‘A bit,’ he says back. ‘It’s a big leap.’
‘It is,’ I say, gulping. Our relationship has been well and truly tested, a bit like this ride. ‘Marriage is a big leap. I mean, the wedding. The fake wedding. At least, that’s what I think. But I’m fine with it. Totally. I mean, if it’s too much too soon for you, then I totally under?—’
A smile spreads across his face. ‘The ride, Cenicienta. The ride is a big leap. Not me and you.’
‘Of course, the ride. But even if you didn’t mean the ride, if it’s too big a step for— Aarrgghh!’
The fucking instructor has pushed me off the fucking ledge!
As I hurtle through the sky, hundreds of people far down below, a massive archway looming ahead, the inside of a shopping mall, the outside of a shopping mall, lots of giant inflatables and what seems like an eternity later, the zoomline slows to a halt and I finish screaming. The first thing Matteo does when his harness is unbuckled is grab me up into a huge hug.
‘You okay? Want to go again?’ he says, beaming. His hair is wild, and his cheeks are flushed. He’s never looked so carefree and vibrant. His adventurous streak is infectious. In this moment, for him, I think I’d try anything.
11
By the time we walk from the bright lights of downtown Vegas, where shopfronts, billboards and hotels compete to see who can dazzle the tourists the most, and along the main strip, through throngs of showgirls with huge feathered hats, back to The Venetian, Matteo and I have put a solid plan together. The SlotZilla was so exhilarating that we went on several times and I could swear I’m now floating an inch above the pavement.
‘I never figured you for an adrenaline junkie,’ he says.
‘Me neither,’ I answer honestly. ‘You bring out my inner reckless idiot.’
Matteo laughs. ‘What’s the most reckless thing you’ve ever done?’ He peers sideways at me while we walk.
You.
You are the most reckless thing I’ve ever done.
You stole my heart the second I met you.
We barely know each other and yet, I flew halfway round the world to see if you wanted to keep it.
My flushed face gives him all the answer he needs. He swallows.
‘Why? What’s the most reckless thing you’ve ever done?’ I say, my voice breaking.
Matteo blushes. ‘Same.’
I am saved by a ping from my phone.
Harry Styles was definitely here yesterday.
Liam has texted from his and Ged’s private gazebo by the pool. They decided once on the SlotZilla was more than enough.
Our naked butler confirmed it. I saw the selfie myself. He was wearing paisley swimming shorts and an open turquoise beach shirt with palm trees on. Ged’s already doing a search on the internet so we can order one.
I can’t help smiling to myself. They seem to be enjoying themselves so far.
‘Are the bridezillas happy?’ Matteo asks.
‘For now,’ I say. ‘If only Harry Styles would miraculously appear and have an afternoon free to cater to their every whim, wearing nothing but an apron.’
Matteo colours even more.
‘God. Please, don’t think I’m hinting for you to pull any strings. I’m absolutely not. I’d never do that.’
Matteo smiles. ‘I know that. But just for the record, I’d definitely ask. If you wanted me too.’
* * *
