Page 14 of Rhythm Of Redemption

“Er … we um …” She scrambled for something to say. She didn’t want them to know how they really met. What would they think about her or Dani if they did? “We-”

As if sensing her awkwardness, Logan jumped in. “We’re friends.”

Great. Now Mary’s going to think we’re bonking each other’s brains out.

“Friends, hmm? That’s nice.” There was that inflection on the word nice, again. “Come on, Reg, I think it’s time we left.”

“Something I said?”

“No, um … it’s not you, they’re just going for a siesta.” How was she supposed to tell him that the last thing on Mary’s mind was sleep and that he was most likely the reason? “I didn’t think you’d come.” She ran a hand over her hair, wishing she’d made the effort to straighten it or put on some makeup.

“If I say I’ll do something, then I do it.”

“I know, but people always say things they don’t mean.” Like Steve, for instance. Who, despite promising Lou he’d arrange a card and present himself for Dani, had only sent her a two-line text message wishing her a happy birthday. “You don’t have to stay long. I’m sure it’s not really your kind of thing.” She didn't know what his kind of thing was, but she imagined it was a lot more glamorous than eating barbecued sausages and burgers in someone’s back garden.

“Anyone would think you didn’t want me here.”

“No, it’s … no. I didn’t-”

“Relax, I’m kidding. Where’s the birthday girl, anyway?”

“Logan, I knew you’d be here. I told Mum you’d come, but she didn’t believe me.” Dani’s lips curled into a smirk. “Is that my present?”

“Dani!” If ever there was a good time for a giant sinkhole to open up and swallow her, then this was it. She’d suspected her daughter’s motives for his invitation all along. They hardly knew him, but Dani had been adamant it was just a thank-you for the other night at the club. Now she wasn’t so sure.

“It is.” A slow, indulgent smile unfurled across his face. “And happy birthday, sweetheart.” He handed her the gift bag.

“Wow, you got me two presents?” Dani’s muffled voice came from somewhere inside the bag. Two more than her father bought her, Lou thought spitefully.

“No, just the smaller one.” Dani’s smile turned to disappointment. “The other one’s for your mum.”

“Mum?” Dani took out the other box and shook it before handing it over. “Can I open mine now?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Dani tore at the wrapping. “Oh my god, are you serious?”

Her friends gathered around her. “I’ve never seen this colour before,” Elena said, staring at it as if it were the crown jewels.

Sofia tutted, barely giving the watch a second glance. “I have.”

Dani threw her arms around Logan and hugged him. “Thank you so much.”

“What is it?” What was all the fuss about? It was just a watch.

“If you don’t like it, you can exchange it for something else.”

“Like it? Are you kidding me? I love it. Oh my god, it’s a Series 9?”

“As if.” Sofia rolled her eyes. “That’s not out for months.”

“No, look, it says on the box here.” Ana held up the box to show Sofia.

“Well, it must be fake then.”

Dani flipped over the watch. “No.” Elena pointed at the number inscribed on the back. “There’s the serial number.”

“Phew!” Logan made a show of wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand in relief. “For a moment there, I thought I’d been swizzled.”

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