Page 34 of It's All Sun and Games

I never thought – in a million years – that I would find myself wilfully socialising with my boss this evening – and being the star of the show (well, here with the star of the show, at least). Even more surprising than that, though, is the fact that I’m actually enjoying myself.

After a delicious dinner (the main course was pasta, and it was incredible) our party has moved down to the beach to finish our drinks. They have these firepits dotted around, surrounded by comfortable chairs, draped with soft blankets for chilling out on an evening.

The ocean roars in the background, and there is the faint buzz of life still coming from the restaurant, but otherwise it feels like we’re in our own world, here in our little bubble of light on an otherwise dimly lit beach.

I am currently sharing a one-person chair with Andrea, not quite on his knee, but with my legs draped over his. His arm is wrapped around me – he’s playing the part of my partner perfectly. I’m seriously impressed by his commitment to the bit.

‘Are you enjoying some time off then, Andrea? Seeing as though you’re between projects?’ Rick’s voice breaks through the chat, drawing everyone’s attention.

Andrea bobs his head from side to side.

‘Normally, yes, but not this time,’ he explains. ‘My sister’s wedding is next week, so things are pretty hectic at the moment.’

Rick’s face lights up at the tenuous confidence.

‘My wedding is next week too!’ he says excitedly. ‘You should come. As long as it isn’t on the same day as your sister’s, of course – Robin can fill you in on all the details.’

Andrea’s expression softens with gratitude.

‘Grazie,’ he replies politely.

Rick turns his attention to me, which causes me to shift in my seat a little. Rick likes me so much more when he talks to Andrea instead of me.

‘Robin, I imagine you’ll need some time off for Andrea’s sister’s wedding too, right?’ he asks with a warm smile.

I freeze, caught off guard by his question, because I have no idea what the right answer is. Obviously I don’t need time off, because I’m not going, but I can’t tell him that.

Sensing my hesitation, Rick is quick with a reassuring smile.

‘Don’t look so worried, Robin. You can take all the time you need to spend with Andrea. Family is what it’s all about,’ he says.

‘I thought work was what it was all about?’ James chimes in. It’s like he can’t quite believe his ears – I don’t think any of us can.

I can’t believe I’m saying this but James hasn’t been able to take his eyes off me and Andrea all night. It’s amazing how having a partner can suddenly make you more attractive to other potential partners.

‘Family first, then work,’ Rick corrects him, his tone firm but friendly.

I try not to furrow my brow, but I’m not entirely convinced by Rick’s words. I’ve never known it be anything but work first with him. I mean, come on, he’s even getting married on a work trip.

‘What are Italian weddings like?’ Cait pipes up.

‘I think I’ve only seen them in The Godfather,’ Henry jokes.

Andrea leans back in his chair and smiles.

‘They’re a lot of fun,’ he says. ‘And my sister has put a lot of work into hers. It’s going to be big.’

Cait nods, intrigued.

‘How old is your sister, if you don’t mind me asking?’ she enquires.

‘She’s twenty-eight,’ Andrea replies casually.

‘I thought Italians got married quite young?’ Liz chimes in – and, again, there is suspicion there.

‘It’s more common to wait longer these days,’ Andrea explains, unbothered by her tone. ‘You know, until the right person comes along.’

Andrea flashes me a smile as he takes my hand, holding it for a moment, stroking it lightly – for all to see.

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