Page 57 of Forever Mr Black

“What did Big Steve say?”

She picks up the Biro and absentmindedly twiddles it between her fingers. “He was great. He arranged to go into work late because he didn’t want to leave me. I got upset.”

“That was nice of him,” I say. “He obviously really cares about you.”

Lucy gives me a weak smile and avoids my gaze. “I know, and I care about him.”

She does more than care about him. I’ve never known her like this before over a guy.

“I’ve been trying Mum and Dad all morning, but they won’t answer my calls, so I phoned Sarah.”

“And what did she say?”

“She couldn’t give a fuck what I do. She was more interested in getting the goss on Steve than the fact that our parents aren’t speaking to me. She said they’re just a bit shocked because it’s all happened so quick.”

I put my arm around her and give her a hug. “I suppose, if you look at it from their point of view, it wasn’t that long ago when your dad walked you down the aisle. Then, right after that, you told them you and Mark were divorcing. They’ll come round, Luce. It might just take them a bit of time to get used to the idea.”

She sighs heavily. “I know you’re right. I just wish they hadn’t found out about me and Steve like that. I really want them to like him because I really like him.”

“I know you do. Stop stressing. It will all work out.”

Lucy doesn’t look convinced and turns her attention back to the laptop. “Anyway, I’ve just noticed this.” She nods towards the calendar onscreen. “Did you change your mind then?”

“Change my mind about what?”

“The whole wedding-venue thing?”

I still haven’t a clue what she’s referring to. “What do you mean?”

She gives me a look as if I’m mad and points at the screen. “This! George asked me to check we’ve got deliveries booked in for kitchen and laundry supplies up until the end of the year. So, I did and saw this.”

“Saw what?” I shift round the desk and peer at the screen. On the monthly calendar for December, an all-day booking for the Black-Ward Wedding is entered on the twenty-third. I reread the booking to make sure I’m seeing it right. “I haven’t booked this,” I mutter in astonishment. Anger rises inside me as I glare up the staircase. “I don’t fucking believe it.”

Lucy follows my gaze and winces. “So, you didn’t agree to it?”

I cannot believe Art’s done this. This is overstepping the line, even by his standards.

“I didn’t have a clue,” I snap. “So, not only has he tried to dictate where we get married, but he’s also trying to decide the date as well.”

Lucy spins round in her chair to face me, looking perplexed. “So, you didn’t have it out with him last night about all that?”

I avoid her gaze and glance at the floor. “No.”

She gives me a funny look. “Why not?”

Because Aisling happened. Then, there was the sex. There was no room for anything else in my mind after that.

“I didn’t have a chance to speak to him about it.”

I’m furious with myself for not bringing it up and at him for doing this in the first place. “But I’m going to have it out with him now. Right this very bloody minute.”

I start to head in the direction of the stairs, swearing under my breath.

“He’s not in,” Lucy says, stopping me in my tracks.

I frown and spin round. Now, I’m annoyed that he’s not here when I want to give him a dressing-down. “What do you mean, he’s not in?”

“I mean, he’s not in. Kelly covered reception this morning, left a note to say if we got any calls for Art, he’s out, and he’ll be gone a few hours.”

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