Page 14 of Into the Dark

Rob looks at Dan. “Babe, tell her how amazing it was.”

“Yeah, it sounded brilliant, Alex. I’ve only ever heard you playing drunk, so that was seriously impressive.” He grins. “Thank you so much.”

“Ah, then you’re welcome. I’m glad it’s over though, not going to lie.” I laugh as I tip half a glass of champagne down my parched throat. All I want to do now is drink too much champagne and relax.

“Aw, I know you were nervous about it, babe, but I promise you, it was so perfect. Thank you. Now come on—I want to show you off. The girls are dying to say hello too.” She pulls me with her away from Dan, looking curiously around the room as she does.

I give Mum and Dad an apologetic wave and follow Rob into the middle of the room. Her guests congratulate me and say it was “classy” and “wonderful” and “such a beautiful thing to do.” Her friends from uni are gathered near the French windows, chatting animatedly when we reach them. Becca is the first to congratulate me on what she calls the “best thing ever.” She’s a stylish redhead with an infectious laugh and saucy wit who always makes me cry with laughter.

“God, hardly, but I’m glad I didn’t make a complete fool of myself. So nerve-racking, Becca, honestly,” I say as I lift another glass of champagne from a passing server. “Not messing up is all I was after really.”

“Well, you didn’t, and I hope if you were picturing us all naked I had better underwear on than I have now. Unfortunately, this dress needs Spanx.” She rolls her eyes, and I almost spit out my champagne as I giggle.

“It was really fabulous, Alex,” says Tamsin. “The prelude and fugue have always been one of my favorites. I think you made the right choice dropping the fugue though. It changes the whole feeling of the piece entirely, don’t you think?”

I nod my agreement. “Yes, the fugue absolutely had to go. Though Bach will be turning in his grave, I’m sure.”

She laughs at that. “Probably. Serves him right. How long have you been playing?’

“Since I was seven. But I think that was only the third time I’ve played anything in public.”

“Unless she’s pissed, then we have to drag her away from all the pianos,” Rob says in delight.

“How dare you?” I hit her gently. “So, how are you all enjoying the day?” I turn to the girls as Rob cranes her neck around the room.

“It’s been gorgeous. So romantic!” Lucy squeals.

“Rob looks bloody stunning, doesn’t she?” one of the other girls says. “The dress is exquisite.”

“I know, isn’t it? She’s the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” I say, turning to Rob. She’s still distracted, though, looking through the crowd for someone or something. Probably Liam. She’s probably spotted someone with an empty champagne glass that needs refilling. When she tells us she’ll be back in a minute and starts to weave her way back through the crowd behind me the way we came, I stare after her, wondering if I should follow.

I haven’t seen Leigh since dinner either, and I consider going to find her. I hope she hasn’t left. She seemed a little muted, making me think she was more annoyed than she thought she’d be at not being asked to be a bridesmaid.

“By the way, there are some fit guys here, aren’t there? Are these all Dan’s football friends?” Becca asks, eyes wide with mischief. “And his brother is a bit of all right too. Mark, is it? He’s the police detective,” she asks, and I nod.

“Fuck, I’d let him handcuff me any day of the week.”

Lucy lets out a dirty laugh, and I try to smile normally.

“Is he single?” Becca asks me.

“Um, yeah, he is. You should definitely go talk to him. Have you been introduced yet?” I glance around to see if I can spot him. It’s entirely self-serving because if Becca has her sights set on him it might mean he’ll divert his attentions elsewhere.

I hate the way he’s been hovering around me today. Especially as I haven’t been able to look at him properly or be alone with him since that day six weeks ago in my kitchen.

“No, we haven’t, but you have to introduce us later, okay?” She makes me promise. “Oh, there’s another guy hovering around too. Not sure who he’s related to, but honestly, I don’t think I’d care even if it were me because he is FIT, bloody hell.”

This does make me spit out my champagne as I almost double over laughing. The girls follow suit.

“Becca!”

“What! He was hot, okay? Sue me.”

“Eh, you’ll be going to prison, not getting sued.”

“You saw him too. Let’s not pretend you weren’t salivating. Fuck, where’s he gone?” She looks behind me in the direction Rob went. “He couldn’t take his eyes off you when you were playing, mind you. I think he was salivating too.” She gives me a wink.

“Well, let’s hope he isn’t her cousin,” Lucy snickers, and that sets us off again.

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