Page 48 of London, Can You Wait?

Mark held Alex tightly and turned to Fallon, Wink, and the production assistant. “Alcohol affects her really quickly.”

“Fruity drinksssssss.” Alex giggled and pressed her face into the collar of his shirt.

“Yeah, well, I’m cutting you off…we’re leaving.” Mark looked towards the stairwell.

“But, it’s our anal—verrrsss”—she latched onto his tie as her legs began to slide apart. Mark pulled her up quickly, saving Alex from flashing the bar—“sorry.”

Mark cringed, glancing at Wink and Fallon. “She means anniversary.” He hugged her close. “It’s tomorrow, Lex. C’mon. Back to the hotel, let’s get you to bed.”

She fumbled for his belt. “Ooh, fireworks…”

The production assistant looked away. Fallon bit her lip. Wink laughed. This time, Mark didn’t join him.

“Lex.” He grabbed her hand and whispered in her ear, “No fireworks, just sleep.”

Her right arm curled around his shoulders. “I know what might help.” She kissed his neck while the hand hovering near his belt fought for freedom.

“Lex, no…listen…”

A few revellers stared and gestured at the free, impromptu performance by Mark Keegan and company.

“Mark, camera phones, buddy,” Wink mumbled out of the corner of his mouth. “We don’t want this on YouTube…” He quickly ran interference like an NFL pro, blocking the strangers’ view and striking up a loud conversation to distract them. Fallon and Duff shifted back through the crowd, granting the couple privacy.

“Lex, come on.” Mark captured her roaming hand and stared into her eyes. “You wanna enjoy tomorrow, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Her scrunched-up eyes popped open with each hiccup. “Okay…hic…but promise me?”

Mark squeezed her hand and nodded, anything to get Alex to focus and give up the fight. “Sure, I promise.”

She stabbed a wobbly index finger into his chest. “You stay.”

“Come. We’re goin—”

The production assistant leaned into Mark’s ear. “I can take her. It’s no problem.”

“I don’t like leaving her.”

“No, it’s my turn. I’m leaving you—to your party.” Alex giggled and ran her hand down Mark’s shirt. She poked her fingers through a gap between buttons, her levity slipping into a protest tinged with tears. “I don’t want to ruin the party. Promise me I haven’t ruined it, Mark?”

“No, Lex.” Mark tucked her head protectively under his chin, hugging her close and away from curious onlookers. “You haven’t ruined the party.”

Wink slapped him on the back. “Listen to your girl, she talks sense. Now, there’s someone from LA I want you to meet…”

Mark nodded. “Lex, I’ll stay for another hour, two tops.” He kissed the top of her head and turned to the P.A., mouthing, “Are you sure?”

The P.A. gave him a reassuring smile. “I won’t make it to midnight anyway. I’ll make sure she gets to your room.”