‘Hardly,’ said William. ‘I’m a boring accountant.’
She laughed, all her fear dissipated. ‘Boring accountants are absolutely my favourite kind,’ she said and kissed him.
Helena found them in there. ‘Um, is this the party venue? Sorry, didn’t get the email …’
Gilly laughed, beyond embarrassment. ‘No, there’s no room for the band in here.’
Now Helena really did look confused. ‘You’re having a band?’
‘No! Figure of speech,’ said Gilly. ‘Now let’s get this party started. Woo!’
‘Mum?’ said Helena. ‘Now you’re scaring me.’
‘And me,’ said William. ‘A quick cup of coffee and we’ll be ready to greet our guests.’
Gilly glanced at her watch. ‘I think we need to open a bottle of something.’
‘Oh, me too!’ said Helena. ‘I’ll do it.’ She took a bottle of champagne out of the fridge, one of a few Gilly had hidden in there for later. When she’d dealtwith the bottle and handed everyone a glass of champagne, she said, ‘I want to hear all about William decking Leo. I so wish I’d seen it!’
‘I’m afraid I had my eyes shut,’ Gilly admitted.
‘Just as well. It was very inelegant – not at all like it is on telly,’ said William. ‘If Leo hadn’t been drunk and off balance he’d never have fallen over.’
Gilly realised William wanted to make light of it so didn’t point out that Leo had been gripping on to her very hard, so in spite of being drunk he wasn’t off balance. It must have been quite a punch.
‘What would you have done if he’d stayed standing, William?’ asked Helena.
‘Punched him again, but I’m very glad I didn’t have to. My hand hurts quite enough.’
Jago walked into the kitchen. ‘Has the party started without me?’
‘Not really,’ said Gilly, ‘but thank you so much for getting rid of Leo for us.’
‘It was a pleasure,’ said Jago.
‘Are you wearing that for the party?’ asked Helena.
Jago was wearing jeans with ripped knees and a band T-shirt that he probably used for sleeping in. He looked down at himself. ‘Oh, I see what you mean. Should I go home and put on my suit?’
‘I think you look absolutely fine,’ said Gilly firmly. ‘Don’t go anywhere.’
‘Totes agree,’ said William seriously. ‘Isn’t that what the young people say?’
Helena closed her eyes, shook her head and took another sip of champagne, but she was smiling.
‘Oh, are we late?’ said a voice.
It was Amy and she had James with her. ‘I thought I was early,’ Amy went on. ‘I came in case you needed any help.’ She pulled James forward. ‘You said I could bring a plus one,’ she said shyly. ‘This is James.’
‘How lovely,’ said Gilly.
‘It’s so cool you’re still friends!’ said Helena. She gave them both a hug.
‘Don’t get overexcited,’ said Amy, after there’d been quite a lot of hugging and arm punching. ‘It’s very early days.’
Gilly and Helena exchanged glances. They’d heard those words before.
‘I think you both need a glass of champagne,’ said Gilly. ‘Not that we’re celebrating …’
