Phil smirks around a sip of whisky. ‘I can do unrealistically hot. No, I envy this place you’ve reached where everything you want is one big package. No need for choices or sacrifices.’
‘In my humble opinion of newly free-spirited guy, you shouldn’t make any either. No future job is worth staying in a frustrating and dishonest relationship for.’
‘I beg to differ. And it’s only a matter of months.’
‘Because once you’re in, you’ll get away with crushing the feelings of your CEO’s daughter?’
‘No, but I’ll drive her to dump me. He won’t fire me if I’m broken-hearted on top of performing beyond his wildest expectations. Look how Elsy got Catriona to chill by acting devastated.’
Alex pops his head between theirs, his brow furrowed. ‘Doesn’t sound like a discussion I want to join.’
‘Indeed, but we’re done.’ Charles shoves over to give him space. ‘Are you enjoying yourself?’
‘Yeah, they’re a cool bunch! You could have told me that Andres quit med school too to pursue his dream of becoming a chef!’
‘No, because I didn’t know that... In my defence, I’ve only spent time with him in the presence of Aliah and Phoebe, and they tend to hog the conversation.’
‘Aliah doesn’t!’ Spencer materialises next to Charles and hands him a pint. ‘She’s a great listener. Is it serious? With her boyfriend?’
‘Seven-years serious.’
‘So they might get bored soon! By the time you’re back, I could be her rebound lover.’
‘By Tuesday?’
‘No… But Alex is the only one betting on you to take that return Eurostar after the wedding.’
‘Come on! You’re all being annoying. As if I’d just pack and leave you! Without proper goodbyes!’
‘Exactly!’ Alex leans closer to Charles to whisper, ‘But seriously, there’s a lot of cash at stake, don’t let me down.’
‘I want in again!’
Charles hastens to cap his glass with his palm but, this time, George approaches cautiously because he’s holding two drinks.
‘Thank you.’ Charles smiles and grabs one with his free hand. ‘A Manhattan? How did you convince Patty to make a cocktail?’
‘How do I snare anyone into doing anything?’
‘You’re George Downes, my bad. Well, cheers! To you, guys. For bearing with me all summer, every time I’ll show up unannounced to whine about Loris being away.’
George slings his arm around him, below Alex’s. ‘I’m certain I speak for all of us when I say that a Charles who seeks our company to vent about his feelings is one we’ve greatly missed these past few years.’
‘Yep.’
‘So much!’
‘Anytime, Chaz.’
Charles tightens his grip on his two glasses as his friends squeeze him from both sides.
Before them, Loris is sandwiched by Phoebe and Aliah. His eyes are shimmering with pent-up emotions, but also from the neon lights and a high alcohol level.
When he looks at Charles, his smile spreads from ear to ear.
‘Damn… Someone’s irrevocably smitten,’ Phil says with a scoff.
‘Well, I’m a real catch.’
