Plus, the snakes had gone. Which, it had to be said, was a pretty big bonus.
‘Oh Luke. I’ve missed you so much.’ Christina was exhaling with relief, as if that was it, all sorted.
What?
Then again, maybe this was what he needed to sort himself out. Being single hadn’t helped him overcome his feelings for Hallie, had it? Indeed, it might even have encouraged them.
So theoretically, getting back together with Christina could be the answer.
And if that didn’t sound hugely romantic . . . well, maybe now that the snakes were out of the picture, the situation might change. They’d had fun together in the early days, after all. There’d been laughter, parties, adventures. They’d shared some great times. And love could return, everyone knew that. There was a chance, wasn’t there, that they could get together and create their own happy-ever-after?
He breathed in the flowery scent of the perfume Christina had always worn. It must have taken some courage for her to turn up here this evening, essentially offering herself to him on a plate. It had been a brave thing to do. And the seconds were ticking by, which was making the situation potentially awkward.
Luke took a deep breath and said, ‘I’ve missed you too.’
‘Truly?’ Christina’s eyes lit up. ‘So how about it? Shall we get back together? Give it another go?’
Since it appeared to be a fait accompli, and it could just be the answer he’d been searching for, Luke smiled and nodded. ‘Let’s do it.’
‘Oh, thank goodness!’ Still clutching Daley so that he was lightly sandwiched between them, she leaned forward for a kiss. A proper one, on the mouth. And Luke found himself kissing her back.
It was nice.
Familiar.
Yes. Familiar was good.
Drawing away eventually, Christina said, ‘Wow, and there I was thinking I’d never get the chance to do that again.’ Reaching up, she touched the side of his face, stroking his jawline. ‘You don’t know how happy I am. We can make this work, I know we can.’
Luke nodded. Could they? He hoped so, he really did, for both their sakes.
Woof woof. His tail wagging ecstatically, Daley licked Christina’s hand.
‘Looks like Daley approves,’ said Luke.
‘He’s a great judge of character. Come on, we should go back to the party.’ Christina reached for his hand. ‘Hallie and Bea will be waiting to hear if their plan worked.’ Her smile broadened. ‘Time to let them know we’re back together and it’s all thanks to them!’
Chapter 34
Hallie had had plenty of practice over the years at hiding her true feelings and presenting a brave face to the world.
And this evening she was getting some more in.
Smile.
Be cheerful.
Be delighted for Christina and Luke.
Appear to be having the most fantastic evening.
And yes, she was pleased for Luke, because it wasn’t as if there could ever be any kind of relationship between them, and he deserved to be happy. But it didn’t stop her being envious and wishing it could have been her instead.
She fixed her gaze on the band up on the stage as they launched into their version of Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’. Which was ironic, seeing as she was currently sitting in her chair and had managed to get herself stuck in a corner again, behind a noisy group of people with their backs to her.
Tempting though it was to simply barge forward into their legs, Hallie detached herself from her oxygen supply and stood up, leaving the coiled plastic tubing on the seat of the chair. She needed the loo, and it was easier just to squeeze past everyone and make her own way through the crowded bar.
Three minutes later, leaving the ladies’, she pushed open the door leading out into the corridor, encountered resistance and heard someone say, ‘Ow.’
It was a risky business, making your way down this narrow corridor when the doors could unexpectedly open at any moment. Regular customers knew about it, but strangers were apt to get caught out.
‘Whoops, sorry.’ Easing herself out, Hallie registered three things:
Her victim was carrying a full pint of lager and a glass of lemonade.
By some miracle he’d managed not to spill either of the drinks over himself.
He was absolutely gorgeous.
Phew.
‘Well held,’ she said. ‘No damage. You’re OK.’ He was so much more than OK, but never mind.
‘Narrow escape.’ His dark blue gaze flickered over her, as if taking in every last detail. ‘Unlike you, I’m afraid.’
‘What? Why?’ Peering down at herself, Hallie checked the front of her dress. It was fine.
‘Not there. Here.’ Lifting the pint of lager in his right hand, he pointed with his index finger at her left shoulder.