Page 54 of Barging In
A long stream of thirsty guests followed behind, keeping them busy for almost an hour. With a brief lull in demands for drinks, Clem scanned the room for Victoria. She was unable to spot her among the crowd of bodies, so her eyes filtered for Drew, given his impressive height. She was now sure the man in the overpriced suit with the French cuffs and flashy Rolex was him. The rigidity that had seemed to take hold of Victoria’s body since he arrived was telling enough.
Clem finally spotted him with Victoria hanging off his arm, possessively parading her like nothing was wrong in their relationship. Pretending he hadn’t let her down being late, wasn’t seeing someone else, and, in short, wasn’t the arsehole Clem knew him to be. Her chest tightened at the sight of them together, forcing her mouth open to gasp for breath.
She watched as they joined a group in the corner, where his gestures turned exaggerated and theatrical. People laughed too easily, charmed by whatever story he was sharing. Clem’s shoulders twitched as she ground her teeth.
Victoria was smiling, though not really. Clem knew her real smile by now — the way it reached her eyes, making them glow, and lifted her whole face. This smile was too polished, too rigid and still.
Victoria’s gaze shifted, drifting across the room until it landed on her. In an instant, the smile changed, softenedinto something honest. It simmered some of Clem’s anger off, even if it made the heat in her chest burn hotter.
Jasper appeared in her eye line, partially blocking the view she was enjoying of Victoria.
“A glass of champagne, please, Clem.” His gaze drifted to where Clem’s had been so engaged. “Beautiful, isn’t she?”
What was it with everyone pointing out how beautiful Victoria was? Like anyone could miss it — except perhaps Drew. His eyes had barely leftherall evening. Clem could feel them, heavy and constant as she tended bar, and she fought the urge to give him a piece of her mind. But she wouldn’t. It wasn’t her place. And if he couldn’t see what he was missing in his wife, that was his loss.
“Yes,” she answered softly. “She’s enchanting.”
“The best friend a guy could have. I can’t thank you enough for getting us out of a hole today. I hated leaving her in the lurch.”
“It was nice to be able to help for a change. I gather I’ve become a bit of a nuisance.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” He smirked.
“She might.” Clem nodded, eyebrows raised, in Victoria’s direction. Jasper turned to look again.
His friend fixed the pair of them with a steady stare.
“She was a pleasure to work with,” Clem added.
“That much I do know. I was festering in a broom cupboard in an Oxford college until she knocked on the door one day — full of excitement, questions, and plans.”
“Do you still teach?”
Jasper nodded. “On occasion. I have a few DPhil students.”
“So should I call you ‘Doctor Sinclair’?”
“You could, if you really have to.”
The smug grin on his face suggested he wasn’t opposed.
“I must say you are brave, living on one of those things.” He gestured out the window to the canal. “Dear Max showed me around his place earlier. There isn’t much room to breathe, is there? I thought I’d pass out.”
“Well, I’m sure Max would have eagerly resuscitated you.”
Jasper gave her a smug smile. “Oh, no doubt.”
“Honestly, some days I don’t think they’re for anyone,” Clem admitted. “It’s relentless. Filling up water every few days, rubbish piling up in about five minutes, always stressing about power, safety, and gas. And don’t get me started on running a kitchen in a space the size of a cupboard. I miss long, hot showers — and not wondering if I’ll blow a fuse every time I turn on the kettle.”
“Wow, you’re really selling it,” Jasper snarked. “Definitely avoid narrowboat sales as a future career.”
“I’ll bear it in mind,” Clem chuckled.
A looming figure appeared behind Jasper. As if sensing it, he turned his head slightly, then took the glass of champagne Clem handed him.
“It’s been a pleasure, Clem, as always.” Turning, his voice tightened. “Drew.”
“Jasper. Nice to see you.” Drew’s voice was smooth, but his jaw tightened, betraying the truth of his feelings.
