Page 78 of My Year of Saying No
‘There isn’t anything.’
‘That’s not what I asked.’
I let out a sigh. ‘You’re so pedantic,’ I grouched, bumping my shoulder against him lightly.
‘Again, not the worst thing I’ve ever been called.’
‘I really need to find out what is.’
He laughed then, warm, deep, relaxed. ‘You really don’t.’
‘I do!’
He pushed himself up, grinning down at me. ‘So not going to happen.’
‘Why not?’
‘For several reasons.’
I sighed. ‘Such as?’
Seb shook his head. ‘Man, you’re persistent.’
‘And you’re stubborn. Tell me.’
‘No. One, I don’t want to cloud your judgement of me, especially as, from what I gathered from Mario, it’s not too bad at the moment.’
The colour whooshed back to my face.
‘And, secondly, it’s not language I’d repeat in front of a lady.’
A giggle bubbled out of me, and I glanced around. ‘I’m sorry. Did we just step out of a time machine into 1892 or something? I’m sure I know just as many bad words as you do.’
‘Actually, I doubt that. Army life is very enlightening. But that’s irrelevant. My reasons still stand.’
‘I don’t need protecting.’
‘What if you don’t get the choice?’
‘I always have a choice,’ I said, in a tone that didn’t encourage debate on the subject.
He shook his head. ‘Of course. That’s not what I meant. It just came out wrong. I meant—’
‘There you are!’ Jess bounced up to us, clearly slightly the worse for wear but looking as happy as I had seen her in years. We exchanged a hug. ‘Harry said you were here, but, oh my goodness, I didn’t realise we’d invited so many people! I’ve been trying to get over and see you for about an hour!’
‘Just wait until the wedding!’ I winked.
‘I know, right?’ Jess nudged my arm with hers, the champagne in her glass sloshing dangerously up the sides of the crystal. I eyed the glass, and Jess followed me, immediately steadying it. ‘Honestly, I told him we shouldn’t have this stuff for today. But he insisted that he wanted us to toast with proper crystal.’ She rolled her eyes, but I could tell she was loving it. ‘And he said it was more eco-friendly than plastic disposable ones, which was a low blow but obviously right.’
Ever since watching theBlue Planetprogrammes, Jess had been steadily doing her bit to reduce the plastic usage in her life, and the lives of those around her. Harry was clearly on board, although not many of us could afford to swap out the picnic cups for crystal, even if they were hired, but I liked his style.
‘Why not?’ I said, clinking my glass against hers, laughing as we agreed that the pleasingtingit made was so much better than anything else could ever have been.
‘I’m sorry, I’m being so rude.’ Jess then turned to Seb, charm-o-meter switched to high. To be fair, that was pretty much Jess’ standard setting, but it was always fun to watch people fall under her spell. Normally, she’d elegantly extend her hand, with its perfect nails, and execute a firm but friendly handshake. But champagne and excitement had obviously made their mark as tonight Jess just launched in for a hug, catching Seb slightly off guard. She pulled back. ‘I’m so happy to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.’
Seb slid his glance to me momentarily. ‘People keep telling me that tonight. I’m still trying to work out if that’s a good thing,’ he said, giving her the killer grin that I was pretty sure he didn’t know he even possessed.
‘Oh, it’s definitely a good thing.’
