Page 84 of Plot Twist

‘They’ve actually got a cancellation appointment on Wednesday. Can you make it?’

Wednesday. Four days away. If it could wait four days then it couldn’t be that serious, could it? It wasn’t like they were rushing an ambulance around to collect me straight away.

‘What time?’ I asked.

As if I wasn’t free all day. My diary consisted right now of one thing: make sure you don’t have cervical cancer.

It was amazing how quickly things could change.

‘Two p.m.,’ she said.

‘OK, two p.m. it is,’ I replied.

I called Dad back to say I was booking a boat for the following day and that I’d see him once I got home. He sounded relieved.

And while I was on a roll, I called and booked my place on the afternoon sailing the next day.

I stopped when I realised. Rae’s letter was probably winging its way to me right now, in the post.

I quickly typed Drew a text, hating that I had to contact him, as though I needed him in some way.

Did you send the letter from Rae yet? If you haven’t, then don’t. I’m coming home tomorrow. If you have, I’ll get it sent back to my flat.

I watched my phone for a response, but nothing. After all the contact that I didn’t want from him and telling him not to call and to leave me alone. The prick was completely ignoring me.

39

The launch event was in full swing. The courtyard dazzled, with fairy lights sprinkling soft magic all around and lanterns flickering in each of the corners. The waiters, wearing matching shirts and bow ties, served Champagne to the guests.

Ellie displayed before and after pictures all around the courtyard area on large boards. Guests wandered up and down, marvelling at the effort they had gone to. The doors to each of the cottages were open so visitors could have a look inside and admire the beautiful interiors.

Bridget and Ellie beamed as they posed for photographs outside. Ellie wore a floor-length, modest deep purple dress with a cowl neck, while Bridget’s frock was cerise pink with a large bow at the back. Bridget beamed as people enquired who had done the interior design work, while Ellie explained how they juggled all the different trades and contacts in the building industry.

I smoothed down the black satin dress I’d borrowed from Bridget, the one she had hanging in the back of her closet for ‘skinnier times to come’. I had lost weight since coming to Rathcliffe, with all the fresh-air mountain walks and, yes, maybe the yoga classes had helped.

My heart soared as I caught sight of Ivy rushing towards me, bursting with excitement.

My eyes flickered up as Ivy hugged me, before she dashed off to find Auntie Bridget. My breath caught in the air as I saw him: Riley.

I’d never been a fan of a suit. Drew put me off the whole ‘dress to impress’ thing. I always thought he looked like a prat, like he was trying too hard.

But Riley. Riley was a different matter. His broad shoulders fit snugly beneath his three-piece black suit, teamed with a bright white shirt and black bow tie. He even made a dicky bow look good. As he strolled towards me, it took all that I had not to throw myself into his arms and beg him to kiss me again. He cocked his head sideways, revealing his freshly shaved face in all its glory and flashed me an easy grin as our eyes met.

Why did he have to come here looking likethat?

I held my breath as he edged towards me. Inhaled the scent of his favourite aftershave as he slid an arm behind me, lightly placing his hand on my lower back, and pulled me into a close embrace. His scent was so familiar. So Riley.

I gulped as he bent down to whisper in my ear.

‘You look amazing, Becca.’

I wobbled in my heels. Shit. Riley was literally making me go weak at the knees. I steadied myself and took a couple of steps back.

‘We don’t scrub up too badly for a pair of struggling writers,’ I replied with a nonchalant shrug. ‘At least I don’t have shit on my face this time.’

‘You certainly don’t,’ he said, his eyes burning into mine.

I had to break this. Riley was off limits now; Jackie had made that perfectly clear. They were working things out, for the sake of their family. Riley was working towards his happily ever after and I didn’t feature.