‘Yes, you look dashing too, so you do,’ he said, adjusting the blue bandanna tied around Skip’s neck.
He looked back at Erin and she met his gaze. He wondered if she would look away. Did she regret going out with him last week? She smiled at him. It warmed his heart. That was definitely a no-regrets smile.
Then, as casually as the naming ceremony had begun, it was over. The guests began milling about, chatting, while Joe went off to crack open some beers and tend the barbecue. Kerry wandered over to Erin and her group.
‘Hi, Kerry,’ smiled Erin, as he approached. ‘That was a lovely ceremony.’
‘If you like that sort of thing,’ Ed muttered to the couple standing with them. Kerry ignored the snigger the other man tried to suppress, while the woman pressed her lips together to try to hide her smirk.
‘Good job we’re not all the same,’ Kerry couldn’t help responding.
He noticed the uncomfortable look on Erin’s face. Jesus, for the life of him, Kerry didn’t know what she saw in Ed. She was talking now, introducing the other couple. ‘This is Ralph, he’s an old friend of Ed’s, and his girlfriend, Melissa.’
Kerry nodded briefly. ‘Can I get anyone a drink?’
‘We’ve got some Champagne in the car, actually,’ said Ed. He patted his trouser pocket and then pulled out the car keys.
‘Champagne?’ replied Kerry, irritated by Ed’s aloof manner. ‘We’re quite happy with the beer and homemade wine.’
‘I’ll have a white wine, please, Kerry.’ Erin smiled at him, although it was somewhat strained.
‘No, Erin. Have some Champagne. Ralph and I brought some especially.’ Ed jangled the keys. ‘I’ll go and get it.’
‘Really, Ed. I’m fine.’ Erin turned to Kerry. ‘I’ll still have that glass of wine, if that’s okay?’
‘Sure.’ Kerry looked at Ralph and Melissa. ‘What about you two? Are you waiting for the Champagne or can I get you something?’
Ralph spoke first. ‘I’ll wait, thanks. Shame for it to go to waste. In fact, I’ll give Ed a hand.’
‘I’ll wait too,’ replied Melissa. ‘I’ll nip to the loo. Back in a minute.’
Kerry watched Melissa tiptoe across the lawn to avoid her heels digging into the soft ground. He looked down at Erin’s flat shoes. ‘You’re learning.’
She gave a small, wry smile. ‘Just for the record, I didn’t know Ralph and Melissa were coming.’
Kerry shrugged. ‘Are they the cavalry? Back-up?’ He rested his hand between her shoulder blades and guided her towards the gazebo, which was a permanent fixture in Joe’s garden, whatever the weather. The drinks were stashed on a trestle table, which had been painted random colours and patterns by Bex and Storm. Kerry poured Erin a glass of homemade elderflower wine. ‘Here, tell me what you think of Joe’s home brew?’
He watched as she took a sip and then blinked a couple of times, probably surprised by the strength of it, before she took another taste.
‘It’s strong but very nice,’ she said.
‘A bit like us Wrights,’ he teased, moving to stand closer to her than was necessary.
‘Something like that.’
The bottle in his hand was the only thing keeping their bodies apart. ‘Do you want a proper taste now?’
Erin looked down at the bottle and then up at Kerry. She smiled. ‘I think that might be dangerous.’
Kerry, not to be outdone, replied without hesitation, ‘But it might also be fun.’
She let out a small sigh of resignation. ‘I guess I’ll have to take your word for that.’
It was Kerry’s turn to sigh now. He glanced down at the bottle, his hand wrapped around the base, so close to her waist. He uncurled a finger and with the lightest of touches, traced the waistline of her dress. He thought he heard her take in a small breath as he ran his finger back again. ‘Seems to me there’s something coming between us.’
Erin looked over his shoulder towards the house. ‘In more ways than one,’ she said. ‘Here comes Ed.’
The party drifted through the afternoon. A very relaxed affair, although Kerry found himself becoming increasingly distracted from conversations as his eyes, time and time again, sought out Erin.
Ed seemed to be keeping a tight rein on her today. A proprietorial arm over her shoulder or round her waist. Kerry was aware of the little feeling of irritation that crept through him at this sight.
‘So, Erin, when are you coming back to civilisation?’ Ralph asks as he gulps the last of the Champagne from his glass. ‘Or have you defected?’