He starts to leave, but I grab him by his perfectly crisp white shirt. “Don’t leave me.”
“Everything okay over here?” Blake joins the fray now.
“My sister is engaged.”
“Which sister?” he asks, looking confused.
“This sister.” I hold up my hand. “She only has one.”
“No, you’re not. We’d know if you were engaged.” Blake looks to Gemma to confirm what he’s saying.
“Apparently not. She was just going to give us the details.”
“Can I get a drink first?”
Everyone’s eyes stay locked on mine.
“I’ll be right back,” Simon whispers.
My eyes track his movement. No one moves as he dashes over to the truck and pulls out two beers.
I can see why they’re all stunned. After a marriage that ended in divorce, every move I make now is calculated. I’ve never wanted to rock the boat of my life or make a rash decision.
Me and my shop. That’s all I’ve needed.
So now, with every set of eyes looking at me like I’ve lost my mind? I seek out the one person who is my calm.
Simon.
Someone I’ve only known a few days, but has been there with me every step of the way.
“Here you go, love.”
I take a gulp of the icy beer, letting it calm my insides.
“Details, Layla. Details,” Pierce says, clapping his hands in front of me.
“The last time I went to London.” I’m as vague as possible.
“When was the last time you went to London?” This time it’s Mason joining the circle.
“What are you, MI-6?” I ask.
“Aww, is your fiancé rubbing off on you?” Pierce’s voice is dripping in sarcasm.
Our little bubble has drawn everyone’s attention, because everyone has left what they’re doing to come see what’s going on.
“Did you know this was a thing?” Gemma turns to Pierce. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Relax.” He throws his hands up. “I only just found out like you did.”
“Layla.” Gemma fixes her deep brown eyes, so unlike my blue ones, on me. “This is not like you. A mysterious trip to London and now you’re telling us you have a fiancé? What’s going on?”
“She didn’t want to take away from your wedding.” Simon is quick to step in.
“There’s ‘not taking away from my wedding’ and then there’s just ‘not telling us,’ Layla.”
Taking my sister’s hand, I pull her aside. I feel everyone’s eyes on us.
