Page 90 of King of Hearts

“Catch up soon, yeah?” She said as she reached for the door handle.

“Of course. You’re my Maid of Honour, right?” I winked before pulling her in one last time and holding her tightly, speaking softly for only her to hear. “You know where I am. Any time of any day – you call me and I will move the world for you.” Her small hitch of breath was the only confirmation I heard before she loosened her hold.

I pulled away and forced a fake laugh as I said, “I know.” Then twirled for Lucas’ benefit, saying, “She keeps telling me how much she loves my dress and I agree, it’s amazing.” I pushed the fabric of the white chiffon dress clean over my hips and stepped away so Marlee could get in the car.

“I’ll call you, okay?” She said as she waved, the car pulling away quickly to leave me standing there with plenty of questions and no answers. Something was very wrong and it went far beyond my best-friend losing her parents only a few short months ago. But now was not the moment to process all of that and as much as I wished I could follow her and save her from whatever it was that was dragging her into a pit of desolation, tonight wasn’t the time.

I walked towards the front door, stepping inside just as Andy rounded the corner in front of me.

“I’m here to rescue you, my lady. Your five minutes are up.” I squashed the emotions which were churning within and smiled but he saw straight through the act. “Your dad mentioned she couldn’t stay. I know it’s hard but let’s put it to the side, just for tonight, and try for another visit tomorrow.”

“Thank you. I’d love that.” I said as I moved under his arm and we walked back towards our guests.

We headed for the group who were all camped around a table, Sebastian and Cooper recounting a story which involved a lot of hand gestures on Coop’s behalf and a lot of grunting on Seb’s. I snuggled into Andy’s chest as we listened, breathing him in and using his warmth and ungodly scent as my own personal Valium. Felicity smiled at me, a drink in both hands, before turning just in time for the punchline which saw someone allegedly getting arrested, but neither Sebastian, nor Cooper, could agree on who exactly that was.

“Sorry to break this up, but I’m looking for a young stallion to take me for a spin?” Queeny pressed herself in between Andy and I as my mouth opened in horror.

“There is zero chance you are stealing my fiancé tonight, Queeny.” I said, pouting and moving back to my man’s side.

Jack stood in an over-dramatic fashion and bowed before Nan. “I would be honoured to dance with you, Queeny.” He declared as he knelt before her with his hand outstretched.

“Oh, my.” Nan said and we all did our best to stifle our laughter as she followed him, her hand fanning her face.

“You are such a pissant, Jack.” Jay called before guffawing loudly.

“Do you have to be so loud, especially when laughing at your own joke?” Flick asked exasperated, shooting Jay an expression oozing with disdain.

“I’m just giving you an actual reason to look at me, Autumn, rather than those sneaky glances you think are so subtle.”

“My name is Felicity, you pig, and I’d rather attempt an Ikea flatpack with no instructions thanglanceat you.”

“Whatever you say, Autumn.” Jay said before he winked and headed to the makeshift bar which was set up in the corner of the yard.

“How is Jack going down at Nexus?” Andy asked Seb.

“Better than I expected. He arrives on time, does everything asked of him and then heads out before the doors open.”

It was Andy’s idea to give Jack hours at the club, seeing as it was his misdemeanour that gave the place some decent negative press. Although, no one other than those sitting at this table knew that Jay had falsely taken the blame for Jack.

From what Andy and Marlee had said, it made perfect sense. He was close to retiring and while it was premature, it was for the sake of his health. Ultimately, it was his nobility which impressed everyone when he publicly allowed the media to slaughter his character just so Jack could continue his playing career.

“Good. Little shit is lucky he’s still on the team.” Andy said looking over at Jack who was spinning Nan on the dance floor.

“Loved the photo of him elbow deep in the toilets but.” Cooper said.

“Oi, add me to this group chat now I am finally part of Outback Aces.” Jay said. “I’ll send you some good pics.” He winked towards Flick who looked at her nails as if he wasn’t even there.

“Yeah, add me too.” Dylan added.

“Fuck off. You’re not in until you prove yourself.” Andy said.

“How come Jack gets to stay in it?” Dyl questioned sullenly and I had to hold back my laugh at how devastated he was about not being in a chat thread.

“He is lucky I didn’t create the group or he would be out. Seb is soft.” Andy replied and I hid my laugh behind my glass.

“Jack made a mistake. He’s a good kid, I reckon he has learnt his lesson. Sorry, Dyl, not adding you though until your bro gives the go ahead.” Seb said as Cooper placed a bottle on the table.

“You only let Jack stay in there because you’ve had someone scrubbing the toilets on both Saturday and Sunday mornings for the last fortnight. Couldn’t pay me enough.” Cooper retorted.

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