Page 107 of Something Borrowed

He huffs. “That fucker. Ignore him anyway. He has no rights.”

“I knowthat,” I say crossly. “I need to find Raff to tell him.”

“Good luck. He’s in full wedding-planner frenzy. Last time I saw him, he was down on the beach asking for it to be swept level. Raff was very worried we were cutting it fine with our arrival and the timing of the ceremony but neither Richard nor I could get any more time off. It seems to have sent Raff over the edge.”

“Shit.”

I take a step away, and he grabs my hand. “He’s not there now. It’s empty.” He pauses. “Apart from one man who appears to be sweeping the sand and cursing in Greek. Come and have a drink. Your family are in the bar with Hump.”

I follow his urging and cock my head, suddenly paying attention. He sounds nervous.

“How was the wedding?” I ask, suddenly ashamed of myself. This is my close friend’s special day, not mine.

“Oh, lovely. Richard’s parents didn’t know what to do with my family, especially when my cousin tried to share a spliff with Rich’s grandad.”

I snort despite my worry.

“But Rich’s grandma is hilarious. Her knickers fell down on the steps of the registry office, but she just shrugged, scooped them up, and put them in her pocket.”

“His grandma went commando at yourwedding?” I say, awed.

He laughs. “It seemed like a good omen. After all, I was commando when I met him.”

His voice is lighter now, and I know I’m right. Leo’s nervous about the day, and it isn’t the time to burden him with my drama. Raff’s right to be busy, and I’m pretty sure he’s shelved his plans to sort out my relationship with Bennett.

I relax. We can wait until later. It’s only a few hours. But he’d better be ready. I’m going to tell him the truth. Nerves flutter in my belly like tiny drunk birds.

Chapter

Fourteen

Rafferty

The florist collectsher empty boxes. “Is that alright, Rafferty?”

I look at the lily and sunflower arrangements that line the aisle. The pretty scent combines with the tang of the ocean. “Totally gorgeous. You’re a genius.”

She smiles her thanks and walks back to the hotel. I turn back and survey the beach. It’s a beautiful sight. Rows of chairs are positioned under the shade of a huge cream canvas awning that leads to an arch festooned with flowers. Beyond all this, the sea glitters blue-green in the sunlight. It’s blisteringly hot, but there's a refreshing breeze this close to the water.

I step closer to one chair and fasten the loose bow properly. It joins the others flapping in the breeze, so it looks like the chairs are doing a Mexican wave.

“Ah, there you are.”

My stomach tightens and I turn to face Bennett. He’s dressed impeccably in a grey suit, his dark sunglasses turned towards me.

I adjust my own Ray-Bans, glad of their tortoiseshell cover. “Here I am,” I say warily.

I’ve spent the night fucking this man’s fiancé. I search for my shame. I spent my whole childhood watching Rollo and Saoirse being unfaithful in their many marriages. I’d always sworn I’d be different and kept my word until now. Until Stan.

Later, after Leo and Richard’s wedding, I’ll tell Bennett that Stan is mine. But I will not ruin this occasion by arguing with the twat in the grey suit.

I force myself to smile. “Can I help you?”

He paces towards me. “I'm just getting a feel for the aisle. After all, I’ll be walking down my own in a month.”

I grit my teeth. Over my dead body. “How lovely,” I manage to say, but there’s an edge to my voice, and I know he’s recognised it when he cocks his head.

“Everything okay, Rafferty?” he asks silkily.

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