“Yes. I think I conceded that point several times this afternoon.” she said. “So, thank you, again,” she added, smiling across at him.
“Maybe I’ll get you the Spyder next time then.” His laugh made her frown which only made him laugh louder.
Chapter 18
Jim helped Tasha from the car and with her arm safely slotted through his, he led her into the hotel ballroom where there was a stage and tables laid for dinner. They were greeted by Lenny and Sara who it transpired were responsible for the charity that raised money for vital medical equipment and vaccines for children in various third world countries.
“You look marvellous.” Sara pulled Tasha in for a warm hug and kiss.
“Thank you, and you look beautiful too, and happy,” she added in a whisper.
She nodded with a knowing smile. “We should lunch again, soon.”
Other guests arrived forcing Tasha and Jim to move on.
“What was that about?” asked Jim curiously.
“Lunch,” replied Tasha honestly.
“I find that hard to believe.”
“I don’t know what you mean, Mr Maybury.” She attempted an expression of innocence.
“Mmm, if you say so, Miss Winters, but I think you know exactly what I mean.”
As they arrived at their table the men already there stood up in greeting. Tasha was pleased to see Marcia and Marc alongside Jon and Helen and two other couples. Taking her seat, she cast her eye across the card displaying the itinerary for the night: dinner, speeches, entertainment and dancing, charity auction, more dancing. As she put it back on the table Jim passed her the catalogue for the auction.
“Have a look and see if there’s anything you fancy.”
She skimmed the pages and smiled as she saw the fourth item on the list. “There’s a luxury four night stay in Vegas,” she whispered to Jim.
“One word is all it would take. One word is all that was ever needed, honey.” He smiled.
She shrugged. “Well, I did say yes eventually, even if it won’t be Vegas.”
“You sound disappointed, baby.” His voice was gentle as he took her hand from the top of the table.
“No. Maybe a little, but we have decided now, haven’t we?”
“Yes we have, but plans can be changed if you want—”
“No. Really, I’m happy with what we’ve planned.” She smiled at him and pushed thoughts of Vegas from her mind.
“If you’re sure.” Jim didn’t actually care where they got married as long as he made Tasha his wife and soon. Sooner the better. He prepared to say as much but noticed her looking over his shoulder with an expression that suggested she was upset, or angry, maybe a combination of both.
“You are kidding. This has to be a warped joke.” she said quietly then looked across at the two empty seats at their table. “No fucking way,” she hissed through gritted teeth as she looked back over Jim’s shoulder, but before he could turn to look at what she’d seen he heard a familiar voice.
“Jim, sweetheart,” the female voice cooed, making Tasha cringe as Jim got to his feet and turned to face her.
“Mickie. Are you at our table, too?” he asked, but knew that of course she would be.
“Of course, with my sister and brother-in-law and my oldest and dearest friend.” She hugged Jim tightly, kissing him on the edge of his lips. “This is a friend of mine, Taylor Rossi, my plus one, although I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about me and her.” She laughed a little too loudly, making Tasha cringe further.
Jim sat back down, as did the other men at the table once Mickie and Taylor took their seats.
“Oh, Tasha, I almost didn’t recognise you looking all grown up and sophisticated,” sneered Mickie making everyone uncomfortable.
“And I just hoped I’d never see you again full stop,” replied Tasha bluntly before turning to speak to Marc who was the other side of her to Jim.
