Page 14 of Promise Me Ever After
As well as the private meals with each of the four chefs, there were spa days and treatments courtesy of the local salon, Blossom, tennis and golf lessons from ex-pros who had settled locally, artwork from two of the local galleries and all sorts of other meals and overnight stays from the other restaurants and hotels in town.
Ems pointed at the pile of envelopes stacked up in a basket at one end of the table. “Looking good so far.”
Darcy started to poke through the basket, trying to find out which of the envelopes related to her. Ems slapped her hand away.
“Stop it. You’ll find out later who’s bid what.”
“Darcy always has to know what’s going on before everyone else,” Fraser chipped in, pulling my sister close to his side. He looked dashing in a perfectly cut dark grey suit, teamed with a pale blue shirt. For a six-foot something rugby player, he scrubbed up well. I liked him, even though he still worked with Russ. He waved at someone across the room. “Come on, I see Trevor.”
“We’re on table seventeen,” said Darcy to me, squeezing Fraser’s bicep. “See you in a bit.”
A pang of loneliness hit me as they disappeared into the throng, leaving me alone with Ems. They really were a perfect couple.
“Darcy’s actually really nice when she’s not begging me to change the table centrepieces again.” Ems watched them walk away.
“Yeah, sorry about that.” I wrinkled my nose. “She wants everything to be perfect.”
“Wouldn’t you on your wedding day?” Ems grimaced. “Shit, sorry, I didn’t think.”
“It’s okay, I’m used to it.” I forced a weak smile.
“There must be something you’d be interested in?” pressed Ems, rapidly changing the subject. “Even a spa day at Blossom. You can’t say you don’t deserve something nice.”
I shook my head. “Mmm, I don’t think so.”
“Better get in quick if you want one of the private chefs though.” She inclined her head to where a troupe of middle-aged women dressed in sequins and glitter approached the table. “This lot are ruthless when it comes to single men.”
“I hadn’t planned on bidding for men. I didn’t think it was that kind of auction.”
“It’s not. Sonya would kill me if she thought there was anything vaguely risqué about tonight. Come on, let’s go before I have to make polite conversation with this lot here.” She grabbed my arm and rushed past the incoming women, makes excuses about an emergency in the kitchen.
We headed for the bar where Curtis, the guy who had brought our coffees when I’d first met Ems, was serving. Without being asked, he passed us two glasses of champagne. I quickly finished my Bucks Fizz and started on the champagne. While we drank, watching the tables filling up, I spotted Alex out of the corner of my eye. He approached us and instinctively I straightened.
“What are you three gossiping about?” he grinned. “Hit me up with some water, Curtis. It’s hotter than the surface of the sun back there.”
Curtis obliged and handed Alex some bottles from the fridge. “Don’t let anyone see you. I can’t be seen to be giving special privileges to my friends.”
“I’m sure neither Ems nor Georgie will rat on you. Right, ladies?” He raised an eyebrow.
“I’ve got better things to do,” said Ems.
“Always knew you had my back, babe.” Alex shot Ems a wide smile. “Gotta get back to the furnace. Catch you after dinner?” He directed his question towards me, blue eyes questioning.
“Yes. That would be nice.”
Nice?Seriously, I could have come up with something better thannice.
Alex winked and turned on his heel, heading back towards the kitchen. I sighed and bit my lip.
“You sure you don’t want Alex Kane to cook an intimate dinner for you?” Ems asked.
“He’s single, you know,” Curtis added.
Ems shot him a look and he mumbled something about going to get the ice bucket refilled.
I frowned. “Hey, sorry, I didn’t realise there was a thing.” I motioned to where Alex had just walked and back to Ems.
“Oh, God, no. He’s not my type. Plus, his mum is my boss, so it would be awkward as hell.”
