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They’ve rented out the Mayfair Room for a small dinner of a hundred of Allie’s closest friends. I could cry that she’s twenty-one.
My favourite of BJ’s sisters, easily.
Rather bright-eyed, very clever, very sweet. Same age as Bridge and her closest friend. I love her a lot.
We walk in and BJ spots me straight away. Hardly his fault. I’m in the crystal-trim velvet-bow embroidered tulle gown from Jenny Packham, Manolo Blahnik’s black velvet jewel buckle pumps and the Ellerie crystal-embellished silver-tone headband from Jennifer Behr. I am dazzling.
Intentionally so.
He stares over at me. Throws back his whole Negroni.
He looks so handsome, my heart drops a foot in my chest.
White slim-fit satin-trimmed wool and mohair-blend tuxedo jacket and the black Shelton slim-fit satin-trimmed Grain de Poudre wool-blend tuxedo trousers, both from Tom Ford. White shirt underneath, black buttons. Paul Smith, I’m guessing. Black velvet Saint Laurent bow tie and the Grosgrain-trimmed velvet loafers from Christian Louboutin.
We match. We completely match. It’s hilarious and accidental and I love it because it makes me feel sure our brains are still connected and I wish all of me was connected to him, but I guess I’ll take what I can get.
Jules spots Jonah and nods his head to the side.
He kisses my cheek. “Be back—”
I glance around, looking for someone familiar. Can’t spot Tausie or Bridget. No sign of Henry.
And then I’m swallowed by a group hug.
“You came, darling!” Lily Ballentine pulls away, touching my cheeks. “My god, look at that face! Hamish, look at her face.”
“Yes, darling. Lovely.” He rolls his eyes fondly at his wife.
I nod at Lil. “Nothing on hers though.”
“Oh.” She rolls her eyes, swanning.
“How are you doing, sweetheart?” Hamish asks with a paternal head tilt. “Heard you’re seeing someone?”
I nod. “I am, a bit.”
“Is it true he’s a gang lord?” Lily asks loudly.
Hamish elbows her. “Lil—”
I laugh, waving my hand through the air, not wanting them to worry about me. “He’s one of Jonah’s good friends.”
Lily gives me a look and I miss them so much.
I press my lips together demurely.
“Does he abide by all rules all of the time? No. But—” I concede.
Hamish’s face falters a little. “Are you being careful?”
No. No is the answer, Hamish. But I’d rather not be careful and not be alone than be careful and have to watch BJ with the girl he picked over me.
“I am,” I lie with a nod.
BJ walks over towards us a bit gingerly with no Jordan in tow.
He stands next to me and my heart swings on a vine back to the days where it used to be me and him and his parents. We used to talk all night and laugh. BJ would be so embarrassed of how in love they were, but I think we’re like them.
