Page 40 of Behind Frenemy Lines

CG: “Did you nick my cologne?”

Loretta: “I’m borrowing it. You can have it back if you want. Do you want it?”

CG: “It’s my cologne! Did you go in my bathroom without asking?”

Loretta: “There was only a little bit left in the bottle. You’ve got a new one waiting, I saw it.”

CG: “That’s not the point. My bathroom cabinet is not a bloody Superdrug—”

Hayley, grinning, through her teeth: “I love you both, but you need to stop squabbling, or we’re going to be late for our own wedding.”

I shut up. Bride’s prerogative to burgle her relatives, I suppose. Also, I’d forgotten Kriya was there and watching the whole thing.

She flashed me a smile when she noticed me looking at her. Seemed to be enjoying herself, at least.

The photographer was taking it all in her—their—stride. They had teal-streaked hair and wore stripy knee-length socks, a fuchsia dress covered with round-eyed anime frogs, and a “they/them” pin. No doubt they’d seen far stranger getups than mine, in their time.

Photographer: “OK, can we have best man between thebrides? Let’s have the racquet a little higher so we can see it. Lovely! I love the smile, but we know Kiichiro’s an intense character, so can we try for more of a smoulder?”

Loretta: “They mean you. You’ve got to smoulder.”

CG: “Yes, thank you, I’d got that—”

Loretta: “I don’t know if you think you’re smouldering, but you’re not. You look like something caught in the headlights of a car.”

CG: “I’m sorry, I don’t get a lot of practice in smouldering. I’m a solicitor, not a model.”

Loretta, to Hayley: “Look at him. God gave him those cheekbones, and he goes and ruins it with his personality.”

Hayley was no help, too busy giggling. Nor was the photographer: “Try to imagine how Kiichiro felt during the Goshogawara High School showdown!”

Kriya: “Charles, you know the new limitation case you were telling me about? Can you remind me, what was the ratio?”

Frowned. I’d mentioned the case to Kriya because there was a limitation issue in her pro bono matter. Surprised she’d forgotten the point so soon.

CG: “It was on the interpretation of section 32 of the Limitation Act. The one that says where the defendant has deliberately concealed facts relevant to the claimant’s right of action, limitation doesn’t run until the claimant has discovered the concealment, or could with reasonable diligence have discovered it. The Supreme Court said—”

Photographer, snapping away: “That’s it! Perfect.”

Loretta: “Is that Kriya? She’s gorgeousandshe’s a Charles whisperer! Get over here, Kriya, get in the shot!”

Was beginning to wonder if Loretta had started in on the champagne early. Kriya held back, protesting, until Hayley dragged her over and shoved her next to me, unnecessarily close.

Kriya smelled nice, of the lemongrass scent that fills the officeon the days she comes in. Her bare arm brushed mine. I could feel my pulse throbbing in the base of my throat.

It was a relief when the photo was over. Kriya touched my elbow lightly, smiled, and stepped away.

Did that mean anything? Probably nothing. Just trying to show she had no hard feelings about being manhandled by my shameless cousin’s fiancée.

On the other hand, it might have meant something more than that. If so, what?

Could have done with Loretta’s advice. Couldn’t ask then, though: Loretta had better things to be thinking about. She hugged me.

Loretta: “Thanks, Biu Gor.” Not taking the piss for once.

CG: “You look amazing.”

Loretta: “So do you, you big lunk.” Produced a tissue from her trouser pocket and patted her eyes. “How’s my mascara holding up? Good. I guess it’s really waterproof. There’s Ma speaking Cantonese to Kriya. I don’t know why Ma does this, it’s not like she can’t speak English. You’d better go rescue your date.”

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