Page 71 of Someone Like You

Wow, she’s good. But I can’t have CiCi worrying about me – or more to the point, me and Raff.

‘Oh,’ I say with a laugh. ‘I had something on this morning, so it made sense to make my own way here.’ I leave it at that, deliberately omitting an explanation for why I’ve avoided Raff since I arrived.

‘Glad to hear it.’

But I can tell she doesn’t buy my feeble excuse – or my evasiontactics – as there’s a knowing glint in her eye that reminds me of Gina. Mom calls it her ‘bullshit detection radar’.

‘Would you mind taking those out to the buffet?’ she asks.

Glad to be out of the hotseat, I flash her a bright smile and say, ‘Happy to.’

I’m making room on the buffet table for the blinis when the distinctive chink-chick-chink of someone striking a glass with something metal rings out across the living room.

‘Hello, everyone,’ says Devin, who’s standing on a small wooden stool near the fireplace. ‘If I could have your attention, please. And could everyone come in from the other rooms?’

Pairs and trios of people come in from the other parts of the house, swarming into the living room.

Once everyone’s crammed in, Devin says, ‘I just wanted to say on behalf of CiCi and myself that we’re so happy you could all be here today. This is one of our favourite events of the year and what makes it so special is being with the people we love.’

He made a similar speech last year – and the year before – but it always comes from the heart. I scan the room for Raff and when I find him, he’s looking at me, smiling. I smile back, then look away.

He’s wearing that Christmas sweater – the one he wore to the photoshoot – only this time, he doesn’t look like a dork. He looks cute. That may also have something to do with his hair, which he’s now wearing off his face – the hair stylist atNouveauprobably taught him how to do that. Regardless, with his hair worn like that, he’s more handsome than ever.

Even in that stupid sweater, he looks good.

I steer my attention back to Devin and he’s making a toast. I chorus, ‘To absent family and friends,’ along with the other guests, my mind going straight to Mom and Dad and Issy – and (poor) Monica, who must be freaking out with her wedding only a week and a half away and my aunt being a total nightmare from hell.

‘Now, this part is a surprise,’ says Devin. ‘CiCi, my love, where are you?’

‘Here, darling.’

He holds his hand out to her, and guests step aside as she makes her way to Devin, eyeing him curiously.

She mouths something to him, but I can’t make it out. Devin laughs and says, ‘You’ll see.’

‘Now,’ he says, addressing the rest of us. ‘All of you know that my darling CiCi here is one of the hardest working people in England.’

The guests murmur in agreement.

‘And on top of running a business at one of the busiest times of the year, she’s organised this lovely party. So, in appreciation of all you are and all you do, my love, I have a surprise.’

CiCi looks up at him, her smile asking, ‘What are you up to?’

‘After saying we would for years but never getting around to it, we arefinallyspending Christmas in Lapland. I’ve booked us a romantic holiday, just the two of us, and you won’t need to lift a finger.’

‘Devin!’ She claps a hand to her chest and for a second, it’s hard to tell if it’s a good surprise or not. Then she bursts into tears, and he steps off the stool and envelops her in a hug. There’s a moment of total silence, then the room erupts into applause.

Witnessing how happy CiCi is, and how in love she and Devin are, brings tears to my eyes.

I want that.

And I want it with Raff, says the little voice in my head.

18

GABY

I look towards where Raff was standing earlier to share the moment, but he’s not there and I start scanning the room. Where did he go?

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