Page 84 of The Wish

Max thumps his tail enthusiastically.

‘You’re asking your dog?’ Frank says.

‘Yeah, he’s never steered me wrong yet.’

‘So, what did he say?’

‘You’ve got a deal with one change.’

‘Name it.’

‘Put Steve in charge. He’s better with people, and everyone listens to him and respects him.’

‘And what do you want?’

‘Call me his deputy if you want to give me a title, he knows I won’t interfere and will accept his leadership.’

Frank extends his hand.

‘I knew my instincts were right when I hired you. Partner.’

CHAPTER 34

It’s early morning, and Alex, in his beaten-up old car, drives into an industrial park on the fringes of town, driving inside a warehouse through large heavy-duty doors.

‘Is this your studio?’ Kelly asks, sitting next to him. She feels strangely nervous, or maybe it’s just anticipation – Jesse’s wish has come together and tomorrow will be the big reveal. She wants to ask Alex if he feels nervous too – he must do, because of all the work he’s put into it – but feels strangely shy.

‘One of them, this is where we film. I’ll explain more inside. I want to double check everything is ready for tomorrow.’ He grins. ‘And I want to show you how it will play out.’

Alex pulls up at the far wall and he and Kelly get out. From the backseat Kelly retrieves a large white box.

‘Trust you to drive straight into the building,’ Steve says to Alex, shaking his head. Then, turning his attention to Kelly, says, ‘What have you got there?’

‘It’s THE dress,’ Kelly says. ‘Well, it’s just a beautiful white dress I found. I think Jesse will look amazing in it. I’ll also pick up some fresh flowers tomorrow before I come here.’

‘Let’s start with the dressing rooms,’ Alex says, lightly taking her by the elbow. ‘I want to show you around.’

Through a gap in large black drapes that fall from the twenty-metre-high ceiling to the ground, Kelly gets a peek at a screen stretching from the floor to the ceiling. She recognises some of the footage.

‘No, no, I want you to see the other part of the studio before you see how we make magic,’ Alex says, steering her away.

‘I’ll see you on the other side of the curtain,’ Steve says with a wink, walking away.

Alex takes Kelly into a dressing room. It’s the size of a small living room, with a sofa, coffee table, a sideboard and an ensuite. ‘There will be snacks and drinks here tomorrow,’ he says awkwardly, stuffing his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. Kelly knows she doesn’t need to ask, he is nervous.

‘Close your eyes,’ she says.

‘Why?’ He closes them anyway, and she takes the dress out of the box and hangs it in the wardrobe, closing the door. It’s going to be a surprise for him, too.

‘This one’s for Jesse. Mandy can be in here as well to help her out, plus you; just make sure Mandy doesn’t open the wardrobe, you’ll have to do that.’

‘Can I see it now?’ Kelly asks, her excitement mounting.

‘Are you sure you don’t want to check out all the other rooms?’ Alex jokes with her.

‘Seen one dressing room seen them all. Come on, Alex, I want to see what’s behind the curtain.’

By the time they come back from the dressing rooms, Steve has fully closed the curtains. Alex walks Kelly up to the join in the middle.