be.’
    â€˜What about your own programme? I’m sure Derek would give you a job producing, instead of presenting, if you asked.’
    â€˜How many times do I have to tell you, I can’t go back to how it was before,’ she exclaimed. ‘It would be as though nothing had happened, and though you might be able to carry on like that, I can’t.