Three Amazing Things About You(71)

Oh God, what are you about to come out with?

‘Then just a few months ago, on Christmas Eve, in fact, he met a girl who was different from the rest. Her name was . . . dammit, her name was . . .’ He pretended to rack his brains as laughter erupted around the table. ‘OK, got it now, her name was Tasha, and since meeting her, Rory’s been a changed man. As we all know, he fell in love with this girl. And to begin with, I’ll admit I was worried. Because what if my best friend didn’t want to spend time with me any more? What if Tasha didn’t want me spending time with her boyfriend? What if she tried to fob me off with her best friend and I couldn’t stand the sight of her – ow.’

‘I’m so sorry.’ Carmel, having prodded the back of his hand with her fork, smiled sweetly up at him. ‘That was an accident.’

‘But luckily, very luckily, none of those things happened. Tasha is wonderful and I love her like a sister. She and Rory are perfect for each other, as we all know. And Carmel has a huge crush on me, which is perfectly understandable but I’m playing it cool for the moment, because . . . well, just because I’m a pretty cool kind of guy.’

More laughter greeted this statement, because if there was one thing Joe wasn’t, it was cool.

‘Anyway,’ he went on, ‘Rory is twenty-six today, and life continues to be a brilliant adventure. So can we all raise our glasses to the birthday boy and wish him well?’ Holding his glass aloft, Joe solemnly pronounced the toast: ‘Happy birthday to you, and may the next year be even better than the last.’

Everyone at the table clinked glasses and chorused, ‘Better than the last.’ Then they sang ‘Happy Birthday’, ending with cheers and a round of applause. Even some of the other diners joined in.

‘Thanks,’ said Rory when the noise had died down. ‘Nice speech. I could kiss you, but I’d rather kiss my girlfriend instead.’

‘That’s unfair,’ said Joe. ‘In fact, it’s sexist.’

Tasha kissed Rory on the mouth – mwah – then said, ‘It’s because I’m less stubbly.’

‘I call it discrimination against men who forgot to shave this morning. Anyway.’ Producing an envelope from his jacket pocket, Joe handed it to his friend. ‘Here’s your birthday present.’

Rory opened the envelope, took a look at what was inside and started to laugh.

‘What is it?’ Carmel leaned past Joe, trying to get a glimpse.

‘I’m going for a skydive. We’re going for a skydive,’ Rory corrected himself. He held the vouchers up so they could all see. ‘Joe’s bought two, to make sure he doesn’t miss out. As if I’d dream of taking anyone else.’ Clapping his hand on his friend’s shoulder, he said, ‘Joe, this is fantastic. Brilliant. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Really, thank you.’

‘Glad you like it. And of course I’ll be coming along with you. But I won’t be doing the skydive,’ said Joe.

‘What? Why not?’ Rory laughed. ‘Oh God, don’t tell me you’re pregnant.’

‘Don’t worry, it’s all food and beer.’ Joe patted his paunch with pride, then glanced over in Tasha’s direction, and in that moment she knew exactly what he was going to say next. ‘No, I’m not going to be the one jumping out of the plane with Rory. I think Tasha should do it.’

There it was. She’d been right. Bastard.

‘No way,’ she said.

‘You might love it,’ said Joe.

‘I won’t love it, because I’m not going to do it.’

‘Come on, you’re not even giving yourself a chance. Live a little, feel the adrenalin, experience the buzz. You told Rory you aren’t scared to do things, you just don’t want to do them.’

‘True.’ Tasha nodded, but beneath the table her palms were prickling with alarm.

‘I just think the time has come to give it a go, see if you might have changed your mind. You never know, it could happen. And then you’d be able to share the experience with Rory. Wouldn’t that be better than always saying no to everything?’

Joe was evidently a man with a mission. Tasha said, ‘You can’t make me do something I don’t want to do.’

He shrugged. ‘I know that. I’m just giving you the opportunity to surprise us. And yourself. OK, here’s a thought, you could do it for charity. Raise money for a cause you care about. I’d sponsor you.’ He glanced around the table. ‘We all would.’

Double bastard.

‘Hell, kid, you jump out of a plane and I’ll sponsor you.’ An enormous bearded American at the next table waved an arm in the air. ‘Five hundred dollars to start you off, how’s that?’