Page 75 of Famous Last

“You and your coffee. Follow me.”

Marshall led them back to a large room set aside, full of people dressed in black—like an after-funeral gathering—and other people taking advantage of the break. Marshall had only a minute to chat over bottled water, happy with how things were going, before one of the staff came to usher him back. Before going, he openly planted a kiss on Spencer’s lips as the crew members looked on. As soon as he had gone, Spencer got himself a large latte and a sandwich before finding a space against the wall.

Until someone came to join him.

Ambika, Blake’s fiancée. Dressed in pure black, she looked as stylish as he remembered her, wearing designer jeans, a silk blouse and pashmina scarf wrapped around her neck.

“Is Blake here?” asked Spencer, looking around the room.

“He was earlier. His mother asked him to go back to the office, to check on things there. Rather than both of us going—and me getting in the way—he asked me to stay.”

Spencer grinned. Blake’s bossy presence would undoubtedly please Bev. After sharing a few awkward pleasantries about the weather and how well they felt the show was going, Ambika put her drink down and confronted Spencer.

“How long were you together? You and Blake?”

Spencer almost choked on his coffee and looked away. He floundered for words for a moment, and what to tell her, but then met her sad gaze, deciding she needed to hear the truth.

“Three months. But if it’s any consolation, what we had was over almost as soon as it started. This all happened long before he met you. And what we had felt sordid and superficial, if I’m going to be completely honest. Stolen moments at weekends, clandestine hook-ups. Which, honestly, is not my style. I’m surprised he even told you.”

“He didn’t. I guessed. Both times I met you, at Halloween and then our engagement party, he would always avoid talking about you when I pressed him. And after what happened with my brother, I put two and two together.”

“I didn’t even know he was into girls when we first met. I’d just started with the company and I was a little starstruck and flattered by the attention.”

Ambika smiled sadly but nodded her understanding.

“Do you think I should give him a chance, Spencer?”

“Have you spoken to him? About what happened?”

“Not enough. Everything is so fresh right now. And I wanted to give myself time to process how I felt. We’ve been treading on eggshells around each other. At the time, he insisted he still loves me and, the truth is I still love him, too. He claims my brother did the instigating, and, with my brother, I can truly believe that. But you know, it still takes two.”

“The fundamental question is, knowing what you now know about Blake, can you still accept him? Or has that knowledge become a deal-breaker?”

“I don’t know. What do you think I should do?”

Spencer could never accept that kind of arrangement, constantly living in fear of a partner finding comfort in the arms of another.

“I can’t answer that for you. You need to do what you feel is the right thing for you. Do you trust him?”

“Ah, now that’s the clincher, isn’t it?DoI trust him?”

“Like I said, nobody can answer that for you.”

But Spencer already had his own opinion. Blake cared only for himself. When Spencer had been with Blake, they had never gone out or seen other people. But to go behind Ambika’s back at their engagement party and perform sexual favours with a member of her family right under her nose was beyond despicable. How could you trust anybody who would even consider doing something like that? He noticed she had fallen silent, and Spencer felt an overwhelming sense of compassion for her. He liked her, but he meant what he had said, that only she could decide.

“I’m still wondering what bastard snitched on you at the party. I hope you don’t think it was me or any of the work people I came with. “

“Of course not,” she said, managing a weak smile. “It was one of my aunties. We could only invite a few, and mostly younger family members due to restricted numbers. But the reality is that my extended family is massive. Some people’s noses were naturally put out of joint when they didn’t get an invite. When one of my idiot cousins who I did invite smuggled their phone in and fired off a couple of photos, this particular aunt—known for causing trouble—got hold of them and forwarded them instantly to friends in the press. They, in turn, called the police. The rest you know.”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, we had a great time.”

“And now you’re dating Marshall Highlander, you lucky thing. I saw him kiss you. Absolutely adorable.”

Spencer felt his jaw drop. Dating? A month ago he might have denied the claim, but now? Instead he began to smile with pride. He would never refuse Marshall to anyone.

“I have no idea what he sees in me.”

“Yes, you do,” she said, squeezing his arm. “Doesn’t take a woman to see he’s smitten. You make the perfect couple. Good for you, Spencer.”

---