Page 36 of Forever Mr Black

“Your mum’s really gone all out with this.”

“Yeah, well … that’s Mum for you.”

“Here they are! Art and Sophie, everyone,” Barbara calls out as she catches sight of us. Her long black-and-white spotted chiffon dress floats in the breeze as she rushes over to greet us. She pulls me into a hug. “You look beautiful, Sophie dear. I trust he’s been looking after you.” She lets me go and nods towards Art.

I smile politely. “Of course.”

“Always, Mum.” Art gives her a peck on the cheek.

I glance around the garden. “This looks fabulous, Barbara. You really shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.”

“Nonsense.” She laughs. “I love it, and it’s so wonderful to welcome you into the family.” She gives Art a pointed look. “I was worried I would never see the day. Now, you enjoy yourselves and go and greet your guests. There’s plenty of food and drink.”

Art links his fingers through mine as we watch Barbara hurry off in the direction of the kitchen. “See, I told you, you’ve nothing to worry about.”

“I suppose,” I say, although I still can’t help but feel a tiny bit guilty.

Lucy and Big Steve appear, hand in hand.

“Nice mansion, Art.” Lucy smirks, giving me a knowing look.

Her blonde hair is hanging loose over her shoulders, and she’s wearing a white summer dress. Judging by the twinkle in her eyes and flush to her cheeks, things are looking up between her and Big Steve.

The black suit he wears makes him look bigger and broader than ever. He gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations.” He offers Art his hand to shake. “Congratulations, boss.”

Art smiles and shakes it. “Thanks, but technically, I’m not your boss any longer. The ownership of the club transferred over to you midday today.”

“Ooh.” Lucy places her hand on Steve’s chest. “You’re the boss now, Steve.”

“It’s in safe hands,” he assures Art.

“I know. That’s why I wanted you to take over.” Art slides an arm around my waist. “And after all the shit with Jamie, I just wanted it gone.”

“I’m glad it has,” I admit.

Art kisses me on the cheek. “I know. It’s the start of a new chapter for us.”

I beam. Finally, we have left our pasts behind and are moving forward.

Twelve

While Art becomes captured in a debate about entrepreneurialism with my cousin, I slip away and seek out Mum and Martin, sitting over on the terrace. Mum’s wearing a floaty, floral M&S number with the sparkly sandals I know she only wears for special occasions. Martin’s dressed up in the navy-and-white striped Ralph Lauren shirt that I bought him a few Christmases ago.

Mum waves her glass of champagne in the air when she sees me. “Here she is!”

“Hi, Mum.” I bend down and give her a kiss on the cheek and do the same with Martin. Although Mum’s been texting me regular updates on his progress, it’s the first time I’ve seen him since the heart-attack scare, and I’m encouraged by his perky countenance. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, fine. Don’t you worry about me, Sophie,” Martin assures me.

My eyes slide to the glass of clear liquid he’s holding.

“Your mum’s got me on water and rabbit food.”

“He’s under strict doctor’s orders,” Mum chimes in. “No alcohol. Healthy eating and moderate daily exercise.”

“She’s got me walking a thousand steps a day and eating bloody salads,” Martin grumbles distractedly, his eyes scanning the tray of a passing waiter. “Although those chicken and chorizo canapés being dished out look mighty tasty.”

“No, Martin,” Mum warns. “You need to be good.”

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