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‘We’re here!’ Megan sprang from the taxi, looking all tanned and glamourous in a white dress and killer heels. She ran over and hugged Beth, leaving Zac to pay the driver. ‘It’s our wedding weekend! I’m so excited!’
Having squashed the air out of Beth, Megan switched her attentions to Matt and ran up to him like an overzealous puppy. ‘Darling!’ She threw her arms around his neck and he was hit by a strong waft of perfume, which immediately disappeared when the wind picked up. ‘How are you?’ She didn’t wait for an answer and kissed his cheek, before returning to Beth. The whirlwind that was Megan Lawrence.
Zac emerged from the taxi, looking less assured than his wife-to-be, and shot Matt a tentative glance. And so he should be worried, after absconding to Greece for a month.
Matt went over and helped him unload the suitcases.
‘It’s good to see you, Uncle Matt.’ Zac held out his hand, unsure of the greeting he was about to receive.
Matt pulled him into a hug. ‘Come here, you daft thing. It’s good to see you, too.’
Zac held on, his relief palpable. ‘You’re not mad at me?’
Hell, yes. But what was the point of yelling now? The damage was done. Besides, he’d had enough yelling for one day. ‘Let’s just say, I’m happy you’re home.’
Behind them, Megan was chattering away, hugging her sister and enlightening Beth as to the wonders of Greek culture. Beth looked somewhat dumbfounded, as though struggling to keep up with all the twists and turns of Megan’s chaotic life.
‘We need to talk, Megan.’ Beth lifted her hand, attempting to interrupt her sister.
‘But I need to hear about the wedding preparations. What surprises do you have in store for us?’
‘Nothing that can’t wait. We need to talknow.’
Megan sensed that Beth wasn’t joking and gave a little shrug, flashing them all with her ‘aren’t I adorable’ smile, before linking her arm through her sister’s. ‘Whatever you say, darling. Let’s head up to your room… Oooo, is that champagne?’ Megan ran over to the tray of flutes and picked up a glass. ‘A toast! To us!’
Beth stormed over and almost dragged her sister inside the hotel. ‘Excuse us,’ she shouted back to Matt and Zac. ‘We need some sister time.’ And with that they disappeared inside.
Clearly, he wasn’t the only one in Beth’s bad books, which should make him feel less aggrieved, but didn’t.
Matt turned to Zac. ‘I’ll give you a hand inside with your luggage.’
But Zac was distracted by the sight of another two taxis pulling into the forecourt.
‘Er… no need, I can manage,’ he mumbled, wheeling the suitcases towards the hotel entrance. ‘You stay here and greet the other guests.’
‘Coward!’ Matt called after him. ‘You’ll have to face them sometime!’
‘Not until I have to!’ Zac yelled back, disappearing inside the hotel lobby.
Matt was left to greet his extended family solo. His day was getting better by the minute.
Forcing a smile, he opened the door of the first taxi and offered his hand to Zac’s grandmother, Diane. ‘Welcome to the Jamaica Inn.’ Christ, he sounded like a hotel doorman, rather than a member of the family. No doubt that’s how they saw him. A glorified porter. ‘How was your journey?’
‘Good, thank you.’ Diane kissed his cheek. ‘How’s everything going?’
‘Great,’ he lied. ‘We’re all set.’
Set for what, he wasn’t sure. Armageddon, probably.
His sister-in-law and half-brother also exited the taxi, both simultaneously frowning as they inspected the building ahead.
‘Is this where we’re staying?’ Gemma tutted when the wind dislodged her sunglasses.
Matt reined in his annoyance. ‘I sent Chris the website link,’ he said, fighting to hold on to his smile. ‘I thought you’d check it out before coming down.’
‘We were far too busy,’ Chris replied, brushing loose confetti from his shirt. ‘Where’s the porter? Why isn’t he here to greet us?’
Matt shrugged. ‘Not sure there is one. It’s a small hotel.’ This was met with further raised eyebrows. God, he wanted this weekend to be over with. ‘Can I get you some champagne?’ He headed over to fetch the drinks tray and offered them a glass.
