‘Yes,’ says Liam bashfully. ‘We’re going to be married later this year. With an aquatic or an equestrian theme. We haven’t exactly decided yet. Although we do want unicorns. Blue ones. With rainbow tails and pink hooves. And dolphins.’
He’s rambling. He’s become lost in Matteo’s dark swirls for eyes. Ged digs him in the ribs.
‘Thanks, Matteo,’ Ged says, moving towards the limo. ‘This is very kind of you.’
‘No problem,’ Matteo says, sounding slightly uncomfortable at the way Liam is still gazing at him. ‘Er… You could probably go with seahorses as a compromise.’
Liam gasps as though Matteo has just announced the newStrictlyline-up. Ged rolls his eyes. ‘Honestly, Liam. We just spent four hours planning aBridgerton-themed wedding. What’s wrong with you?’
There’s a big hoo-ha as we all get excited about this latest development. ‘You do both love a bit of luxury,’ I remind them. ‘ABridgertonwedding would be spectacular.’
‘We are rather obsessed with made-up Regency shenanigans,’ agrees Ged.
Liam, however, is frowning. ‘I’m not sure any more. It’s Colin. He’s put me off.’
‘Connie and I have upgraded your room at The Venetian to a luxury king suite. You’ll have exclusive access to your own poolside cabana, host service and private restroom,’ Matteo interrupts, sounding rather like a concierge ticking off his list. ‘Because apparently’ – his eyes flick to mine – ‘we’re all now staying in the same place.’
‘Okay, let’s do a quick video of everyone getting in the limo,’ I say, trying to rally the group before everyone demands an upgraded room with oversized soaking tubs and views over the sprawling city.
Only once we pile into the supersized limo do I notice Birdie sitting at the far end.
‘Bonjour!’ she says with a wide smile, patting the seat next to her as though she owns it. ‘Come in.’
Matteo tries to hide his annoyance.
‘We’ll call it a business expense.’ Birdie inspects her nails. ‘After all, we’re here for work.’
There’s complete silence as we exchange confused looks while Matteo does awkward introductions.
‘Birdie, I’d like you to meet Connie,’ Matteo says, before listing everyone by name. A small bloom of pride flowers in my stomach at the way Matteo is going out of his way to learn their names and make sure my friends feel welcome and comfortable.
Birdie blows enthusiastic kisses at everyone but only smiles weakly at me. It’s as far as you can get from the flirty persona she portrayed over the phone when she had her arm draped over my boyfriend. Moreover, everyone in the limo picks up on it and there’s an instant atmosphere.
‘Birdie…’ says Matteo, his voice hard and uncompromising.
‘We’ve met on the phone already.’ Birdie rolls her eyes. ‘Of course I’m delighted to see her again.’ She fakes a smile and blows me a kiss.
‘Lovely to see you too,’ I say through pursed lips.
The Dollz set about ascertaining whether she is a threat, and whether she is aware that Matteo and I are an item. Ged and Liam, however, venture off on a slightly different tangent and ask if she has seen Harry Styles lately.
Oh. My. God. How embarrassing.
‘Yes,’ she says, sounding matter-of-fact and disappointingly far from unhinged. ‘He’s staying in our hotel, I believe. Or The Palazzo next door. One of them.’
Liam makes a strangled sound. ‘Which one?’ he presses her, trying to sound casual, but she’s moved on to grilling me.
‘Connie. You have just finished your classical tour? How was it? I saw some articles online.’ She goes straight in for the kill, flashing up images on her phone of me and Luke. She waves her phone around so that everyone can see. ‘I guess opera is very emotional. Or is that acting?’ She does air quotes with her long, bony fingers.
Matteo pulls a face at her. ‘Birdie,’ he warns gently. ‘I told you not to interfere.’
But Birdie totally ignores him and glares at me as though she’s my mother demanding to know where I’ve been when I’m back late from the cinema. She’s almost tapping her foot and folding her arms. Matteo was right. She is so unhinged.
‘Don’t answer that, Connie,’ he says.
‘Operaisvery emotional,’ I say, straight at her beautiful face. ‘And yes, of course that’s acting. Luke is a professional singer. There’s nothing going on between us. Just like there’s nothing going on between you two, I guess.’ I flash pictures of her and Matteo back at her. Like a game of paparazzi snap.
Yes, I did come prepared with screenshots, but that does not make me unhinged. Just well organised and forward-thinking.
