As I walk through the multilevel, perfectly manicured garden, something catches my eye by the pool – or rather, someone catches my eye. It’s Ethan.
‘Hello, you,’ I say cheerily as I approach him.
He’s lying on a sunlounger – not that there’s any sun – with his hands behind his head.
‘What are you doing here?’ I ask.
‘Just vibing,’ he says with a smile.
He looks and sounds about as drunk as I am – enough to feel it, but still sober enough to feel everything else.
‘Are the others still out partying?’ I ask.
‘No, they’ve both gone to bed,’ he tells me. ‘Posh boys can’t handle their drink.’
I laugh as I linger next to him.
‘Thanks for taking them out,’ I tell him. ‘And for encouraging me to take Seph out. I can confirm: posh girls can handle their drink.’
‘I know – I’ve seen you drink,’ he says with a smile.
‘Oi, I’m not a posh girl,’ I insist.
He looks me up and down and smiles.
‘No, you’re nothing like your family,’ he says. ‘And I mean that in the best possible way of course.’
‘Don’t worry, it’s music to my ears,’ I reply.
‘Although an earl does seem like the kind of bloke you should end up with,’ he adds, revealing what’s really on his mind.
‘Is that really what you want for me?’ I ask.
‘I just want you to be happy,’ he replies.
I chew my lip for a second or two.
‘What if I could be happy with you?’ I say. ‘What about that?’
He smiles ever so subtly as he stands up, walking over to me.
‘I thought you said we were cursed,’ he reminds me.
I don’t say a word. I just beckon him closer with my finger – alcohol is great for stuff like this.
He stops in front of me, his lips just inches from mine, so close I can almost remember what they feel like.
‘I don’t care about curses tonight,’ I tell him, my voice breathy and hopefully inviting.
A cough drags us out of our moment. It sounds like it came from one of the balconies, maybe.
‘Quick, let’s go in here,’ Ethan suggests, opening the door to the pool house.
He takes me by the hand and pulls me inside with him, closing the door behind us.
Finally safe inside, hearing nothing but the sound of my heart beating in my ears, I look around.
The room is all decked out for the wedding ceremony tomorrow. Ceremony here, and then the reception in a marquee in the garden. Rich people, I swear, they have the money to get anywhere and then do it at home – although I guess they do have very nice homes.
