Page 104 of The Surrender
He clears the screen quite speedily. “Nothing.”
“Then why do you look like something is up?”
“Nothing’s up.” He waves a hand flippantly. “Just some irritating supplier issues that I shouldn’t be dealing with on a Saturday.” His hand finds mine. “Sorry, I was distracted.”
“It’s fine. I thought something was wrong.”
“Ready?”
“You get the pleasure of my brother and sister-in-law too.”
“What?”
“Clark’s just arrived back at Heathrow from his honeymoon. He doesn’t want to miss the opportunity of seeing our drunk parents clubbing.”
“Yay. A family reunion.”
I elbow him in the side, making his torso fold, and let him lead us into Evelyn’s.
It was a joke. My clubbing references. Except Mum and Dad are God knows how many cocktails deep now, and both are on the dance floor in Evelyn’s getting their groove on to Joris Voorn and Nathan Nicholson. I’m fucking staggered.
“What the fuck?” Clark breathes, finding us at the bar, his eyes on our parents on the floor.
“Yeah, what the fuck?” Rachel mimics, seeming mesmerised by the sight.
“They’re having fun.” Jude offers a hand to Rachel. “Jude Harrison.”
Rachel cocks me a sideways smile. “I’ve heard lots about you. I’m Rachel.”
“Congratulations.”
Rachel’s hand instantly goes to her stomach as she shoots me a shocked look. “I can’t believe you told him.”
“I didn’t.” My lips straighten. “He was talking about your recent vows.”
“Oh.”
“You’re pregnant?” Jude says.
“Shhhh,” we all hiss, checking the whereabouts of our parents. We’re safe; they’re in a full-blown dance trance.
“Well, congratulations on that too,” Jude says, before putting his mouth to my ear. “Sounds disgusting.”
I laugh and nudge him. “Stop it.”
“Thanks.” Clark shakes Jude’s hand. “Nice to see you again. When I’m vertical and not bent backwards over a bar with my throat in your clench.”
Jude visibly cringes. “Again, my apologies. What can I get you to drink?”
“Water. I’m driving, and she’s expecting.” Clark turns back towards the floor. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”
“Me either.” I join him, observing our parents. “In fact, today has been a constant string of what-the-fuck moments.” And like a sick omen, right on cue, Katherine walks into the club. “What the fuck?” I breathe, watching as she scans the space.
“I’ll deal with this.” Jude passes us fast, urgent, and goes to Katherine, guiding her back out of the club.
“Who’s that?” Rachel asks.
“No one.” I knock my drink back, my eyes burning from staring at the entrance as I half-heartedly listen to Clark and Rachel tell me about their honeymoon.
