He smiled at me, and a wave of attraction hit a wave of champagne, which was a heady mix. I smiled back and he held my gaze. I was the one to drop my eyes first, as I searched for some words to fill the silence.
‘I’m happy to help. And, well…I know you don’t need saving – other than from slinky Annabel, of course – but I’m glad to be of use while I’m here.’
‘Hmm, talking of slinky Annabel, I’m sorry she was so rude to you earlier. She’s usually very sweet.’
I waved my glass airily.
‘Oh, don’t worry about that. I just pretended I was my mother for a few minutes, and it all rolled off me.’
Alexander laughed.
‘Do you do that a lot, pretend you’re your mother?’
‘Oh, God no, we’re chalk and cheese and I’m perfectly happy with that.’
He stared at me again, and I foolishly took another sip of champagne, producing the not unpleasant headiness again.
‘Actually, I’m not sure you are that different,’ he said slowly. ‘You’re both smart, beautiful women, after all.’
‘Oh! Er, thank you.’ I was lost for words and started looking everywhere but at those deep blue eyes. Was he flirting with me? Maybe he was just keeping up the pretence in case Annabel suddenly appeared. I stood up and started looking over the party, hoping for a few minutes to compose myself, but he came and stood next to me.
‘Sorry, Fallon, I hope I haven’t offended you?’
I turned to see him looking worried.
‘Oh no, of course not, it’s just…’ It felt so pathetic to admit, but his concerned gaze and the champagne curling through me spurred me on. ‘Well, normally when people compare me to Mum – which they do alot– it’s to marvel at how utterly different we are and how they can’t believe I’m her daughter. Given that she’s famous for her beauty, talent and drive, I don’t come out of it well.’ I went to have some more to drink, but found my glass empty. Alexander noticed and went to get the bottle from the table. He filled my glass, and his own.
‘Look, I don’t know either of you well. And I’m afraid I know very little about your mother or her career, and maybe that makes me unusual. I was just saying what I have seen in a very short time. I know your mother has legions of fans, but from what I’ve seen of you, Fallon, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be equally admired. You’ve taken a different path – one that doesn’t involve fame and adulation – but is just as impressive. Sorry, I should probably shut up now.’
I smiled, my face now very hot.
‘Not at all, thank you. Now, don’t you think we should join the party again? I haven’t seen Annabel lately; maybe she’s given up and gone home.’
‘I don’t want to sound unkind, but I do hope so. I’ve known her a long time and she’s…well-meaning, I suppose, but rather…’
‘Velcro?’ I supplied.
He laughed.
‘Exactly that. She seems to be on a mission, but I’m not going to be worn down. Theo and I are fine just as we are.’
I nodded, trying to ignore the little flash of disappointment that went through me.
‘Of course you are. Let’s drink to being allowed to live the way we want.’
We clinked glasses and drank, then I turned to go towards the stairs.
‘Fallon!’ Alexander caught my arm and I turned, confused. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just going to say, let me go down first. There’s a dodgy step you don’t notice coming up and I don’t want you to fall.’
I stepped aside to let him pass and he went down carefully, testing each stair and letting me know which one to avoid. I navigated that successfully, but when I was on the very bottom step, as Alexander pushed aside the curtain, the champagne, tiredness and high heels combined dramatically, and I tripped. I clutched at the air helplessly before falling against Alexander, who seized me firmly as he stumbled backwards past the curtain and into the little chamber. I can’t say that the dizziness I felt could entirely be blamed on the shock, as I found my face buried in his warm neck. He was trying to right me, and I stood back shakily. I was just about to thank him when an all-too-familiar voice said in amused tones:
‘Dear me, you two, find a room with a proper door next time.’
There stood my mother, with Douglas beside her, both smiling indulgently.
‘I fell, that’s all!’ I said defensively, then turned to Alexander. ‘Thank you for catching me, I shouldn’t have worn these stupid shoes.’
‘Whatwereyou doing behind there?’ asked Mum, not willing to throw me back in the water now I was dangling helplessly on her line. ‘We’ve been looking for you for ages.’
