Page 80 of Promise Me Ever After
“What? You mean you don’t get a family discount?”
“Again, so on top of the jokes.” I rolled my eyes.
In the past four months since the wedding, things between Alex and I had gone from strength to strength. He had officially moved in at the start of the year. It was so different from my previous experiences of living with Russ. Alex actually cared about our relationship, making sure we spent time together outside of work, and cooking for me. Tess and Ellis hadn’t been too pleased when we’d finally come clean about being together but knowing how little impact it had had on the team, they ultimately supported us. We didn’t spend a great deal of time apart, but I’d done something which would change that. I only hoped Alex would approve.
Tonight was the second Fortunes for Favours event that Ems had organised after the success of the first one. Having them twice a year, in the spring and the autumn would guarantee good levels of attendance from visitors and locals alike.
Once again, Alex had put himself up for the auction, offering a private dinner. He was convinced Melody Johnson would win this time, given I was under strict instructions not to bid. I had already teased him that a naked chef business could be the way to net us an absolute fortune.
“Trevor’s not sitting with us again, is he?” I asked Darcy as we made our way to the table.
She laughed. “I wouldn’t do that to you.” She squeezed my arm. “It’s good to see you so happy, Georgie. You and Alex are perfect together.”
“To think I almost didn’t fix things with him and it was Mum’s advice that helped.”
“She’s desperate for another wedding.” My sister winked.
“Then she’ll have to wait. We have zero plans on that front.”
“Well, you are coming up to almost five months together.” Darcy raised an eyebrow. “With your history?”
“Fuck off. By that time Russ and me had split up. Not happening with Alex.”
“Good.” Her gaze fell on the bracelet I’d worn every day since my birthday. “So glad I helped too.”
“Yes. You have good taste.” I let her bask in her moment.
We joined the rest of the people at our table; Fraser obviously and another couple I vaguely recognised as being regulars in Anna’s Kitchen.
The meal passed quickly, with me choosing Alex’s menu again. This time, he’d done a smoky salmon tartare with lemon and capers, a beef Wellington and a lime and ginger cheesecake. I already knew the food would be delicious because he’d been practicing the cheesecake at home for weeks.
“Seriously, you’re so lucky, Georgie,” commented Fraser. “Can we come over to yours for dinner more often?”
Darcy shot daggers at him. “Are you saying my cooking isn’t any good?”
I laughed, watching the exchange between them. “You’re more than welcome anytime.” Pushing my chair back, I stood up. “I’m nipping outside for a moment. Back soon.”
“I can’t believe you still haven’t given up yet.” My sister pouted. “You promised.”
“One day, Darcy, I promise! But not today.” I shook my head as I walked to the foyer and found a spot outside.
The front of the hotel was almost deserted, except for a few couples enjoying the view of the marina. I went to the railings and leant on the top one, pulling out my cigarettes. I lit up, enjoying the moment of calm until I felt a palm on my back.
“What are you doing out here?”
I turned to see Alex standing there. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the auction?”
He let out a hard breath. “Yeah, I’m already super excited at the prospect of Melody Johnson.”
“As long as you don’t end up sleeping with her…”
Alex shuddered. “As if.”
“Good, because I kind of have some news.” I bit my lip.
“You’re not pregnant, are you?” Horror filled Alex’s face before he caught himself and rearranged his features into a more neutral expression.
I tilted my head. “I gather from that reaction you’re not in that headspace yet?”
