We chat for a while longer, exchanging the usual pleasantries and carefully reminiscing about the old days, but avoiding the topic of my sister, of course. Fergus is easy to talk to, and it feels good to be around someone from that world who actually seems to like me for who I am, not despite it.
Eventually, Fergus points out that my drink is empty and offers to get me another one. I thank him as he heads back to the bar, watching him for a moment. He’s a typical rugby union player – tall, broad-shouldered, with that rugged, slightly scruffy look that comes from years of playing a sport where getting roughed up is par for the course. He’s good-looking in that boy-next-door way – if you live next door to Buckingham Palace, that is.
He returns with another drink, setting it down in front of me.
‘Come on then, let’s get it over with,’ he says. ‘How’s Seph?’
I hesitate, not sure how much to share, but then decide to be honest.
‘She’s doing well. Really well, actually,’ I reply.
‘Yeah, I heard she’s getting married,’ he says, and there’s a flicker of something – maybe hurt, maybe bitterness – in his eyes. ‘It broke my heart when she dumped me for Chet.’
Chet is what Chester’s friends call him.
I ignore the latter half of his statement.
‘Yes, she’s getting married in Australia. Really soon, actually,’ I tell him.
‘Are you going?’ he asks curiously.
‘Yeah, I am,’ I say, feeling a bit of the old resentment bubble up. ‘I told them I’m bringing a plus-one, but… well, I haven’t quite figured out who that is yet.’
Fergus looks thoughtful for a moment.
‘I know it might be a bit awkward, but… you could take me,’ he suggests.
‘You?’ I reply – did he really just say that?
He reaches out, taking my face gently in his hand, and I can’t help but freeze.
‘Lana, I’ve always thought you were interesting. Beautiful, too. It would be an honour to be your date,’ he tells me.
I think for a moment. Showing up to Seph’s wedding with her ex-boyfriend would certainly send a message. It would rattle them all, maybe even distract everyone on the big day. But is that really me? Am I the kind of girl who would do something like that? Even for revenge? That’s never been my style. Sure, I want to turn up with someone to annoy them all, but I don’t want to actually ruin it, or hurt anyone on a personal level.
Before I can answer, Fergus leans in a little closer, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. ‘Plus, it would make Seph sick with jealousy. Her sister and her ex, getting sloppy at her wedding – it would absolutely fuck the day.’
There’s a flash of something almost evil in his eyes, a look I only catch for a second before he leans in for a kiss. Oh my God, is he serious right now?
I pull back, my heart racing.
‘Erm, that’s probably not a good idea,’ I point out, oddly politely, given the circumstances.
He stares at me, a mix of disbelief and frustration on his face.
‘Are you crazy? Your sister never had a nice word to say about you, and if I were you, I’d burn her wedding to the ground,’ he tells me.
I know Seph isn’t my biggest fan, so I’m not surprised to hear that, but even so, there’s a line I can’t cross. Staying true to myself is important, and while my family may think I’m a disappointment, I don’t want to let myself down.
‘I appreciate the offer,’ I say softly, ‘but I’ll figure something else out.’
Fergus looks at me for a long moment, then sighs, leaning back in his seat.
‘You’re too nice, Lana. That’s your problem,’ he tells me. ‘I know, they’re your family, but you’re their family too. Think about that.’
I mean, he’s not wrong about that last part, but I know that taking him would be a big mistake. I’ll find someone to go with. Someone I can have a laugh with, someone who will piss them all off, and cause chaos with me, but the fun kind.
He must be out there somewhere…
