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Then I remember something, and my steps falter, my boozy brain not fitting it all together on the first attempt. On the phone this morning, just as I was about to go into a lecture, Flora mentioned meeting ‘us’, and also how Frederick couldn’t get out of a meeting with a client.
The ‘us’ must be her and Casper.
My head begins to pound immediately, reigniting the hangover. Casper has nothing on alcohol.
Last night, Casper was so weird—still bossy, domineering, and horrible—but the few times I’ve seen him while we’ve been out, he’s ignored me completely. The only thing I can think of is that I waswaydrunker than I have been in the past.
He might have thought I would show him up since we all arrived together.
As I walk, I try to refocus by taking in the view of the castle in the distance, surrounded by acres of fields and forest.
I would enjoy it much more if Casper’s obnoxious Porsche didn’t come screaming past me. My hair flies up as he whizzes by, leaving a bird’s nest on my head.
Prick.
Oh, it’s fine, I don’t need a lift. I’d screamwankerat him, but I don’t want to give him the satisfaction. He would’ve seen me and probably put his foot down on purpose. Oh God, last night I told him that he’s a dick who doesn’t need his car.
Okay, I wouldn’t give me a lift, either.
But that was a good one.
I slow down when I’m near the castle so that I don’t turn up looking like I’ve been mugged. More walking on the treadmill this week, I think.
Flora’s outside, looking up at the turrets when I approach.
She turns when she hears my footsteps on the gravel.
“Ainsley, hello. I forgot how beautiful this place is.”
“Hi. Yeah, it’s stunning.” It’s relatively small. When you hear the word castle you expect something bloody massive with a moat and drawbridge. You could comfortably fit five hundred people in it.
“Is Casper here?” I ask. “I thought I saw his car.”
She smiles and slightly shakes her head. “He’s on the warpath about the scaffolding.”
My heart drops. This venue is perfect, and I would hate to change it. Actually, I would hate to change it because I’m the one who suggested it.
“We knew that was happening. I didn’t think it would be noticeable.” Which it isn’t from where I’m standing. “If it’s going to be a problem, we can look for another venue.”
The words feel like blades leaving my mouth.
“No, not at all. We won’t even need to be around the back. I have told him this already, but he wanted to see if anything could be done. As if they would forego safety for aesthetics. Come one, let’s go find him.”
I’d rather not.
“The caterer said they’ll meet us in the kitchen so we can just go straight through,” I tell her. “The venue has the function room set up for a conference tomorrow, so we’re unable to use that today.”
“That’s fine.”
It has to be since this has all happened within twenty-four hours. The caterer almost laughed at me when I called him back straight after speaking to Flora at 9:00 a.m. That was until I dropped their family name in, and suddenly they could be here this afternoon with food to sample.
They must have been running around gathering supplies and getting here on time.
Imagine having that power in yourname.
I lead the way into the castle and through to the kitchen. There’s still no sign of Casper, but I can’t hear any shouting, either. I hope the manager told him how ridiculous he’s being, and Casper is off licking his wounds. Better still, I hope he’s buggered off home.
I push the door open, and there he is, leaning against the stainless-steel counter, laughing with one of the chefs. He doesn’t look hungover at all. His eyes are fresh, and his smile is easy.
