Page 88 of That Secret Something

As we arrived at the door, I pulled her back to me for another once-over. I took the opportunity to dust off her trousers again, her strong muscles tensing underneath the clothing.

“Show off,” I muttered. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful. A little dishevelled…” She reached out to rearrange strands of my hair before meeting my eyes. “But still beautiful.”

“Very smooth. Do I look like we just had sex?”

She took a step back and eyed me up and down. “About thirty percent.”

“What? What do you mean?”

She grinned. “Come on, Jess. You just look like you’ve been having a really good time dancing.” I let her pull me through the doors, and the music immediately sounded louder. At least the wedding party was still going. It felt like Rebecca and I had been alone together for hours.

Her phone started ringing, and she dropped my hand to fish it out of her pocket. Her eyes widened at the screen. “It’s work. I should probably take this. That okay?”

I nodded. “Of course. I’ll meet you in there.”

“Okay.” She gave me a quick kiss before heading down the opposite end of the corridor to answer.

After a few reassuring breaths and another dress check, I entered the main hall, where Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5” was in full swing. The live band must’ve been taking a break, but the dance floor was still full of bodies moving to the music. I laughed out loud when I spotted Lily and Tyler in the middle, doing their own weird dance moves.

I headed towards them, weaving through the tables. Lily squealed when she spotted me, grabbing my hands and pulling me into the group.

“Are you having a good time?” I shouted over the music.

“The best!” The huge smile on her face told me just as much, but I wanted to be sure.

We danced together for a few more cheesy songs, and then I left to get two gins from the bar and a lager for Rebecca. When I returned, she was still nowhere to be seen. What could be taking her so long?

The end of “Saturday Night” by Whigfield was drawing to a close, and sweat was beading on my forehead, when Rebecca came skipping towards us, a huge grin stretched across her face.

“Everything alright with work?” I asked as she snaked her arm around my waist.

She nodded, her gaze flicking between me and Lily.

“What’s with the weird look on your face?” Lily asked.

She laughed a little sheepishly, scratching the back of her head. “Well, uh, that was just Jackie’s assistant on the phone. They’ve offered me a permanent contract.”

“They have?” I squeezed her to me. “That’s amazing!”

Lily joined in the hug, wrapping her arms around the two of us. “Yes! Lawson wedding, let’s go! Congratulations, sis!”

When we broke apart, the look on Rebecca’s face twisted my gut. She was looking down at the floor, her brows drawn together in a frown.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She lifted her eyes to meet mine. “The job they’ve offered me…it’s in London.”

Twenty-Nine

London? London. The capital city at the other end of the country? I didn’t know how to feel about it. Long distance had never been part of my plan.

I was happy for Rebecca, of course. She deserved this—a big break, confirmation that she could make it in the industry. But…my heart plummeted when I’d heard that word: London.

Leaning on the wooden railing, I looked out into the darkness. Moonlight reflected off the water’s surface while the band continued to play in the main hall behind me. A handful of people were vaping by the doors, trying not to get caught by the staff, but otherwise, it was quiet.

Goosebumps pricked up my arms, and I sighed. Rebecca’s news had sobered me. I knew how often long-distance relationships worked out. The odds weren’t stacked in our favour, and Rebecca…was Rebecca. How many beautiful women would there be in London? I didn’t want to think about it. We’d barely been dating five minutes. Bad timing didn’t even cut it.

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