Page 89 of Going Overboard

‘Don’t get ahead of yourself,’ I tell her.

Obviously, she’s way, way in the future but, do you know what, I don’t hate the idea of it. Let her have her daydreams – I don’t think I’ll be far behind her with ones of my own.

35

Brody and I walk arm in arm down the candlelit path that winds through the hotel’s gardens. This time, it’s not a show, we’re not talking strategy, not trying to convince anyone we’re in love. It’s not for anyone else’s benefit. This time it’s all real.

The resort is unreal. A grand old villa right by the sea with a series of smaller villas dotted around in the grounds. It’s a dream place to get married, that’s for sure, like something out of a movie.

As we step through the arched entrance of the restaurant, I hover for a moment, taking it all in. Tables are dressed with green, white and red tablecloths, glass lanterns on each table, and then there is the old olive tree that is growing around the place, almost like it’s hugging the room and everyone in it.

Brody pulls out my chair for me when we reach the table, joining our friends – well, the ones we’re actually friends with. It’s a small gesture, but my chest flutters all the same.

‘You two all good?’ Kelsey asks, watching us with a smile that stretches from one ear to the other.

I think I have a grin to match.

‘We really are,’ I say, and I mean it.

Neil glances around.

‘It might just be the six of us tonight,’ he says. ‘We haven’t heard from Todd or Nikki.’

‘Good,’ Kelsey replies. ‘The way she behaved? Disgusting. I don’t want that around my wedding.’

Al shrugs.

‘I’m a lover, not a fighter, but… yeah. Maybe best they stay away,’ he says.

It’s a good job he’s a lover, not a fighter, because he’s the strongest man I’ve ever met, he could kill you just by staring at you too hard. To be honest, I’d be scared to let him love me, he’s that much of a giant.

‘No one is fighting you, babe,’ Kira tells him.

‘I could take you,’ Brody jokes.

‘You could, pal, because I love you too much to hit you,’ Al replies.

‘Whereas I would put you on your back,’ Neil says, scowling playfully.

‘It’s not actually so bad when he does that,’ Kelsey jokes.

We’re all laughing until a voice interrupts us.

‘Sorry we’re late,’ I hear Nikki’s voice from behind me.

We all turn and… wow.

‘Oh my, Nikki. You look…’ Kelsey’s voice trails off.

Nikki is dressed like she’s about to walk the red carpet at the Oscars, not eat dinner with her friends. A glitzy low-cut dress. Sky-high heels. Hair curled to perfection. Make-up bold and bright. She’s definitely trying to send a message, I’m just not sure what it is. Maybe she’s trying to show Brody what he’s missing, not that he’s looking at her.

Todd is just behind her, looking sheepish and awkward in his linen shirt. But he’s here. I was hoping they wouldn’t come – I think we all were.

‘Evening,’ Todd mutters.

Kira’s the first to break the ice. ‘So, are you two excited? Big day tomorrow,’ she says to Kelsey and Neil.

Neil smiles. ‘Very,’ he replies. ‘Except this one is insisting we spend tonight apart. She says it’s tradition.’

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