“Where is Max” he had said looking around the kitchen
Marc who had been standing back watching the exchange with a small frown on his face had now moved forward giving a short laugh
“He’s in bed, you idiot. You’ve got so much to learn if you and Theresa ever get married” he had added
Philip had given a good humoured snort
“Check you out suddenly the expert”
Kelly watched the good natured banter between the two having now recovered from her initial shock.
“Are you getting married” she had asked politely, seeing as Phil had scuffed his feet a little
“Well….”
Marc had interrupted
“Maybe one day …. If he ever asks her”
As Philip had smiled brightly
“Hey, can’t rush these things” he had said “It’s all about timing”
Marc had moved past him with a grin
“Right..Staying for dinner Phil”
Philip had rubbed his hands together in delight at the idea
“Suffer some of Beth’s food – try and stop me” before pausing for a second “unless I’m interrupting anything” he had added a small twinkle in his eyes
Kelly had smiled brightly at him feeling the sudden relief at not having to spend the meal alone with Marc, avoiding the subject of the previous night
“Not at all, it would be great” she had smiled back warmly, seeing as Marc had frowned
The evening had been enjoyable, as Philip was a natural comic, and the three of them had laughed as they slowly ate their way through the wonderful meal left for them. Splitting it between three rather than two had been easy due to the vast amount Beth always provided. Kelly had enjoyed joining in with the two of them, especially as she had watched as Marc had shown a playful side of his nature she had only previously glimpsed.
She had discovered that Philip was a home grown millionaire who had made his fortune by creating software for the games industry. She had laughed at the many stories he told about the weird and wonderful people he worked with and felt complimented when he had shown an interest in her work.
He had excitedly told her of plans they had for developing a new game which involved mystical faeries, elves and unicorns.
“Reaching out for the female gamers” he had grinned, before dropping his bombshell
“I couldn’t believe that you were here” he cried. “We need some designs for the characters, and I was given a list of the top 10 illustrators in the field. – your name being very high on that list – talk about luck”
Both Kelly and Marc had looked at him in surprise as he had continued
“Are you interested in some commission work?”
Seeing her hesitate he had told her that he only needed the initial designs and that his guys would animate the characters. With a broad smile Kelly had agreed, flashing Marc a dazzling smile.
Frowning Marc had watched the two of them laughing. Many people found it difficult being with Phil and himself due to their quick wits, however, with her keen mind Kelly had more than equalled their witticisms and he had laughed at her many quick comments. But watching the two of them, he had felt uncomfortable at the way she kept looking at his best friend. It hadn’t been until he had seen her reaction as Phil had come in that the similarity between him and Danny had became evident, and with a quick pang of jealousy he had realised that he didn’t want her looking at another man in that way, before frowning at thinking that way.
At midnight Kelly had stifled a yawn and excused herself, declaring that she would leave the two of them to talk “man talk”, as laughing they had both wished her a good night. Kelly was relieved to see that the earlier awkwardness between Marc and her had disappeared and was glad that Phil’s visit seemed to have pushed this episode away.
CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning while feeding Max, Beth had suddenly put her hand on her head
“Oh that reminds me; Marc said that Celeste was coming around today with some dresses”
Kelly had looked surprised “For me?”
The older woman had given a wicked smile
“Apparently lack of outfits was stopping you coming to the party”
Kelly had groaned
“I thought he would have forgotten”
Beth had laughed
“Did you really use the line I’ve nothing to wear?”
Trying to stifle her own laughter as she had nodded
“Thought it would work”
“Look honey” Beth had said suddenly serious “That party is going to be great. You go and enjoy yourself. Marc has got specialists in to do up the house, and he’s laying on waiters and even getting someone in to do all the food. I get the whole day off.......It’s great”