Page 27 of Geordie

“Happy birthday, Lily. I'm sorry I was late. I came straight from the airport.”

She takes a step back, bumping into me. “Are you alright?” I whisper to her. The man's attention lands on me. He thrusts out his hand, giving me a politician's smile. “I don't believe I know you. I'm Stephen, Lily's fiancé.”

Shock riffs through me at the thought of Lily being with this man. I pull off my glasses, feeling they put me at a disadvantage, and grab his hand. “Geordie,” I reply, unable to say more.

Lily's wide-eyed, glancing between us, looking like a nervous child in that school uniform.

We stop our handshake, then he turns to Lily. “Don't you have anything to say to me?” He holds his arms wide for her to come to him. “Lily,” he says, “I haven't been away that long.”

She throws an anxious glance at me, trying to tell me something. I can't work out what any of this means.

Stephen follows her gaze. He resumes his politician's grin. “What am I missing? Are you a friend or relative of Molly's?”

“He's a friend of mine,” Lily says. “We came to the party together.” The only displeasure this man shows is a slightly arched eyebrow. He reminds me of a fighter sizing up an opponent.

He turns his full attention to me. “I'm sorry, I thought I knew all of my fiancée's friends.”

“Geordie's winery supplies wine to Dalliance; that's how we met.”

“Aye, she's a valued customer.” The comment is stupid, but what else could I say?

“I see. Lily, can I steal you away for a little while? We really need to talk.”

“I don't think that's a good idea, Stephen. These are our guests. We can't disappear.”

“I only want to speak for a few minutes. I promise I'll bring you back to your party.”

Lily glances back at me. I silently ask if this is what she wants.

“Geordie, I'll be back soon.” She takes the few steps to be at his side. Stephen places his hand at the small of her back, guiding her through the guests and out the double doors. I stand there and let her walk away with her fiancé. I have no claim on this woman. Having feelings for someone doesn't give you the right of possession.

I signal the server for my crutch and amble back to my seat, fuming. Stopping a passing server, I ask her to bring me a glass of whiskey. When Lily returns, I'll be here.

When my drink is set before me, I see Molly moving toward me, the last person I want to speak with. She gives me a sad smile, as if I'm to be pitied.

“May I help you, lass?”

“I saw the exchange between you, Stephen, and Lily.” She slides into the chair opposite me. “Did you know she had a fiancé?”

I don't answer the question. I tip the tumbler to my lips for that needed taste of alcohol. “This is a nice party. Did you make the arrangements?” I ask.

She tilts her head, studying me, as if I'm a new species. I'm sure she's on team Stephen.

“Stephen isn't much of a planner. He enlisted my help to arrange the party. I'm Lily's best friend. I would know what would make her happy.”

“So, you're saying he supplied the money and you the labor?”

“We've been planning this surprise party for months.”

Now I'm baffled. She has a fiancé, who hasn't been around or in communication with her. I still say it's strange she never mentioned him all the times we were together.

Molly leans in, as if she's about to impart a secret. “Lily really is a sweetheart,” she says with a wistful sigh. “With all that brains, beauty and ambition, it's easy to fall in love with her, but she and Stephen are together. If I were you, I'd leave before you get hurt.” She pushes to her feet, throwing a “have a good evening” over her shoulder before heading for a group on the other side of the dance floor.

Chapter fourteen

Into the Lion's Penthouse

Lily

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