Patty is more irritable than ever, hosting Loris’ farewell drinks. Even the reckless spenders whom Charles has brought along aren’t cheering her up. When Elsy puts the tray onto the counter, she only gets a growl in acknowledgment.
‘Lovely…’
‘Patty grows on you.’
‘Happy to take your word for it. My god, he’s still at it. Should we jump to her rescue?’
At the end of the bar, Spencer has been monopolising Aliah for the past twenty minutes.
‘She would have ditched him if she minded. Or punched him.’
‘He’s bound to hit on her,’ Elsy says.
‘No, I’m certain he’s noticed the size of her boyfriend’s biceps.’
Charles looks at Andres, who doesn’t seem bothered at all by this lengthy tête-à-tête. He’s chatting with Jack the illustrator, Loris and Alex in the middle of the room. Behind them, Divya and Phil are trying to befriend Loris’ rugby colleagues – probably interested by the size of their biceps. And secluded near the basement door, Phoebe and George are having a heated discussion.
Charles squints at them to assess the vibe. ‘That worries me more.’
‘I should ask Chris to swing by wearing his Chelsea jersey. That’d spice things up.’
‘Your boyfriend supports Chelsea?!’
‘Not my boyfriend, and yes. But don’t throw a fit, I’ll never wearthatblue.’
‘I sure hope so!’
‘Unless… you don’t come back.’
‘Don’t come back from where?’ Charles frowns, confused by her sudden gravity. ‘When?’
‘Next week, to begin with.’
‘Of course I’ll come back. I have to work, I’ve only just started my therapy and—’
‘Don’t discount my concern as if it were uncalled for. You’re about to try French wedding food. I’d upend my entire life for that. And they’ll all adopt you in a minute there. But most importantly, Loris will stay. So forgive me for fearing you’ll decide to settle with him.Except you can’t do that! You gave me until September to prepare for not having you around anymore!’
‘Els… I gaveusuntil September to prepare for being apart. I’ll need that too. Regardless of how many mouth-watering dishes I discover over the weekend.’
‘Regardless of the naked arguments Loris uses to keep you?’
‘He won’t try to keep me. And you should trust me.’
‘I do… I’m just fishing for ego-boosting declarations.’
Charles smiles and takes her in his arms. ‘You’ve been… the sun and lodestar of my existence for years. I’m not ready to live beneath a sky that doesn’t have you in it.’
‘Perfect. Thank you.’
‘I want in!’
George crashes into Charles from behind. Elsy jumps and raises her drink above the counter after some of it splashed over the rim.
‘Nice job, Downes.’
‘I underestimated the power of my friendship.’
‘Oh, all good!’ Elsy simpers at Patty and resumes in a low voice, ‘I refuse to be remembered as a troublemaker.’
