Page 60 of One Month's Notice

If Clara had noticed Lexi’s mocking tone, she didn’t let on. “I hope we’re not crashing your party.” Her voice dripped with fake sweetness.

“Of course not! The more the merrier.”

With perfect timing, the band interrupted the false pleasantries, kicking off their performance with a lively pop song with infectious beats and catchy melodies.

“Let’s get this party properly started!” Tia suggested, already moving to the rhythm of the music.

“Come on, Michael. I know you’ll dance with me.” Clara reached for his hand.

“Maybe later.” He extracted himself politely. “I don’t think I’ve had quite enough champagne for dancing.”

“Your loss.” Clara shrugged and dragged Tia towards the band, leaving Nat watching as they disappeared into the crowd.

Nat let out a breath and the tension that had coiled within her began to ease, if only slightly. Michael’s refusal to join Clara in her flirtatious game was a small victory, but Nat couldn’t shake the annoyance that came with her presence.

As the night wore on, the alcohol flowed more freely and the guests became increasingly relaxed. The music was getting livelier and more people were up dancing. Nat navigated through groups of guests with Lexi by her side, chatting about the shop and how Lexi’s dreams had finally become real. Every now and then, she looked over to where Michael and Enzo stood, deep in discussion. Michael would return her eye contact occasionally, nodding his silent support as she was dragged into yet another conversation about her designs and the inspiration. Although she loved the compliments, Nat would much rather be on the sidelines than in the limelight. That was much more Lexi’s forte.

The band’s lead singer tapped on the microphone to grab everyone’s attention.

“Alright, beautiful people!” His voice cut through the buzz of conversations. “It’s time to see every single one of you on your feet!”

The musicians behind him struck the first notes of an upbeat classic that never failed to fill a dance floor. Lexi grabbed Nat’s hand with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Let’s go. It’s time to flaunt that dress properly.” Excitement bubbled in her voice.

Nat couldn’t help but laugh as Lexi pulled her onto the dance floor, twirling her around like a ballerina. She allowed herself to be swept up in the infectious energy of the crowd. The band worked in partnership with the audience, sensing when to introduce faster songs, and when to slow things down. She felt a rare sensation of elegance as her dress swirled around, the fabric soft against her skin as she danced. She could feel the warmth of bodies around her as they moved in sync with the music.

But as she glanced across the room, Nat’s heart began to race and an awful queasiness settled in her stomach. Clara was with Michael on the dance floor, moving her body in a way that screamed for attention. Every twist of her hips was deliberate, as if trying to pull him closer. Nat felt a stab of annoyance, but tried to remind herself it was unwarranted. Despite their growing closeness, she and Michael had agreed they were just friends and nothing would change while they still worked together.

“Excuse me,” Nat murmured to a group of guests, slipping away to seek refuge at the edge of the room. She poured herself a glass of iced water and took a large gulp, feeling the chill as it crept down her throat and fanned out across her chest. Condensation formed quickly on the outside of the glass, mirroring the sweat that had begun to bead on her forehead. She leaned against the side, allowing herself a moment to steady her heart rate and settle her stomach.

“Mind if I…” Michael’s voice broke into her thoughts. She turned to see him standing beside her, gesturing towards her drink.

“Go ahead.” She slid the glass across the counter.

He took a swig, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the swallow.

“You look a bit… Is everything OK?”

“I’m fine.” She didn’t want him to see how upset she was. “I just needed some water.”

Michael studied her face as he considered her explanation.

“OK, I was annoyed that Clara showed up.” Nat finally admitted. “I don’t know why she came. It’s making me uncomfortable, especially as she seems to take so much pleasure from making me feel terrible.”

“I’m sorry. To be honest, I didn’t think she would just turn up. I only mentioned it in passing. If I’d known it would affect you so much, I wouldn’t have mentioned the party at all.”

“Well…” Nat paused, weighing up whether to say anything. “When it comes to me, she just seems to have a knack of knowing exactly what to say and do to get right under my skin.”

“I’m sure she doesn’t mean it.”

Nat was instantly irritated by Michael being so quick to dismiss Clara’s behaviour again. They stood in silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts. Before either of them could say anything else, the crowd shifted a little and Clara stumbled into Nat’s space. The impact jostled her hand and ice-cold water poured down the front of her dress.

“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry!” Clara feigned concern as she gave Nat the insincere apology.

“Let me grab you some tissues.” Michael disappeared towards the toilets.

“Really, Clara?” Nat’s voice was a low hiss, barely audible above the music. Anger bubbled up, hot and unwelcome. She fought to keep it submerged.

“I’m just so clumsy! Remember the time I spilled wine all over your little design project?!” Clara let out an unpleasant laugh.

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