Three Amazing Things About You(129)

Flo was wincing in anticipation. ‘Oh God, what happened?’

‘She’d only ever seen him in workout clothes . . . you know, shorts or tracksuits. And that was great. Until they had their date and he turned up wearing bright pink chinos. Poor chap, that was it, kiss of death.’

‘So Bea’s on her own again.’

‘For the moment. But she’s found someone else to lust after, and this one’s guaranteed to break her heart.’

‘Is that really guaranteed?’ Luke frowned. ‘Who is it?’

Hallie smiled. Luke hadn’t encountered him yet. ‘The new barman at the pub. His name’s Angelo, he used to work as a male stripper and he met his last live-in girlfriend when she hired him for her hen night.’

‘Ah,’ said Luke. ‘OK, you win. He’ll definitely break her heart.’

‘I always win because I’m always right.’ Hallie winked at Flo. ‘And how are things with Lena?’

‘You won’t believe this, but not too bad at all. She’s really making an effort to get herself together.’

Having heard all about Zander’s sister, it wasn’t difficult to guess the reason for the improvement: since it had evidently dawned on Lena that she no longer had her brother around to rely on and bail her out of every hole, she’d finally decided to make the effort to become a less selfish person. Hallie nodded. ‘Well, good.’

‘That’s not all,’ said Flo. ‘She’s even gone and got herself a job!’

This was definitely a bombshell. ‘Blimey, doing what? Bricklayer? Carpet fitter? Milkman?’

‘Ha, can you picture it? No, she’s working in one of those posh art galleries where you sit behind a desk and chat on the phone to your friends all day because hardly any customers ever go in. But she’s doing it, that’s the main thing. It’s the first time she’s ever stuck at something for more than three days. I feel like a proud mum!’

Hallie gave her another hug, because Flo could so easily have given up on Lena but hadn’t. ‘And I bet it’s all down to you. Where’s Patrick, anyway?’

‘He’s had to go and pick up a consignment of chandeliers from a studio in Primrose Hill.’ Flo’s cheeks gained some extra colour as she said it. ‘He’ll be back soon.’

As the party continued, Flo glanced out of the living room window and saw Patrick’s car reversing into a space between a grey Porsche and a white Fiat 500.

Her heart lifted as it always did at the sight of him. Patrick had made her so much happier than she’d ever imagined. True, he’d never be mistaken for a male model, but he was one of the kindest men she’d ever known. He was also wonderful with Alexandra. His easy manner and ability to laugh at himself had charmed her from the start. She’d felt better in his company, even during those difficult early months following Zander’s death. After first getting in touch with Hallie and hearing back from her, the only people she’d wanted to tell had been Patrick and Margot. And after discussing it with Margot, she’d discussed it for even longer with Patrick.

In the months that had followed, their close friendship had become more. When she’d heard about the developing relationship, Margot couldn’t have been more thrilled.

And now here they were in April, and it was all good.

Flo watched as Patrick looked up at the window and, seeing her, broke into a smile. Her stomach tightened and she did a little wave back. He wasn’t better or worse than Zander; he was just different.

And different was fine. They would both rather be in each other’s company than in anyone else’s. Not counting Alexandra, of course. Patrick had disappeared from view now, as he entered the house and made his way up the stairs. Flo looked forward to hearing his voice when he came into the living room.

As, she knew, did Alexandra.

Really, who could ask for more?

‘Here goes,’ Rory murmured, touching Tasha’s arm as Joe began to attract everyone’s attention by tapping a knife against his glass. ‘He warned me he was going to make a speech.’

‘He warned me too.’ Tasha squeezed his hand in return. ‘First time ever. Any idea what he’s going to say?’

Rory shook his head; did anyone ever really know what words might come out of Joe’s mouth next?

‘Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? No chatting at the back, either. I’d like to say a few words, if that’s OK.’

‘And if it’s not?’ Carmel called out from the far end of the room.

‘Well that’s just too bad, because I’m going to go ahead and say them anyway,’ said Joe.