‘Now, you have to close your eyes and make your wish,’ says Tomas.
I scrunch my eyes tightly and make my wish.
‘Did you make it?’
‘Yes.’
‘Good, now you can’t tell anyone until the wish comes true.’
‘Ha, I doubt it will come true, but…’
‘Don’t doubt the wishing bell. You have to believe in its magic. It always makes wishes come true. Except when it comes to winning a lottery – it doesn’t work for material things.’
‘We’ll have to wait and see, then,’ I smile.
Albert and Zuzana ring the bell after me and make their wishes. I realise that Tomas hasn’t rung the bell yet.
‘How about you? You haven’t made your wish.’
Tomas closes his eyes. I look at his perfect features and try not to think how cute he would look in my hotel bed, or how I would like it if we could spend the last of my time here together as lovers.
When he opens his eyes again, he is grinning. ‘Let’s hope it comes true.’
I would love to know what his wish was. What if it is something to do with Milena? There is no sign of her at the party. I did wonder if she would turn up. I bite the bullet and ask.
‘I meant to ask, is Milena coming this evening?’
Tomas looks at his watch. I see that it is a few minutes before midnight.
‘No, she’s not. She wasn’t invited.’
I feel a giant palpitation hit my chest like a wave that almost tips me over. Then I remind myself that even if their relationship is truly done and dusted, and he has stopped the contact between them, it doesn’t mean he wants someone who is about to leave the country.
‘I have to quickly change the music. Stay right there.’
A Czech song I have never heard before plays, and then we do the countdown.
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!
Balloons come down from a net that has been released above us, and golden confetti sprinkles upon us like magical gold dust. It is as though a spell has been cast, and a warm breeze seems to dance around the room as everyone huddles together to celebrate.
Tomas takes hold of my waist and kisses me on the lips. It is just a New Year’s kiss, to begin with, but then it turns into something much more passionate. This man is utterly delicious. What is even more fantastic is that we definitely feel the same way, if that kiss is anything to go by. I pull my hair away from my face and move back. We smile at each other, and I wonder if the wishing bell is working its magic already. Perhaps the timing is finally right between us.
But then, I get this feeling that someone’s eyes are boring into me. I lift my head away from Tomas’ shoulder and look around.
Milena is staring right at us with a horrified look on her face.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sometimes, it is easier not to understand a language. Milena is shouting at Tomas and giving me filthy looks. Why on earth did she turn up when she wasn’t invited? Was Tomas lying about that? A moment later, and who knows what would have happened between us?
Albert wishes me a Happy New Year and takes me away from the scene.
‘Don’t let her upset you. She’s a wicked woman. If she thinks she has competition, she’ll make sure she destroys any chances, just for the fun of it.’
‘I’m hardly competition.’ Judging by the sleek silver dress that Milena has poured herself into, I don’t think she has anything to worry about.
‘Yes, you are very much her competition. Look at you. A kind, lovely lady. Someone who doesn’t use people to get something from them.’
