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“Sure, I mean, with Luca’s high profile, and the fact you work for him, that makes sense.”
“Bronte works for my company, not for me,” Luca slid in.
“Yeah,” Ashton was obviously awkward. “Anyway, I just thought I should come and say ‘hi’.”
Bronte could only nod.
Ashton didn’t leave though. “It’s…good to see you again, Bron. You look…good.”
“Thank you.” Just a whisper.
Luca squeezed her side. She lifted her gaze to his and his smile did something she would have previously said was impossible: it calmed her. She returned it, then faced Ashton with a hint more confidence.
“I’ll let you get back to it,” he said, his lips pulled downwards. “I’m sure I’ll see you again later.”
“No doubt,” Bronte agreed. It was only as Ashton began to walk away that she felt she could breathe with a hint of normality. Luca didn’t release his grip on her side.
“Are you okay?”
She stared up at him, shaking her head from side to side, mouthing the word, ‘no’.
“What do you want?”
“I want to get drunk.”
He lifted a brow, his intelligent eyes scanning her face.
“Fine. But not here.” He released his hold on her hip and took her hand in his, lacing their fingers together. “Come on.”
3
IT WAS STILL A WARM evening, the sky filled with dusk colours. He held the door to his car open for Bronte, then came round to his side. The noise of the cocktail party could be heard even from here. He revved the engine and turned the car towards the driveway, then went in the direction of the local village.
Bronte, beside him, was shaking.
“You’re angry.”
“No, I’m emotional. I don’t know why. It was over between us a long time ago. I think it’s just seeing him again, and at something like this – a wedding, that’s about love and happiness – and knowing he’s with someone else. It’s just a lot to take in.”
“He’s not what I expected.”
“In what way?”
The village was only a mile and a half down the road. He slowed down as he approached, turning into the car park of The Swan and Duck. The stone building with dormer windows glowed with golden warmth.
“He’s – pretty.”
She laughed, a shaky, uncertain sound.
“You know what I mean?” Luca continued, not sure he’d adequately explained himself. “With his beige pants and tight shirt, and brogues, someone who cares a lot about how he looks. I have no doubt he used to fight you for the bathroom mirror in the morning.”
Bronte laughed again, nodding. “Actually, that’s pretty accurate.”
“I could tell. One look at his colour coordinated pocket square makes that obvious.”
“I didn’t realise at the time but yes, I suppose he is somewhat vain.”
“I would have pictured you with more of a – masculine man.”
