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I huffed a laugh, covering my nerves. “Sam’s doing a boudoir photo shoot as a present for my sister’s engagement. Family are up first, then Amanda’s friends next weekend. I’m Sam’s guinea pig, followed by my mum, but I don’t know if I’ll do it without clothes.”
“Why not?” Sam pouted. “It’s not like I haven’t seen—”
I laughed out loud, cutting Sam off. She had seen so much worse, especially in the first few years after the accident.
“Parading around in my underwear in front of you pretending to be sexy isn’t really my thing.”
Harry leaned down, whispering in my ear. “I’m very aware I don’t have a vote in this decision, but for what it’s worth, I think you should. And I volunteer to help choose the best photos.”
I laughed again, my heart rate rocketing. He grinned, oblivious.
Sam studied me warily. “So, your place at nine?”
“Yes, good. The parlour is ready to go,” I nodded.
“You’ve finished the parlour?” Harry asked.
“Yep, was up till eleven last night finishing the stencil border and tidying up the drop sheets. It’s all done.”
“You didn’t mention it today.” Harry kissed my forehead. “Can’t wait to see it.”
I preened, loving Harry’s interest in my work.
“So, Stacey and Sam,” Mel said, “we’re on holiday for the first time in five years and I want to know your wine secrets for the region.”
Mel was a little tipsy. Her enthusiasm was cute, too.
“Pity Simon isn’t here for this. He would have loved this sort of weekend,” Harry said.
Everyone fell silent.
“Shit, sorry guys, I—” Harry stopped, clearing his throat.
“No. Don’t you dare. That was a good thing to say,” Mel said.
Steve clapped Harry on the shoulder.
Sam glanced my way, raising an eyebrow.
“Harry’s best friend. He passed away last year,” I said softly.
“He died unexpectedly,” Steve added. Mel squeezed his hand.
“To Simon, hey?” Andy raised his glass. “We’ll have a bloody good time in his honour this weekend. It’s what he would have wanted.”
Mel and Steve clinked glasses. Harry smiled but his eyes were desolate. “To Simon.”
I sipped my drink and reached for Harry’s hand and squeezed. He squeezed mine back and we stood there, hand in hand, as the conversation eased back about their work and reliving moments from med school.
And, I was enjoying this, weirdly. I thought I’d hate being stuck with a group of doctors but they were fun and interesting. And more than anything, I liked seeing Harry with his friends.
Sam said goodbye, before heading to the footy guys’ table to confirm their game’s start time on the weekend. I asked questions about what wines each of them liked and made a list of cellar doors to visit based on their preferences, including a local brewery for Andy who was more of a beer man.
I recommended the Zanetti’s restaurant for lunch and a tour of their vineyard too, and then sent Rosie a private message asking to book a table for Harry and his friends.
“I think Mel wants to marry you on the basis of your wine tour list,” Harry said in a low voice as I looked up from my phone. “Having a good time?”
I nodded. “Your friends are great.”
