Page 19 of Forever Mr Black

The women shoot me begrudging looks as they neck the remainders of their pink cocktails and head off. Finally. After a busy four hours, the bar is empty.

I collect up the glasses and stack them inside the plastic glass carrier on the bar that’s brimming with empties.

Olly looks up from wiping down the counter. “Thanks, Soph.”

“It’s been a good night,” I say, glancing around the bar.

At its busiest, the place was three deep with customers waiting to be served.

“Manic. I was worried we were going to run out of vodka at one point. The old favourites were in demand, but a few of my own concoctions were a hit too.” He grins.

“Glad to hear it. Does that mean I’m going to be asked to test out a few more prototypes for you?”

He smirks. “Who else is going to trust me enough not to poison them?”

I laugh. “Oh, come on. Your drinks are amazing.”

He flings the cleaning cloth down on the counter. “Thanks for this. I know these evenings were all your idea, and I know you talked me up to Art. I think that persuaded him to give me a chance.” He ruffles a hand through his hair. “I dunno. I got the impression he wasn’t particularly keen on me when he first arrived. I think you helped change his mind, so thanks.”

“You’re talented. You deserve to be given an opportunity to showcase your skills.”

His cheeks turn pink at the praise, but before he can reply, a petite blonde in jeans and a red jumper appears in the entrance to the bar, looking around, as if she were lost.

“Sorry, the bar’s closed,” I say automatically.

“No, Soph, it’s okay. She’s not a customer. This is Holly,” says Olly.

She breaks into a broad smile at the introduction and blushes as he leans over the bar and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

“She’s come to give me a lift home.”

“Hol, this is Sophie. She’s the wedding planner here.”

“Hi, Sophie. Nice to meet you.” Holly smiles.

Olly and Holly. How cute.

“Nice to meet you.”

My eyes scan the empty tables and crate of dirty glasses at the end of the bar. “Listen, I’ll finish up here, if you like. You both get off home.”

He looks from Holly to me. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. Don’t keep Holly waiting.” I smile. “Now, go on, before I change my mind.”

The digital clock on the centre console of the car ticks over to midnight as I pull up outside the apartment and cut the engine. My eyes sting from tiredness and driving in the dark. I’m beat. I want to grab a quick shower, go to bed, and wrap myself around Art whenever he gets home from the club. Other than a text from him a few hours ago, asking me how the evening was going, I’ve heard nothing since. He’s clearly busy. And I haven’t asked him why he needed to go to the club tonight. Part of me doesn’t want to know the details. I’ll only worry. The sooner he transfers the ownership over to Big Steve, the better, in my view.

I climb out of the car, swing my handbag onto my shoulder, and lock the door. The sound of rustling from behind me cuts through my concentration, and I spin round. The garden of the house opposite is defined by neatly trimmed hedges and wrought iron railings. I glance across the road, but there’s no movement anywhere, and the street is deserted.

It’s dark. It’s late. I’m knackered, and my mind’s playing tricks on me.

For God’s sake, get a grip.

I turn back around, fumbling to open my handbag to put my keys away.

“Sophie.”

The loud clink of metal hitting concrete resonates through the silent street as my keys fall through my fingers.

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