Page 77 of Never Too Late to Date

Suzie was glad they’d confided in their oldest friend.

‘How were they?’

‘If I’m being honest, Gianni’s still angry, but he’s more stunned than anything.’

Suzie took another swig of beer.

‘Kosta’s somewhat more forgiving about it all, but he’s worried about his brother.’

Suzie nodded and turned away from his gaze as her eyes filled with water. She’d promised Vicky there’d be no more tears, but was there any hope she could stick to it?

Charlie held her hand and pulled her back to face him.

‘Hey, Mrs I. Don’t be sad. It will sort itself out.’

‘But will it, really?’

‘They love you to bits. You know that. It will just take a little time.’

He was echoing Vicky’s words almost exactly.

‘Thank you for that.’

‘No probs. Don’t worry so much. If it all gets out, so what? It will be old news in a few days, and then they’ll be onto the next thing.’

Charlie waved his hand in the direction of the DJ booth.

‘Of course, I know who Christian Lestrange is because of my Eighties obsession. But not many people will. He’s never been part of Gianni’s life, so why should that change? If the guy’s able to have a quick chat with Gianni somewhere, hopefully then he’ll bugger off and no one will be any the wiser.’

If only it were that simple. Suzie had a flashback to Christian’s set face on the boat.

‘I’m just not sure he’ll be put off that easily.’

Charlie sat back and gave her one of his most charming smiles.

‘I bet you were a great couple back in the day. I can see you together one hundred per cent.’

Suzie had to turn away to hide her first smile of the day.

‘Cheeky boy.’

‘Did you ever sing together?’

She supposed she owed it to him to be honest.

‘Yes, in grotty clubs and pubs at the beginning of our careers.’

‘I’d love to have seen that.’

‘Mmmm. Thankfully, it was before mobile phones.’

Suzie wanted to get away from the memories it was stirring up. She pointed at Manolis, serving the first few customers at the bar.

‘And do you know what’s going on there with him and Kosta?’

Charlie made to zip up his lips.

‘Now my best friend’s love life is a step too far, Mrs I. Can’t divulge anything there.’