Page 82 of Let’s Make a Scene

Theo makes a dismissive sound. “Of course they won’t kill off Caleb. It’s obvious he’ll turn vampire.”

“Caleb would never,” Clemmie returns hotly. “Have you forgotten about the blood feud? What about Constantine’s involvement in his sister’s death?”

“I’ve forgotten nothing,” Theo says firmly. “But I think you’re forgetting the flashback in season two where Caleb’s ancestor was the one who came upon the prophecy…”

“Oh, it’s always about the prophecy with you,” Clemmie grumbles.

“Okay so you guys are like, real fans,” I say on a laugh.

“I’m not saying Theo has actually written Bas and Lucy fan fiction…” Clemmie tilts her head. “But I’m also not not saying it.”

Theo only shrugs. “Hey, I’m not ashamed. Bas and Lucy are endgame.”

“You two are such a pair of nerds,” Cynthie says.

Theo scoffs. “You’re one to talk. Who was FaceTiming me in floods of tears after the season four finale?”

“Oh really?” I purr, pleased.

Cynthie reaches out and pinches the top of Theo’s arm. “Shut up,” she hisses. “Jack’s head is big enough already.”

“I think he has a very nice head,” Clemmie says, and then her cheeks flush when everyone turns to her. “I mean…” she flounders. “Your head is normal size, and your face is pleasing.” She’s only turning redder as Cynthie watches, clearly entertained.

“That’s kind of you to say,” I reply, gravely. “My sister used to make fun of my oversize head, but I like to think I grew into it.”

Clemmie smiles shyly at me, and when I look over at Theo, his eyes have narrowed.

“Yes, well.” He places his arm firmly back around Clemmie’s waist. “Shall we go through to the ballroom? I heard there are tiny cheeseburgers doing the rounds so I’d like to eat a dozen or so.”

The four of us make our way, winding through the crowd, though Cynthie and Theo stop often to greet people.

“Have you met my wife, Clementine?” I hear Theo say over and over, and I exchange a look with Cynthie, who is barely concealing her amusement.

“It would make a good drinking game,” she whispers, her breath coasting across my ear in a way that makes all the hairs on my arms stand up. “A shot every time he says it.”

“We’d be absolutely wasted in five minutes.”

“This is my wife, Clementine,” Theo says on cue, and Cynthie giggles at my side. I’m becoming addicted to her laugh. Whenever I see her relax, drop some of the anxiety that she’s been carrying, it’s like feeling sunshine after a long winter.

I’ve been trying hard to be a friend to her, and I was doing a reasonable job of keeping my infatuation to myself, until I saw her wearing my initial around her neck and turned into some sort of lust-fueled caveman.

Not that she seemed to mind, a voice in my head insists.

When we finally reach it, the ballroom is atmospheric, the walls swathed in navy silk, a gorgeous canopy of fairy lights suspended from the ceiling. A famous DJ is positioned behind a sound deck and the dance floor is already well populated. Round tables are covered in crisp white linens, and a long bar stretches down one side of the room.

Theo rubs his hands together. “I’ll go get the drinks in, shall I?”

“I’ll give you a hand,” Cynthie says, shooting me a quick look to check I don’t mind being left.

“Sounds good,” I agree. “Clemmie and I can talk vampire lore.”

“Hey!” Theo exclaims. “No lore discussion without me, please.”

“We’ll save you a couple of seats.” Clemmie beams, and once again Theo shoots me a suspicious look before Cynthie asks what we want to drink and drags him away.

My eyes follow them, as they walk. They look good together, and Cynthie is obviously happy to see him.

“They really are just great friends, you know.” Clemmie’s voice draws my attention, and I realize she’s watching me with amusement.