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His words kicked Alex repeatedly. In the glow of his euphoria, she couldn’t be honest about Olivia. Not now. His princess bride had slammed that door shut. Why did she listen to Lucy in June? Now it was too late. She’d never knowingly hurt Harry, and on the heels of his gushy engagement story, that’s exactly what she would do if she shared her secret.

“Of course, she wants the extravagant gown, historic church, all the wedding trimmings fit for royalty.” He popped a piece of banana bread into his mouth. “And knowing her mother, it’ll top all the society pages. I think they’ve already spoken to an editor at Hello!, can you believe it?” He chuckled.

Alex didn’t just believe it; she expected it. She nodded with polite approval behind her cup.

“If Olivia gets here soon, you’ll see her ring. I think everyone in London has seen it by now.” He reached into his coat pocket. “Actually, let me text her and see how long she’ll be…”

Alex nearly choked on a strawberry. “No! Please don’t.”

Harry blinked rapidly.

Her eyes watered. A few breaths helped her regain control. “Please don’t disturb her. She’s probably still at work. I’m sure I’ll see it soon.”

“It’s a beauty. You’ll be proud of me.” His hand retreated from his pocket, empty. “But enough about my love life. What’s new with you? Put a spell on any English blokes yet?”

She inhaled deeply and peered over to the Long Bar where Naomi served a customer. Alex shook her head and stabbed another strawberry. “No, but Devin showed up unannounced.”

“Seriously?” Harry blurted out amidst a mouthful of food. “The cheeky bastard.”

“He’s travelling around Europe and dropped in to apologize.”

“I hope you told him where he can stick it.”

Alex nodded between bites.

“Did you get, you know…anxious?”

“I was on the cusp, but I held it in. Just. I think I was more angry than freaked out. Afterwards, I completely lost my mind on Jack and Coke. Not my finest twenty-four hours.”

“But justified, I’m sure. I’m proud of you, though, keeping it mostly together.” He pulled her sideways into a hug.

She plunged into the embrace and glanced towards the Long Bar, this time locking eyes with Mark. Damn pink sweater—like a lighthouse on a dark night, it made her easy to spot. His pinched expression shifted to Harry, then back to Alex; it hurt like a knuckle-punch to a bruise.

“You could’ve called me afterwards.” Harry released his grip. “We might not live under the same roof anymore, but I’m still here for you. I mean it.”

“Same here.” Alex bit into another strawberry, but instead of sweetness, it oozed sourness. Why did he have to show up and be so honest, kind, and supportive again? Their friendship had never been tainted by secrets and lies, but now it was—and she was the guilty party.

“And look who it is…” Harry looked past her and shot to his feet. Alex froze, her tummy capsizing from his wave of excitement.

Tom strolled into view, his typical disheveled yet chic self. “Hiya, mate…and Alex? My God, Miss America.” Tom gave Harry a slap on the back.

Alex let out a staggered breath. No false fawning over engagement rings—yet.

“Gimme a hug, gorgeous. It’s been too long.” Tom yanked her from the chair, and planted a kiss on each cheek.

She squished into his navy wool coat. “Hey, Tom.”

“I’m gagging for a drink. Want one?”

“Well, I…” She scrambled for an excuse.

“You can choose at the bar. C’mon.” He threw a lanky arm around her shoulders.

She could see Naomi and Mark serving a cluster of customers. “Actually, Tom. I’d love to, but I’m working at the market research firm this evening. I should probably get a move on.”

Alex hadn’t worked there in over a month.

“Another time?” She shrugged her arms through her coat’s sleeves.