Page 4 of Always a Bridesmaid

This was familiar territory for Henry, but for some reason, being seen as World Champion Henry Norris in his mum’s house threw him off-balance for a second. He was always happy to sign a hat or smile for a selfie, but not when he was in the privacy of home. Hoping no one noticed, he pasted on his best for-the-camera smile. “Thanks.”

His mum met his gaze and hers was apologetic. She’d noticed. And something about that made his world tilt back to right.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Debbie said. He stuck out his hand, but she shot her arms out to the side. “None of that. I’m a hugger. Now come here and give me a hug.”

Henry did as he was told. And the woman wasn’t lying, she was a hugger alright. She rocked him from side to side, back and forth, rubbing his back and patting his shoulders like he was five and this was year one drop-off.

Finally, the woman released him and asked, “So tell us, Hank, do you know Dale Earnhardt Junior?”

“Mom,” Wayne gasped, his ears turning red. “Dale’s in NASCAR. Henry races in Formula 1.”

“Well, they’re both race car drivers, aren’t they?”

“That’s like asking if he knows Travis Kelce,” Sarah tried to explain.

Debbie’s eyes lit with excitement. “Do you?”

“Yes,” Henry said. “We did a charity event together. He’s a great guy.”

“How exciting,” Debbie said, then turned to her husband. “Isn’t that exciting, honey?”

“Where’s your lady friend?” Julia cut in, eyeballing him.

“What lady friend?” Henry asked, wishing they’d go back to grilling him about just how many famous people he knew.

“The blond actress.” Julia flapped a hand as if that was description enough. “The one who was naked in that film. I thought you’d bring her tonight.”

“There’s no blond actress. Where did you hear that?”

“The news.”

He sighed. “Mum, theGlobeis not the news.”

“So you’re not dating then?”

No, they were not. That didn’t mean that they hadn’t shared a night here and there. But they were definitely not together. In fact, he wasn’t with anyone. Hadn’t been serious since his ex. All it took was someone you loved to sell your relationship secrets to the press to learn that lesson.

“Still single.” It was as if he’d just told her that the Pope had died.

When Julia didn’t look like she was going to drop it, Sarah intervened. “Why don’t we all make our way to the dining room. I’m sure dinner is ready and we wouldn’t want it to get cold now would we?” She took her mother by the elbow. “Mum, why don’t you lead the way.”

Sarah waited for everyone to leave the room, but tugged Henry back when he went to leave. “I am so sorry about that. They’ve just never met someone famous before. And I talk you up all the time. So it’s like they already know you.”

Henry was used to unbalanced meets where one side knew everything about him and he didn’t even know their name. It came with the territory.

“Everything’s fine, Sarah. We’re all just getting to know each other. There’s bound to be some awkwardness.”

“But I want this week to go perfectly.”

He smiled down at her. “And it will. Because no matter what happens, I will always back you and I will always be here for you. You know that, right?”

“I know. I just want you to like Wayne.”

“If you like him, then I like him.”

“I love him,” she corrected. “And I know I’ve said that before, but this is different. He’s different. He’s not Oliver.”

Something protective and feral knotted in his chest at the mention of that prick’s name. Not only had Sarah’s ex turned out to be a complete wanker, but he’d also been a user and Henry hadn’t seen it until it was too late. Even worse, Henry had been the one to bring Oliver into his family’s inner circle.

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