Page 31 of The Worst Guy Ever
Megan,Kara,andIhave arranged to travel to London separately from the boys, and we’re about to leave for our train when her doorbell rings.
“I’m here to collect the future Mrs Taylor and her bridesmaids.”
Before me stands a gorgeous older man who is doing an incredible job of filling out his jet black suit. Behind him, a pristine, white limousine.
“I think there’s been a mistake. We didn’t order a car.”
“No mistake, ma’am. Compliments of the best man.”That sneaky fucker.
Spring rains have given way to a glorious summer’s day. I’m determined to make the most of the warmer weather in a pale pink strapless dress that looks great with my freshly bleached and trimmed hair.
Megan and Kara have opted for floral and floaty and in the luxury of a limo, I think this is the fanciest we’ve ever felt in our lives. We open a bottle of champagne, and by the time we’re weaving our way through London traffic, I’ve got a nice little buzz overriding my nervousness.
I haven’t seen Rob in person since our bust-up over a month ago, and a low hum of anxiety has been rumbling away all week.
He got the worst of me, that morning at Maggie’s. I already felt like shit after a night spent arguing with my sister on the phone about my apparent lack of effort with our mother. So what if I spent Christmas on my own and forgot to send a birthday card? It’s not like she’d really want me there anyway, but George would never understand that because she’s the perfect daughter who can do no wrong and I’m… well, I’m the opposite. I wish I’d never answered her call.
Despite the real reason for my shitty night and dishevelled appearance, Rob clearly assumed I’d been up with some guy, and that only fuelled my frustrations.
After making amends, we finished the rest of the planning over text and by‘we’,I mean Rob did everything and sent me updates. The limo is a beautiful touch, and I’m starting to see there’s a decent guy beneath the cocky exterior. Maybe if we can get through today, and the rest of the wedding celebrations, without bickering, we’ll have a decent shot at friendship after all.
His casual carpark confession has stayed with me. I’ve always assumed that Rob has a perfectly content life, with plenty of friends, but those words hinted at a loneliness I’ve been unpacking ever since.
I know that, like Luke, Rob didn’t know his dad, and they’ve been best friends since their school days. I know he’s dedicated to his work, ambitious by all accounts, but he hasn’t had the inclination to get into a relationship.
And I know from what he said the night of the engagement that he was pretty affected by Heather’s death too.
Besides his loss, Rob’s situation is a lot like mine, actually. I’ve always found that having a small group of tight-knit people keeps things simple and safe. There are a few friends from my university days who I occasionally check in with, but we haven’t met up in years. I don’t have the time or energy to have hundreds of acquaintances. There are plenty of people to schmooze with at work, but by the weekend I couldn’t be less interested in seeing a lot of people.
My inner circle is small and safe, but is it enough? I love Kara and Megan to bits, but is there a part of me that feels a little lonely too? We’ve always been close, always there for each other, but I keep coming back to this feeling that everything will change now that Kara is getting married. Sure, we’ll see each other, but I know it will be different. What’s this life I lead going to feel like in my forties and fifties? Megan will settle down soon too, I’m sure of it. I just hope to God it isn’t with Max. If he makes her move to Australia, I’m packing a case and going with her.
Outside the restaurant, Kara makes our driver take photos of us and I plaster on a big smile. Like always, I sense Rob before I see him, that deep, spicy, male scent filling the room and making my head spin. As we step inside the private dining room, he’s there to greet us, and I rush in while he kisses Megan on both cheeks. I need to buy myself some time to take a deep breath and repeat what I’ve decided will be the mantra of the day.Play nice, play nice, play nice.
“You doing OK?” he says, appearing behind me. He gives my shoulders a squeeze, his hands coasting down to my elbows leaving a scattering of goosebumps behind them.
“Sure, I’m great,” I say, turning to face him with a slightly manic nod. He looks too hot for his own good in cream trousers that fit him beautifully, a linen blazer over the casual navy shirt he’s left open at the collar, pulling my gaze to his throat. The triangle of bare, tanned skin there looks thoroughly lickable.
Thank God we didn’t have that second bottle of champagne in the limo or I might not be able to stop myself from doing just that. If he was an unknown guest at this party, I’d be luring him to a storage cupboard and dropping to my knees in a heartbeat.
“Did you enjoy your ride?”
“We did.” I bite my lip, unable to ignore the innuendo. “You played a blinder there, thank you. Kara loved it.”
“You’re welcome. So, I know we cleared the air, but I just wanted to say sorry again. I’ve really been dwelling on it.”
“Do you know, I think you’re the first man who has ever apologised to me,” I laugh, forcing myself to look up at his face. “You’re already back in the good books, you don’t need to keep saying it.”Jesus, Hattie, I said play nice, not massage his already over-inflated ego.
I opt for a friendly pat on the arm and take my seat for lunch. We find ourselves seated at opposite ends of the long table and I’m grateful for the breathing space. Can’t get in a fight with this distance between us. Can’t flirt with him either.
The meal is exceptional and, thanks to the paired servings that come with each of the ten courses, my wine glass is never empty. Everything is dainty and beautiful, and despite my initial reservations that it wouldn’t be enough food, I don’t think I could manage another bite.
The restaurant is a short walk from the river cruise departure point, and Kara and Luke stroll down hand in hand, while I cling to Megan’s side. Rob walks with Granny Annie and Luke’s mum, and Kara’s parents, her brother, and his girlfriend trail behind.
“Keep me away from Rob tonight,” I whisper into Megan’s ear.
“Why? What’s he done now?”
“Nothing bad, but have you seen him? He looks hot, and he’s being really nice to me. I might do something I regret, so I need you to vag-block me if I start acting horny.”
