Libby could feel her cheeks glowing with pleasure, and she was about to sit down next to Frank when Dylan suddenly leaped in the air.
“What’s the matter?” she said.
“This song, it’s ‘White Wedding’ by Billy Idol. Come on, let’s dance.”
“I’m not sure I’m really up for dancing in my state,” Libby said.
“And I’m far too old,” Frank said.
“Don’t be soft. Come on, you two.”
Dylan reached out a hand to pull Frank up, then led themover to the dance floor. He spotted Esme and Johnny and pogoed across to them with such carefree abandon that several dancers had to move out of his way. Libby joined him, feeling self-conscious, but Dylan’s enthusiasm was contagious, and before long she too was bouncing along to the music. Beside her, Frank was dancing with a young girl, spinning her round and round. Libby smiled, watching him, and then felt her hand being grabbed as Dylan spun her round and dipped her back, kissing her again, in front of everyone on the dance floor. Behind her, Libby could hear Esme cheering and whooping with delight.
They carried on dancing for several songs before Libby felt a twinge in her pelvis. She grimaced and Dylan was at her side in seconds.
“You okay?” he shouted above the music.
“I’m fine. I just need to sit down for a minute.”
Dylan took her hand and steered her toward a table.
“There’s really no need to fuss,” she said as Frank came to join them. “You two carry on dancing.”
“I’m done,” Frank said, panting. “I can’t remember the last time I had a good dance, but I’m exhausted.”
“Shall we head off?” Dylan said. “We should probably be getting you back to Willow Court, Frank.”
“Good point. I forget I’m under curfew now.”
“What about you?” Dylan said to Libby. “Are you catching the train back to Surrey tonight?”
“Actually, I’ve booked a room in a hotel in Camden.”
Libby looked at Dylan as she said this, and he smiled at her, a long, slow smile that made her chest tighten. For a moment neither of them spoke, their eyes locked.
“Well, in that case, I think we should all be getting out ofhere,” Frank said, and when Libby turned to him, he winked at her.
They said their farewells to Esme and Johnny and then went to fetch their coats and Libby’s bag.
“Shall I order us an Uber?” Libby said as they stepped outside. “That way we can drop Frank home on our way.”
“Actually, would you mind if we caught the bus?” Frank said. “For old times’ sake?”
“Of course.”
They left the hotel and set off down the road, Libby in the middle. As they walked, she linked her arms with Frank’s and Dylan’s, and they strolled side by side in companionable silence, listening to the night sounds of the city.
“Are you feeling better now?” Dylan said as they reached the bus stop.
“Much better. I think I just overdid it a bit on the dance floor.”
They waited five minutes before an 88 approached, half empty at this time of night. As the door opened, a familiar face was smiling out at them.
“Evening, Mr.Weiss.”
“Patience, how lovely to see you again,” Frank said, climbing on board.
“Have you been out partying?”
