Page 77 of The Painter and His Poet

“Absolutely,” I say, stepping to the side so that she and Toby can guide the way.

“Lia, Toby!” Daisy exclaims as we approach. She steps out of Dalton’s hold and throws her arms around Lia in a hug before crouching down and wrapping her arms around Toby.

“Your dress is so pretty!” Toby exclaims as she draws upright, his small hands touching the delicate fabric of her dress.

I can’t help but notice that she’s not adhered to the black and white colour theme, and I smile at that. Her dress is a stunning royal blue with a stone encrusted bodice that catches the lightand sends colour sprawling over everyone around her. This dress is most definitely a fuck-you to stuck-up arseholes who’re staring at her with varying levels of disdain, and I admire her for it.

“Thank you, Toby. You look very handsome too,” Daisy replies, beaming.

I can’t help but notice how Dalton flicks a look her way, a muscle in his jaw feathering. Fuck, he’s tense.

“We’ve missed you,” Lia says.

Daisy’s smile softens. “I’ve missed you too.”

“How about we get together soon?” Lia asks as Toby glances between the pair, grinning widely.

“Can I come? I promise I’ll be good,” he says, hopping on his feet. He’s such a cute fucking kid, and so happy. I can’t ever remember smiling as much as he does. He’s a credit to Lia.

“Of course! Maybe a play date at the park, followed by some food at Daphne’s cafe in town?” Daisy suggests, ruffling Toby’s hair.

“Yes, please,” he agrees, as Lia takes his hand in hers and glances at Drix. They exchange a loving look, and it only serves to remind me of what I’m missing in my own life.

“We’ll organise it soon. I imagine we have lots to catch up on.”

“We do,” Daisy agrees, and I can’t help but notice the pointed look she gives Lia. I sure as fuck hope Dalton has been treating her well. Though knowing my friend he’s probably already fucked up again.

“Daisy, you look good enough to eat,” Ben says, interrupting my thoughts as he steps forward.

Daisy’s cheeks heat as he leans in and kisses her in greeting. “Thanks, Ben.”

“Careful, Ben,” I interject with a smirk as Dalton mutters something under his breath. “You know how Dalton gets.”

“Not with my sister, he won’t,” Drix grumbles.

I smother a smile, then drop a kiss against Daisy’s cheek. “You scrub up well.”

“Thanks, Sterling. How are things with your family? Your stepmother and stepsister seem lovely,” she says.

“They’re settling in,” I reply, not elaborating.

“Are you sticking around for a while?” she asks softly.

I’ve always liked Daisy, she’s sweet and kind, and I know the hopefulness in her gaze is genuine. She needs as many friends at her upcoming wedding as she can get and even if I wasn’t staying for Harlow, I would’ve made sure to attend their wedding regardless.

“Of course, I wouldn’t dream of missing your wedding,” I reply, cutting a look at Dalton, who clears his throat.

“I hate to steal Daisy away, but there are other guests we need to greet. We’ll catch up soon, yes?” he says to Drix, before looking between me and Ben.

Drix doesn’t reply, but Ben nods. “Actually, Harlow has agreed to sing at Bandits Bar, you should all come, might make her feel more at ease if there are some familiar faces in the crowd.”

I stiffen, my head snapping around to glare at Ben.What the fuck? Since fucking when?

“She has? When was this arranged?” I ask, trying and failing to hide my surprise given the shit-eating grin Ben throws my way.

“Few days ago. She’s performing next weekend, in fact,” he replies. “I asked her to fill in whilst the guys are doing some gigs in London.”

I clench my teeth so fucking hard I almost break a tooth.

---