Brooke headed out of the function room, deep in thought. She had tried to catch up with Danny earlier, but he’d been nowhere in sight. She’d searched high and low and had asked around but no one had seen him. Eventually, she’d had to admit defeat and had gone back to the flat to wait for him. He hadn’t shown. And now the party was in full swing and in a few minutes High Spirits would be performing their song, and he still wasn’t here.
Would he really let everyone down by not turning up?
He wasn’t the only one who hadn’t showed either. Rory and Kirsty weren’t there. Maybe they’d decided against attending, given what had happened earlier. She knew she should go up to their room and tell them that she’d failed to find Danny, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
She stood at the entrance to the drive and scanned the area for any signs of him, but he was nowhere to be seen.
He’s not coming, is he? What do I tell everyone?
It wasn’t just about that, though. If push came to shove someone else could sing Danny’s part. Maybe Aubrey could sing two verses instead of one. It really wouldn’t matter, would it? What would matter was that she and Danny might never be friends again. She’d kept the biggest secret possible from him, and by doing so she’d inadvertently killed them both. She wasn’t sure he’d ever forgive her for that.
Thoroughly dejected she turned and walked back into the inn. If Danny wasn’t going to be here then she, at least, couldn’t let them down.
‘Brooke?’
She looked up to see Kirsty coming down the stairs, her face pale and drawn. Even so she looked stunning, which only reminded Brooke of her own embarrassing appearance. Kirsty had made a real effort tonight, fastening her hair up and wearing a beautiful red dress and heels. It didn’t hide the sadness in her eyes, though.
‘You haven’t made up with Rory,’ Brooke said flatly.
Kirsty shook her head. ‘I can’t even find him,’ she said heavily, her eyes shimmering with tears. ‘I haven’t seen him since he dashed after Danny so I think I can take it that our marriage is over.’
‘But he seemed fine with you earlier,’ Brooke pointed out. ‘He even reminded us that it was your anniversary.’
‘That was for Danny’s sake,’ Kirsty said. ‘Truth is, when I told him what I’d done he couldn’t find a single word to say to me.’ Her voice cracked and she shrugged. ‘And who can blame him? It seems I’ve messed things up all round.’
‘I’m sorry.’ Despite it all, Brooke genuinely meant it. ‘I can’t find Danny either. Looks like we’re both in the doghouse.’
Kirsty bit her lip. ‘This is all my fault. I should have listened to you and kept my mouth shut.’
‘No, no you shouldn’t. You were right to tell him. He had every right to know. There have been too many secrets in this family. Whatever happens now, at least we all know where we stand.’ She smiled sadly. ‘I think I always did, to be honest.’
‘And I think, deep down, I always knew I was on borrowed time with Rory,’ Kirsty admitted. ‘But at least I found you again, and I’m so glad I did, Brooke. Now come on, we’ve got a party to attend.’
‘I didn’t think you’d want to go. I didn’t think you’d be in the mood for a party,’ Brooke said, surprised.
‘I’m not really, but I want to see my cousin do her stuff. You’ve got a song to perform, remember?’ She was clearly devastated but she gave Brooke an encouraging smile just the same. Not so selfish any more.
‘But Danny isn’t here and he’s one of the lead artists.’
‘Well, if he isn’t here someone else will sing his part. Stop worrying. You’ve worried enough for many lifetimes. Just this once, can you relax and enjoy yourself?’
She led the way to the function room and pushed open the door. Brooke followed her, nibbling her thumbnail in dread.
‘Oh, there you are!’ Immi rushed over to her. ‘We were looking for you. Polly said if it’s not one of you goes missing it’s the other one. Are you ready?’
‘We’re doing this now?’ Brooke asked.
‘Yes!’
‘But who’s singing Danny’s part?’
Immi looked puzzled. ‘What do you mean? Danny is, of course.’
She waved a hand to the platform where the DJ’s equipment was, and where the ghosts were gathering to perform their song. Three people stood at the front: Aubrey, Harmony and?—
‘Danny!’ She spun round, her eyes bright. ‘He’s here,’ she told Kirsty, who nodded, her eyes large in her pale face.
‘So is Rory.’
