“Phin, you look so good but completely insane.” I laugh as I pull at his chunky tie, twisting a finger around one of the braces and pranging it off his stomach.
He flashes me a brilliant smile, holding his hands up like a gold deity basking in the sun's rays. “What can I say little lady, maximum effort or get the hell out.”
“You're really going to keep that accent up all night aren't you?” I receive a pointed look that tells me, of course he is. He takes two full champagne flutes from the table and hands me one, before knocking them together in a gentle toast.
“My name's Little Buchanan, I’m the youngest gangster brother and the owner of my own nightclub. I’m keeping secrets from my family, but what could they be?” Pulling out his own red card from his trousers pocket, he flips it the right way round to let me read his character description.
I take a sip from my drink, the bubbles bursting against my tongue in much needed refreshment as I raise my free hand in a surrendering gesture.
“Ah, it seems my dear Husband is your rival little Buchanan. I can't be seen with the enemy, god forbid we'd be the talk of the town!” I play along and like any time I spend with him, I find myself relaxing. I’ve always wanted to go to a murder mystery event held at a hotel, so maybe I could have some fun with my friends.
“You’re playing in a pair? Who is your husband? I wish I was paired with Merle. He’s playing a doctor so I don't know if our characters will even cross paths.” He bites his bottom lip down in a momentary display of disappointment. I never could guess what Corbin thought of his brother's boyfriend, but it felt slightlyunfair to not pair them up together. I mean, I had never met Wren before and he was playing my husband.
Large hands wrap around Phin’s chest and waist, as a head of short brown hair rests on his shoulder. Merle hugs him from behind and he releases a relieved breath, but the moment quickly ends as he comes to stand next to him. He still looks incredibly nervous, but maybe after the night starts, he may calm down a little. Everything will be fine, the entire weekend will be great and then they’ll officially open on Monday.
“Nothing will tear us apart kid. Dr Carraway, at your service. A pleasure M’lady.” he tips the brim of an invisible hat. He wears a crisp white jacket over a navy cotton shirt, taper trousers and a crimson red tie. His round glasses complete the look. Holding up his own character card, he shoots me a wink.
I frown. “Carraway isn't a doctor.”
He shrugs, unaware of why I’m annoyed but Phin laughs, holding his champagne flute towards me. “The characters are totally messed up, I know! I told him that it might throw off the theme if he really wanted to do Great Gatsby, but the bastard didn't even reply to my text. Or phone calls.” He mutters the last part, taking a long swig of his drink before resting the empty glass on the welcome table. Instead of getting a new one, he lets go of Merle to refill it from an opened bottle.
It was no secret that the two brothers didn't get along. I'd sat across tables whilst he laid into him over and over, claiming a degree in sound engineering was a waste of their families money. He had always loved to compose music and produce it, even before we headed to university and he was lucky enough to find a course that ticked every box for him. English Literature courses were all around the country, but it was like the stars aligned that both our preferred courses landed us in my dream city.
After Mum had died, both my Aunts decided it would be a good idea to take me on a trip. I'd been allowed to pick any city and they were even willing to take me overseas. I don't know if it had to do with my brief dungeon obsession, but I’d picked York after I heard my teacher gush over a fantastic trip, exploring the museums there.
Also, a dungeon obsession isn't as weird as it sounds, I thought dragons lived in them.
After that one visit I had become determined to make it back, even at a young age, the euphoria I had felt for being able to temporarily bandage up my deep wounds, even for just a day was something I never forgot. It's all I dreamt about for years, getting myself to York permanently and hopefully with Phin by my side to have a fresh start at living.
Continuing to sip my champagne as we walk further out onto the patio, I can't help but search for pale blonde hair. My fight or flight response is rearing to go, ready to take me straight out of the hotel gates, even in platformed shoes. My gaze lands on Lily, sitting at the long table decorated in gold and feathers. She's dressed as a flapper, gold sequins swinging down her body in different lengths as her dress practically glows in the sunlight. Her soft curls are pinned up, finger waves framing her face and elevating her dark makeup. Her carefree laugh dances towards us and I don't recognise the raven haired woman she's sat with, until dread sets in and I realise it'sher.Sandwiched between the girls, is the woman I’d seen this morning from my hotel room window. Her skin is bronzed, her lips and cheeks plump and her smile seems genuine as she chats. Straight black hair cascades down her back. Corbin's guest wears a pinstripe waistcoat and matching wide trousers, snakeskin heeled boots poking out from the long length of her bottoms. A black tie hands loose around her neck and on the table is a theodora, the entire look effortless.
Three things seem to happen all at once, as I stand there paralysed to the spot. Racking a palm through his curly hair and keeping his eyes on the lawn ahead, Wren comes out of the house, ignoring us all and jogs down the steps. I watch him storm over to where the guys are setting up band karaoke down in the gardens, huge persian rugs spreading over an area that has musical equipment scattered. Bran is already testing the drum kit and their friend Jay–the guitar tech, is tuning a guitar. I didn't get the chance to say hi as we barrelled into finding the Nightingale, but I can hear a strong Geordie accent filter our way. Wren flaps his arms in the air as a response to whatever he said and he barks with laughter.
My head snaps to the table, as Lily introduces us to their new companion. “Everyone, this is Aya!” She slings an arm around her, as looks at Phin. “Our darling big brother’s fiancée.”
Mavis next to me recoils back and even both of my friends have trouble not spilling their drinks. Without being able to process, the final third blow comes in the form of steady footsteps moving across the stone slates. Corbin strides out from the house, a whisky tumbler with a generous pour of amber liquid in his large hand. His grey eyes meet mine and I instantly feel like someone has poured cold water straight over me.
It was such a dumb idea coming here, I should have said no.
It hits me how unattractive I find him now, his other hand rests in his pinstriped trousers pocket, his entire outfit matching his fiancés. His beard is trimmed neat and short, his hair freshly cut short on the sides but leaving length on the top to style back. His entrance onto the patio causes even Bran’s drumming to stop, the air becoming thick with the anticipation of tonight's event. He brings so many questions with him, like why are we all here? His eyes trail over everyone as he walks to the table, Aya rising and taking a step away to wrap an arm around his middle. He doesn't greet anyone, just shakes the ice in his glassand takes a sip of what I assume is whiskey. No one speaks until Aya breaks the silence, almost oblivious to any awkwardness amongst the group.
“My brother Cardinal is here somewhere too. Thank you for having us.” The guys politely wave her off, thanking her for coming. It never occurred to me that when he spoke of his sister attending the party, that she may have been Corbin’s new girl. She seems really kind.
He's going to pull that kindness right out of her the moment he figures out how. That’s what he does.
“You're looking good Phoenix. Better than last month. I’m glad you all can meet Aya, she's very important.” He doesn't finish his sentence with anything sentimental and I don’t miss the way she frowns, confused. I can feel Phin stiffen beside me and his fingers become white on his champagne glass. I don't remember him mentioning he'd seen his brother this summer, just that most phone calls went unanswered and everything with the hotel has been done over email. He clears his throat slowly and before he can muster anything to say, Wren is beside us, breathing slightly heavy. His arm gently snakes around my waist and he places the other around our best friend, causing me to shift closer to him due to our height differences. I find myself relaxing into his embrace and Phin is doing the same, but Merle beside him bristles.
“Is everyone ready for a killerevening?” His bad pun lands a couple of snorts, but Corbin’s attention is fixed on where Wren's palm warms my hip. I can’t help but lean into the contact, berating myself because this definitely isn’t helping. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea, especially as I’m still wearing his jacket.
In between the clear tension, Cardinal slips onto the patio, a storm in his eyes, crashing into his sister.
“Perfect timing. We're just about ready to get the music started and then it's karaoke!” Phin announces.
“No one told me there was going to be fucking karaoke.” Cardinal moans, taking a long drink from his beer.
“I'm pretty sure no one told you anything.” I mutter and I swear I see his lip twitch up slightly. Music floods the garden from speakers placed all around the open space, guests rising from the table and Mavis stays close to our small group, tugging on the blazer.
“Your outfit looks so good.” Her expression is warm, but there’s something tight in her smile, but I feel grateful she’s chatting with me. I really like spending time with her, but usually she’s accompanied by Willow, who currently is still sitting at the table, scowling at us both. Her eyes flicker to the same spot Corbin has a problem with, a warm heat racing up my neck. I smile back and thank her, before she points to Wren and then back to me. “You both look so gorgeous together. Did you plan your outfits?”
