I see him sitting across a table from me at the Taphouse, telling me that nothing I say is boring.
I see him pogoing around the dance floor with Michael and his friends, and staring at me with gleeful disbelief over my brother’s shoulder when he got his first hug.
I see him on the beach …
In my bed …
On the cliffs …
And at Seaglass.
He is everywhere.
How could I have forgotten?
I don’t realise that I’ve stepped away from Tom until I find myself standing alone.
CHAPTER FIFTY
‘I think I’m going to head home,’ Tom says to me at around ten thirty.
I’ve just joined him at the bar where he’s been chatting to Bill, who stuck around after dinner service for the party.
I’ve been dancing with Rach and Ellie, and spending most of my time trying to convince myself that I’m not agonisingly aware of Finn’s every movement.
Apparently, Dan told him that if he had a last-minute change of heart, he’d be welcome at any time.
Looks like he had a last-minute change of heart.
He and I haven’t said more than two words to each other. He went to the bar straight after he arrived to see Tyler, while Dan, Tarek and Chris trailed after him. Chas went off to talk to some friends and I quickly returned to Tom’s side.
I haven’t really known what to say and Tom hasn’t pressed me, but I’ve felt his attention repeatedly returning to my face, trying to make sense of the emotions that are clearly raging inside me.
‘What? No!’ I protest at his words now. ‘You can’t leave! Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. I just … I’m a little tired and—’
‘If you’re going, I’m coming too.’
‘Don’t be silly. Stay and have fun,’ he insists.
‘I’ll just get my bag from behind the bar,’ I state firmly.
He sighs, his golden-brown eyes gazing down at me. ‘If you really won’t let me leave without you, then I guess I’ll have to stay.’
‘That sounds like the best option.’ I pat his chest with relief and am rewarded with a small smile. ‘I love you,’ I remind him.
I feel he needs to be reminded right now.
‘I love you too,’ he replies.
Stepping into his arms, I tenderly rest my cheek against his chest. I may look peaceful to an outsider, but my mind is going haywire.
I catch sight of Chas at the other end of the bar, chatting to the band’s frontman. He’s up to something. When he comes out from behind the bar and hops up onto the empty stage, my heart sinks.
‘What do you reckon to the groom and his Mixamatosis crew playing us a song?’ he says into the microphone. ‘For old times’ sake? You’ve got your former frontman here tonight.’
Cheers go up and the crowd begins to chant: ‘SING! SING! SING!’
