Page 88 of Plot Twist

My voice cracked. I looked away as he nodded, still clutching it in his hand.

‘Have you never heard of a fucking post box, Drew?’

He looked down at the envelope and back up at me.

‘I wanted to see you,’ he said quietly. ‘I needed to see you.’

‘I didn’t need to see you.’

Tears threatened in my eyes. This was just too much to take, my two worlds combining at the worst possible time in the worst possible way.

The letter hung between us. I couldn’t bring myself to take it from him.

‘I know. I’m sorry. I couldn’tnotcome.’

‘So that’s why you didn’t answer my text. You were planning to sneak up on me instead.’

‘You gave me the address,’ he protested. ‘And then I tracked you down here. It’s a small town, too. Seems like there’s only one party happening here tonight. Trust you to be at it. You always did love a party. The two of you.’

I caught sight of Ellie turning the music down in the corner, while Bridget was chatting loudly to the caterers. Drew’s brown eyes twinkled sadly.

He should stop trying to make me bloody feel sorry for him. I refused.

‘I’m not opening it here,’ I said. ‘In the middle of a party.’

He nodded. ‘Of course. Will we get out of here?’

I frowned as I realised that he was trying to call all the shots again and take charge of the situation. Mr Suited and Booted. My lip curled in annoyance.

‘I’m staying at one of the cottages here tonight. And where are you meant to be staying, by the way?’ I demanded.

‘I hadn’t really thought that far ahead yet.’ He shrugged. ‘I’ve got my car with me, if the worst comes to the worst.’

‘The worst will most definitely come to the worst,’ I said. ‘Wait here and don’t talk to anyone.’

‘You’re bossy in Ireland,’ he said.

‘You’re a dick everywhere,’ I replied over my shoulder.

Bridget caught sight of me marching over.

‘Becca,’ she called. ‘Come and meet Paul. He owns the laundrette in town so we’re going to keep him pretty busy with all our bedding and washing. And of course, you know Eimear.’

‘Hi, Paul, nice to meet you. Hi, Eimear, I didn’t know you were coming. Lovely to see you.’ I nodded.

Eimear grinned back, looking like a runway model in a long, floaty silver number with a plunging neckline. She clung onto Paul the Laundrette Man’s arm. He smiled smugly. No wonder; he was really punching above his weight with Eimear.

Focus, Becca.

‘Bridget, is it OK if I go to my apartment now, or do you need it for people to view?’

‘No, I think the viewings are all pretty much done, Becca, so you head on to bed whenever. The party will be finishing up soon anyway. Is everything OK?’

‘Yes, I just. . . have a bit of a headache,’ I replied, thinking about Drew. ‘A big bloody headache, in fact.’

‘We’ll turn the music down soon,’ she promised.

‘Oh no, I didn’t mean that. Keep the music playing for as long and as loud as you like and enjoy the rest of your evening. It really has been so lovely. I’ll see you in the morning.’