Page 59 of One Month's Notice

“Look who’s finally here,” Lexi said, nodding towards the door. Nat followed her gaze to see Michael and Enzo walking in. They were both incredibly handsome, but in very different ways. Michael always looked smart, even when he was trying to be casual. His dark trousers fitted so well they could have been designed just for him. The pale blue shirt, even with the top buttons loosened, was perfectly pressed. Not a wrinkle in sight. Enzo, by comparison, had a rugged, boyish charm with messy curls and olive skin courtesy of his Italian heritage. His faded jeans were clearly well-loved and complemented the t-shirt, which bore the name of an American rock and roll band from the 1980s.

“Sorry we’re late,” Michael said, the apology softened by his smile as he greeted Nat and Lexi with a kiss on the cheek. Nat could feel the warmth radiate from his lips, leaving a tingle behind that she did her best to ignore.

“Michael couldn’t decide what to wear.” Enzo’s laughter was infectious as he winked at Lexi, who rolled her eyes playfully in response.

“Too busy making sure every hair was in place, huh?” Lexi grinned, watching Michael smoothly brush off the comment with a shrug.

“Can’t let Enzo outshine me, can I?” Michael said, his eyes briefly meeting Nat’s before darting away.

“So, what do you think?” Lexi handed over fresh glasses of champagne.

“You have done an amazing job.” Michael sipped his drink. “The place looks incredible.”

“It’s all thanks to this clever girl.” Lexi waved her glass towards Nat.

Nat flushed with pleasure at the compliment. “Thanks.” She took a sip of champagne, hoping the cool liquid would wash away the heat that had settled in her cheeks.

The four of them carried on chatting for a while, the conversation flowing easily. Nat couldn’t ignore the way Michael kept his eyes on her, his gaze intense and unwavering. They had agreed on ‘just friends’, but it seemed the dynamic was shifting and she was beginning to feel flustered and self-conscious.

The buzz of chatter mingled with the last strum of the guitar as the performer took her bow and applause erupted around the room.

“Time for me to get the next lot set up.” Lexi placed her glass on the side. “Enzo, once this next band has finished their set, we’re moving to more of an open mic style. You have to promise me you’ll be up on that stage.” Her tone left little room for negotiation.

“Only if you’re up on stage too,” Enzo said, his smile easy and charming.

“Deal,” Lexi shot back with a grin, making her way to the door. “Now why don’t you put those muscles to good use and give me a hand?”

Enzo downed the remaining dregs in his glass and dutifully followed Lexi to the van outside.

“Those two get on really well, don’t they?” Nat said, hoping Michael might give a little insight into how Enzo felt about Lexi. Although Lexi had made it clear she didn’t have time for anything romantic at the moment, Nat was already contemplating the future potential for double dates. She couldn’t resist the thought of such a serendipitous cliché.

“They do.” Michael nodded. “Although, from what I’ve seen of Lexi, she’s very feisty. So is Enzo. If they did become a couple, there is a high likelihood of explosive arguments and drama. We wouldn’t want to get caught up in the middle of that.”

“Lexi is definitely feisty, but she is also a real softie deep down. She just doesn’t like to show it. I hope Enzo likes being kept on his toes.”

“I’m sure he’ll give Lexi a run for her money on that front!”

The ambient hum of conversation filled the silence as Nat stood beside Michael, both looking out across the room.

“So…” Michael cleared his throat. “I can’t thank you enough for today. After you left, I reached out to Ethica. They’re eager to meet on Tuesday morning to finalise everything. It looks like we should be able to secure their investment, and that’s down to all the work you did to secure their latest proposal.”

“I’m glad it all worked out in the end.” Nat glanced at Michael for a moment before looking away. “I’m just sorry I had to go behind your back.”

“I understand why you did it.” He placed his hand on Nat’s arm. She became acutely aware of Michael’s proximity, of the way his body seemed to be gravitating towards hers. Before she could respond, Lexi and Enzo returned with a fresh bottle of champagne.

“I hope you guys aren’t talking work?” Lexi scolded, topping up each of their glasses.

“Guilty as charged,” Michael admitted, holding up his drink with a grin. “Just thanking this incredible woman for saving my company. You know, just your average day at work.” He winked at Nat, squeezing her arm gently. “So, what’s on the horizon for this place?”

As Lexi launched into an enthusiastic rundown of upcoming events, Nat’s attention was drawn to the cafe door. It swung open to reveal Clara, accompanied by a woman Nat didn’t recognise. Her vibrant hair was unmistakable from across the room. A knot formed in Nat’s stomach and her fingers tightened around her champagne flute as she watched Clara weave through the crowd.

“Michael, Nat,” Clara called out as she approached, her friend trailing behind her. “Such a quaint little shop, isn’t it?”

“Clara.” Nat greeted them with a wide smile, a fraction too forced. “What are you doing here?” She caught Lexi’s eye, whose eyebrows shot up immediately at the mention of Clara’s name.

“Well, Michael mentioned to me earlier that he was coming to this little party.” Clara waved her hand around dismissively. “Tia and I were at a loose end, and thought we might come and join the fun.”

“I’m Lexi. It’s lovely to meet you.” Lexi stepped forward, holding out her hand for Clara to shake. “This is my quaint little shop.”

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