Page 92 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

They exchanged a look before rolling their eyes at me. Even that was identical. I shooed them away and returned to my texting. There was no response to my last text. Shit. I knew it was stupid. Then came:

-Sounds good. Are ye having fun?He had put two kisses.

-Kinda. I’m the only black person here.

I got a picture message after that one. Dougie’s beaming face with his fingers against his temple in lieu of a real gun and eyes crossed. I burst out laughing, earning myself a few looks. Dougie was funny, and totally comfortable when it came to things like these. Unlike my hubby, who was currently making his way towards me! I typed in Lol and pressed send. Matt got waylaid by a group of people so the coast was clear for now. Again that niggling guilt made an appearance. We were justfriends.

-Shall I tell ye some jokes then?

-No. Where are you? Why were you in the Seychelles?

-Nightclub. Central London. Took a wee vacation. Is Bradley treating ye right?

-Will you be drunk texting me later? Don’t.I added a mad face with two kisses.

-Aye lass. Will send ye pictures of me bum!

I laughed out loud again. -Will post them online if you do. Silly Scot.

Then I slipped my cell into the pocket of my dress. Matt was on his way over.

“Poppet, why are you hiding away back here?” He bent down to kiss the tip of my nose. “Bella’s been asking after you.”

My pocket buzzed. “I didn’t know she was here. Your nieces kept me busy. They can talk for all of England. Matt, you wouldn’t believe what Lady Eastmund said to me.” I tugged on his lapels and whispered. “Natty said she’s a,” I glanced around quickly before muttering the word in his ear.

Matt pulled away with a reproachful look. “Ridiculous. There’s no proof of that.”

“She wants us over fortea, Matt. What if that’s a euphemism for something nasty?” My pocket buzzed some more. “And she said I wasn’t black enough. She needs her vision testing.”

Matt frowned. “She said that?”

“Mhmm.” I gave him wide eyes.

“Yes, well, she is a tad eccentric. Ignore her.”

“Called me a Terrier too,” I added, then wondered if tattling to Matt would cause problems down the line. He was quite protective when it came to me.

“Let’s go mingle, poppet. People have been asking to meet you.” he changed the subject smoothly and slipped an arm around my waist as he led me forward. My pocket buzzed again. Matt glanced down. “You’re vibrating. Who were you texting before?”

Ok. Would it be wrong to lie? Matt wasn’t keen on my friendship with Dougie.

“Umm, just Dougie.” I admitted truthfully. Lying was bad and a sure-fire way down the path to hell. I did not want to meet the devil. Horns freaked me out.

“How is McGregor?” Matt queried blandly.

“Good. Would you like to see the texts? We were just catching up.” I blurted out. Of all the things to say. Why had I said that? And why was this feeling of guilt bugging me.

Matt stopped and peered down at me, an unreadable look in his eyes. He regarded me for a moment then asked, “Why would I want to do that, poppet?”

“No reason.” I mumbled. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

“Mmm.” was all he said. What kind of an answer was that?

“I haven’t said hello to Hannah or Adam as yet. Shall we see them first? And I spotted your hot ex with her parents. She gave me the evil eye, Matt. Felt as if she was putting a voodoo curse on me.” I started us moving again. As much as I wanted to see Bella, I didn’t want to risk Matt experiencing ‘bump envy’. We were back to being us, at ease with each other. Seeing his best friend’s pregnant wife might remind him his own wife was keeping her ovaries on lock down.

The night progressed slowly. I socialized at Matt’s side, laughed when necessary, paid attention when necessary, stayed quiet then spoke when bloody necessary. I hated it. Then came the picture taking part. Matt’s parents had hired a professional photographer to immortalize their wedding anniversary on film. I enjoyed posing with my dashing knight, even when he sent me mock frowns for pulling silly faces.

The twins had stolen me away again, we were in the Ballroom Reception, the beautiful marble and mirrored walls reflected every beam of light. A few guests were milling around as Natty teased Nikki about her lack of boyfriend. I defended her, stating firmly that boys were drama and reminding them both about the overbearing protectiveness of their uncles. And if they were bad, their father would be worse. A surgeon? Complete access to medical drugs that could kill in seconds? A working relationship with coroners who could falsify causes of death? Ha. Natty’s expression became one of worry when I pointed that out. Probably thinking twice about having a boy over for dinner.

---