Page 18 of The Island of Hopes and Dreams

As if sensing him watching, Lola’s eyes slid to his. Instead of looking away because he was embarrassed at having been caught, he played into their pretence and held her gaze. Her blue eyes glinted in the candlelight and her cheeks matched the blush colour of the rosé in her glass. The smile she gave him was warm and conspiratorial and he revelled in the feeling of inclusion it evoked.

Deni didn’t miss a trick, flashing him a knowing smile. He glanced away, his cheeks heating.

‘Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.’ Fabs topped up their glasses of wine and passed the bottle along the table.

‘It’s not exactly hard to.’ Rhys gestured towards the shadowed garden. Beyond it, the moon reflected on the sea, broken up by the ebony tree trunks. ‘I thought you were supposed to be going out with Mirabel and her parents this evening? Not that I’m complaining you’re here,’ he quickly added.

‘There were words. Mirabel’s mum is annoyed that Mirabel has been spending so much time with my mamma rather than with her.’ Fabs smoothed his fingers over his beard. ‘It got tense and Mirabel thought it best if she spent time with them alone.’

‘And you’re okay with that?’

‘Honestly, I’m okay with whatever makes Mirabel happy. It’s been a lot, leaving her job combined with all the wedding prep. You know what Mamma’s like – she’s used to being in charge and managing people. Not that she’s managed Mirabel, but it’s been hard for her being in London when the wedding’s taking place here.’

Rhys spiralled linguine onto his fork and nodded. ‘Lola mentioned something.’

‘Ah yes, I heard about what you got up to last night.’ Fabs leaned back and assessed him, his expression open, not incredulous like Gareth’s had been earlier.

‘Yep,’ Rhys said smoothly, while trying to hide his discomfort about lying to his friend.

‘You and Lola.’ Fabs shook his head. ‘My best mate and Mirabel’s best friend. You couldn’t make up how perfect it is.’

Except we are making it up, Rhys thought. He held his tongue though, because despite his unease, the arrangement was perfect. There was no reason anyone would find out they’d been pretending, because once they went home their ruse would simply be put down to a summer fling that had fizzled out. There would be no awkward break-up, no regret or embarrassment if they ever saw each other again. Their pact was perfect on every level. So Rhys went with it, allowing Fabs to believe that romance had blossomed between him and Lola.

‘After the shit-head of her ex-boyfriend, she honestly couldn’t do better than you.’ Fabs clapped a hand on his shoulder. ‘I don’t know the whole story, only the bits Mirabel’s said, but that’s why you’re good for her. Good for each other,’ he said pointedly. ‘Lola could definitely do with someone like you in her life.’

A friend, Rhys told himself.Lola needed a friend. Yes, she had Mirabel and the others, but she was overwhelmed by their attention. What Rhys could offer was uncomplicated: someone who would listen, who wouldn’t interfere or have an opinion about her ex or who she should or shouldn’t be with. But most importantly, he realised as Fabs was pulled into a conversation with the rest of the table, Lola’s friendship was exactly what he needed.

* * *

Over dinner, Lola watched Rhys and Fabs chatting – the suave Italian next to the unassuming Welshman. Even long distance, the depth of their friendship was apparent and she was glad Rhys had a friend like that. They seemed to be able to pick up from wherever they’d left off. There was no reason why she and Mirabel couldn’t do that too.

She took a large gulp of wine. Thinking beyond this week was a bad idea.

‘Staring at lover boy?’ Deni whispered as she leaned in close.

With a start, Lola realised she had been staring at Rhys. Actually, RhysandFabs, to be fair, but she’d been thinking about her friend rather than fantasising about Rhys.

‘Not that I blame you,’ Deni continued. ‘This place just screams romance and should be shared with someone who can push all your buttons, if you know what I mean. If I wasn’t married, I’d have hooked up with someone too.’ She laughed.

‘At least Mark can share the romance with you next week.’

‘Yeah.’ Deni gave such a drawn-out sigh it reminded Lola of the conversation during the hen weekend about their hopes and dreams.

‘Have you two talked yet?’ Lola swirled the rosé wine around her glass.

‘We will do, but we need to find the time to focus on our relationship. Mark works bloody hard but manages a healthy balance. Coming here’s made me realise it’s not okay to so rarely take a break.’ Deni clasped her hands together on the table and twisted her wedding and engagement rings. ‘And what the hell are we playing at not spending time with each other beyond an hour before bed or squeezing in a weekend brunch out where we spend half the time on our phones replying to work stuff? I go to the gym, while he plays squash. We’re shit at downtime and I’m even shitter at putting the health of my marriage over my goddamn career. Having too much time on my hands has made me evaluate things,’ she said wearily. ‘It’s also made me realise how much I miss him.’

The emotion pouring off Lola’s tough-as-nails friend was surprising and moving.

‘Sardinia is the perfect place to tell him all of this.’

‘Yes it is. And hell will I prove it to him when he gets out here,’ she said with a dirty laugh.

Lola spluttered. ‘I did not need to know that!’

Deni put a hand on her arm. ‘I’m a lot older than you, Lola, perhaps not wiser, and I know you’re single right now… well, single-ish.’ She knocked her shoulder against Lola’s. ‘But the next serious relationship you have, promise me you’ll make time to not only look after yourself but nurture your relationship too. Follow in Mirabel’s footsteps, not mine.’

10

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