Page 116 of The Grosvenor's Ghost
He gives me a smug smile, reaches into his pocket, chucks me something from across the table. I catch it just before it lands on the floor.
It’s a little silver sobriety chip.
I throw it back to him, catches it perfectly because once upon a time he did have a bright future of being a brilliant rugby player.
“Don’t lose it.”
He flicks his eyebrows up. “I don’t plan to.”
George comes back to the table, whispers something into Albie’s ear who passes it onto Charlie and if it was anyone else, I’d be feeling rather left out but none of us sitting here want to know what they actually get up to.
∗ ∗ ∗
On our way back from dinner, I keep my distance from Arthur. Mainly because Digby hasn’t stopped texting me.
‘I’m so sorry, Phoebe. For everything.’
’You know how much I love you.’
’I hope we can turn over a new leaf.’
’I miss you.’
Yawn.
I’m half tempted to block him but I won’t because I’m not like that and unfortunately, I hand out second chances like condoms at a sexual health clinic.
Bad habit. Even worse analogy. Sorry.
“Arthur!”
We all stop, look around.
I think I’m the first to clock the leggy blonde princess hanging off the side of her boat, waving down at us.
I roll my eyes.
“Arthur!” She calls again when he looks up at her.
“Astrid?” He calls back. “You alright?”
“I’m good!” She shouts. “You should come up—all of you!”
I grab Spencer’s arm, drag her over to me. “She cannot be fucking serious.”
Spence frowns. “I think she is.”
“Uh…” Arthur turns to us all. Bit awkward. Can’t exactly say no can he?
“Can’t tonight, mate,” Charlie scratches the back of his head. “Up and out early tomorrow.”
“Oh, come on!” Athena tilts her head at us. “I’ve never had drinks with a princess before!”
“Uh…hello?” I blink.
She turns to me, looks me up and down. “Yeah, you’re a Lady. Doesn’t count, I’m afraid.”
“Alright, fine,” George sighs before I can say anything. “Just one, then.”
