Zola nodded. ‘She’s strong as hell. She’ll be fine.’
They entered the grand hall, where groups of stunningly dressed people surrounded them as a beautiful singer sang on stage. Katy pointed, noticing the gratitude tree that Ella had spoken about. People surrounded it, writing little notes of what they were grateful for, before hanging them on the tree. Exquisite round tables were set out perfectly with candelabras decorating the centre. Zola spotted Ethan writing and tapped him on the shoulder.
‘What are you grateful for then?’ she asked. ‘Working with me?’
‘Yes. And meeting you. All of you,’ he said as Katy joined them.
‘Great venue,’ Katy said. ‘You look so handsome, Ethan,’ she added with a giggle like a crazed teenager.
‘Thanks.’
Zola lowered her head as Katy complimented him. She knew she had feelings for Ethan, but she wasn’t entirely sure what they were yet.
‘Er .?.?. Zola, would you perhaps like to dance when the band plays?’
Zola glanced at Katy, who went from smiling to glaring.
‘I like to dance too!’ Katy butted in.
But Ethan seemed to ignore Katy and stood awkwardly, as if he had to get something off his chest and now was the only time he could do it. ‘I wasn’t sure if I should ask you, but now you’re leaving and—’
‘Yes,’ Zola cut him off, thankful for the gesture. She turned to Katy, ‘If you don’t mind? I mean .?.?.’
She shrugged. ‘Sure, I don’t care.’
‘I won’t dance with him if you don’t want me to, Katy. I just .?.?.’
‘See that bouncer guy who follows Jimmy about? He has been seriously checking me out since we arrived. I’m going to find out his name and check his Insta!’ Katy flicked back her hair, then wandered up to stand beside her latest love interest.
Zola turned back to Ethan. ‘I sort of thought you and Katy maybe had a thing going on?’ she said, curious, and needing to be honest, but not wanting to seem insecure.
Ethan laughed. ‘No, she’s sweet, but too much like my sister.’
Zola shook her head, smiling as she took in Ethan. He was helpful, kind, honest and incredibly smart. She knew she was beginning to like him more than as friends. ‘Well, I would love to dance when the band plays.’ She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. He stood up straight and grinned. ‘In America, we kiss more like this.’ Ethan placed his hand on Zola’s lower back, pulling her close to him. He grinned and then pushed his lips against hers. Instantly, she felt a rush of adrenaline and desire, opening her mouth and snogging him. She felt his hands move up and down her back.
‘Wow!’ She laughed as they eventually broke away. ‘I think I prefer the American way.’
‘Mmm .?.?. me too.’ Ethan smiled. He seemed relaxed, happy. Zola blushed.
‘I should make sure Katy’s OK.’ Zola’s eyes skimmed the room, trying to track her friend.
‘I’ll get us drinks and come find you.’
As Zola headed back into the crowd in search of Katy, she noticed Philip and Jimmy were cornering her. Zola picked up the pace and pushed them back a little.
‘Hey! What’s going on?’ Zola hissed.
Katy popped her hand on her hip, turning slightly to face the others. ‘These two want to know where Ella is. I said I don’t know.’ She pushed Philip’s shoulder back as he towered over her, asserting some space between them.
‘And she’s right,’ Zola concluded. ‘In the car, she said she needed space and didn’t want to come in.’
Jimmy rubbed his forehead. ‘I didn’t realise the investor was her ex! Is that why she’s gone?’ He seemed panicked, as if he’d only just found out.
‘Yip, he’s her ex, all right,’ Zola said as she ran her eyes up and down Philip.
‘Do you know where she’d go? I do need to talk to her,’ Jimmy continued.
‘And so do I!’ Philip nudged Jimmy with his shoulder. ‘Did she get my letter?’
