“You look beautiful today,” I tell Karen, hugging her.I take her hand and bring it to my lips, bowing slightly.“Always gorgeous.”
“Oh, Jamie, you’re still being as cheeky as ever.”
I laugh and shake James’s hand.
“How are you doing?”
“We’re nervous,” Karen tells me, nodding towards her husband.
James is not doing very well.Between his advancing illness and his knee injury, he’s probably not in the best shape.An event like this is likely to confuse him and make him nervous, which is why they chose a discreet location, hoping to keep the ceremony private and avoid the press.I did what I could to help, too; I didn’t want the day to turn into a race for the first photo of the bride and groom, or anyone to feel uncomfortable during such an intimate and important moment.
Everything has to be perfect.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.I’ve thought of everything, and I’m going to make sure that no one gets away this time.”
“Oh my God,” Karen says, bringing her hand to her chest.
“Everything will be fine,” I assure her.
“Thank you, Jamie,” Mr O’Connor says.“For everything you did.”
“Don’t even mention it; it’s my job.”
After hugging Karen, I head for the lifts.I call one and wait for it to arrive.When the doors open, I slip inside.Before the doors can close again, however, a hand blocks them, forcing them to slide open again.Someone steps in, straightening his tie.When he looks up at me, I realise we’re going to the same place.
“Room 304, third floor?”I ask.
“Of course,” he replies, turning his back to me.
I press the button, and we go up in complete silence.The doors open, and he glances back at me.“After you,” he says, gesturing with his arm.
“Such a gentleman,” I say, smiling.
I go outside first, and we head for room 304.When we reach the door, he knocks, and we wait, facing each other, for someone to open it.He smiles at me, then stretches his hands towards my throat.
“What the hell…”
“Relax,Captain.”
His soothing voice instantly calms me.I'm aware of his hands near my throat, the warmth of his exhale against my skin.His fingers make the lightest contact with my collar as he straightens the knot, and I go completely still — lungs frozen, eyes fixed — terrified he'll see right through me.
He slides his hands away and looks me in the eye.“There, now you’re perfect.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.You have an important role; you have to be impeccable.”
Before I can tell him I would still be impeccable naked, the door opens.
“Oh, there you are!”Casey says.“We’ve been waiting for you.Come on in.”
“I wouldn’t want to be in the way,” the Doctor says.
Casey grabs his arm and pulls him inside.“Enough fuss; we need you.”
“For what?”I ask, closing the door and stepping into the room.Then my sister, Riley, turns to me, and I almost fall to my knees in tears.
“Jesus, Riley,” I say, bringing a hand to my mouth.“You’re… you’re…” My voice cracks.
