I captured her shoulders with my arm thrown round them and pulled her close to me, nuzzling her neck, something I’d learned long ago that she liked. “We’re good at this. You know how many girlfriends I’ve had who’ve ended it because they thought there was something going on between us?”
“None.”
“Really?” I frowned. “At least six.”
“Six? I didn’t know you’d had six casual affairs where they’d made it to girlfriend status.” She genuinely looked shocked.
“I’ve had at least that. But Alina, Terri, Persina, Lexi, Michelle and Hadley all hated how I’d text you back straight away and cancel stuff with them. Don’t feel bad about it.”
She laughed at me. “I won’t. I didn’t realise you went out with insecure women.”
I actually didn’t think they were insecure. Michelle had been around for six months, a professor in the maths department, and we’d clicked, having a lot of fun one semester. We’d almost discussed carrying it on when she moved to Liverpool to take up a promotion there, but she’d turned down the idea. She’d told me I was too into someone else even if I didn’t know it.
I did know it. So I didn’t argue the point and the case was made.
“I wouldn’t call them that. Looks like we’re here.” It was late afternoon and even though the clocks had gone back the weekend before, it was still just about light.
A red carpet had been rolled out, paparazzi circling like seagulls around chips, and fans littered either side of the carpet which had been cordoned off. Security was prominent and I also knew we had some of Killian O’Hara’s team around too, although the brief had been for us to just enjoy the event.
The chauffeur opened the door and offered a hand to help Zoey out. She moved with ease, totally used to such events. Her smile was bright and full, and she looked the part of the favourite singer of so many people.
The crowd was deafening, lights going off, her name called by journalists and fans. I took hold of her hand like we’d agreed, and kissed her cheek. Her free hand rested briefly on my chest as she lifted her lips to mine for another kiss, and another cheer went up.
I followed her along the carpet as she signed a few bits for fans that had probably gathered here just to see her, aware of security, aware of the hundreds of people, of which Peter Cash could’ve been one, but aware most of Zoey and how she fluttered around me, touches, leaning in towards me, another kiss.
It was when we got to the top of the carpet, posing for official photos for the event that the crowd began to chant.
Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.
I knew how to put on a show, and this one came with its own reward.
“Ready?” I mouthed the word. She nodded and I didn’t give it another thought, dipping her down in a dramatic fashion, just like I’d once seen my dad do with Amelie.
Unlike Amelie, who’d kissed him back ever so briefly before throwing him down on the floor and telling him if he did that again in public he’d lose his balls, Zoey hooked her leg up over my hip, knowingly flashing smooth skin because of the split that hit her thigh. Her arms hooked around me and she kissed me back, her mouth parting and the kiss went deeper than planned.
I had no idea how much of this was pretend.
A cheer went up, loud enough to bring us to a smooth stop, and Zoey giggled at me. “Have you destroyed my lipstick?”
“Not well enough.” I didn’t even think about my answer.
A reporter interrupted, holding out a microphone. We’d gone through what might be asked over breakfast, and I didn’t get fazed with things like this. I knew I wasn’t ugly and I knew I generally said the right things, and the media would rather hear from Zoey than me.
This was also the first time any of them had gotten a chance to ask her about her retirement.
“Zoey, Bea David from Entertainment This Week. It’s great to see you here. We weren’t sure that you’d be attending given your recent announcement.”
Bea was well polished and put together. I vaguely recognised her from something before.
“This cause is close to my heart. I’ve visited a few times to see some of the patients, so there was no way I’d miss out on this, and it’s nice to get dressed up for a gala!” She lit the area up with her smile.
“So, is it true? You’re no longer performing?” Bea leaned in closer.
“It’s true. I have one last album on my contract, which is going to have a completely different feel, and then there’ll be a break from me recording anything for the time being. I’ve been doing this – and it’s been such a privilege - for fourteen years, so I’m giving myself permission to try something different.” She was word perfect, not missing a beat and carrying all the enthusiasm genuinely.
“And you’re in a relationship – this is huge! With your best friend.” Bea turned to me. “We’ve seen you in Zoey’s photos for years and you’ve amassed quite a following on social media yourself. How does it feel to be dating your best friend?”
I glanced at Zoey, gave her a smile, and hoped I could carry this off myself. It shouldn’t be difficult.
