Page 75 of Don't Point at the Moon

“Sorry, Tommy, mate. My fault. I told Gerry to keep an eye out for him. But they can’t be more than fifteen minutes ahead, if you want to go now.”

“There are things I need to say. But I told Sammi I’d stay behind and help any stragglers find their way—”

“Don’t be a dick,” said Alec. “I can do that. And I’m sure I can rope in others give me a hand. My job was to help Daley and Sammi welcome guests at the other end. I’ll text Daley and tell them we swapped roles. Trust me, he’ll understand.”

“If it helps, I have an Uber waiting,” said William, his expression as blank as ever. “I can give you a lift.”

“Go,” said Alec.

Tommy downed his champagne and thumped the glass onto the tabletop. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen. I have a wedding date to rescue.”

Tommy didn’t quite hear the Aaron's comment, but he was sure he heard a murmur of encouragement from Alec. Either way, he didn’t care. At least for today, Mitchell had promised to be his date.

Once they climbed into the back of the Tesla, Tommy realised he had never been alone with William. Even though William appeared happy to let the journey go by in silence, Tommy felt obliged to make conversation.

“It’s kind of you to share your ride.”

“Yes,” said William, staring out of the passenger window. Tommy thought William might ask more, but another few minutes went by.

“How’s Harold doing?” he asked.

“I’m going to see him at four. We’re hoping he’ll be discharged early next week. But this is only the first round of operations.”

“Must be difficult? For you?”

“I’ll survive. I’m more concerned about Hal.”

“Please give him my best when you see him.”

William said nothing for a few seconds.

“Do you remember that dreadful cocktail party in Repulse Bay? Back in April?”

Tommy snorted. “How could I forget?”

“That night, after you’d both left, Harold told me that you and Mitchell would make the perfect couple. I told him he was talking out of his arse.”

“I would have told him the same. But things change.”

“That much is obvious.”

Even though Tommy kept his gaze focused on the road ahead, he felt William turn to scrutinise him. William eventually spoke as the car turned into the lane leading up to the hotel entrance.

“Go and find Mitchell while I tip for the driver. But promise me you’ll be kind. Of all of us, he alone has loved and lost. Mitchell may have a huge heart, but it’s also delicate.”

“His sister told me the same thing.”

“You know his sister?” asked William.

“Not personally, but Zane must have said something because she called me last week. Said almost exactly what you just said, word for word.”

“And what did you say?”

“I promised her, too.”

Signs for the wedding punctuated the hotel lobby. Tommy followed them and the accompanying gold and red balloons to the Grand Ballroom, where Sammi and Daley stood to greet guests. While chatting to one of their uncles, Sammi noticed Tommy and smiled before pointing back the way Tommy had come. From the words she mimed, he realised she wanted him to head back to the hotel’s champagne bar.

Other guests had congregated there, and Tommy found Mitchell in a quiet corner chatting together with a ginger-headed man wearing a traditional black tux. Even from the back, Mitchell looked stunning, the haircut and the clothes suiting him perfectly. As Tommy approached, he clenched his teeth clenched and curled one of his fists. The flame-haired ape with the lecherous smile had just brushed a speck of something from one of Mitchell’s shoulders. Who the hell did he think he was?

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