Page 69 of In the Frame

“Wouldn’t miss it, you know that,” Florian says. “Billy, this is my date, Matty Gowen-Smith.”

I’m relieved I didn’t get the Mathias treatment like I’m in trouble. Instead, I shake Billy’s offered hand, warm and firm. “Great to meet you properly.”

Billy grins. “Billy Vernon. And likewise. Also, I’m glad to see Florian all tidied up after the cocktail episode.”

“Oh, don’t remind me.” I shake my head wryly, but I’m smiling, at least on the outside, and flailing on the inside. If it weren’t for dumping a tray of drinks on him, I wouldn’t be here.

Florian laughs.

“Ali is supposed to be here later,” Billy says, glancing around. “I’ll introduce him if I can track him down. He’s gotten caught up with something at work. He was meant to help out with a couple of things, but I’ve managed the situation. I’ll leave you two to enjoy the evening. We’re going to have dinner in a few minutes with speeches, then dancing.”

Interesting. I’m curious to know more about Ali and what could be so important as to keep him from a gala event which has obviously been on the calendar for some time as an A-list event in London. Is he standing Billy up?

“Thanks, Billy. Everything looks incredible,” Florian says. “Please, let me know if you need anything. Happy to help as ever.”

Billy looks relieved to have Florian’s assurance. “Thanks.”

There’s an automatic pang in my chest. Of course Florian would offer to help. I don’t dare breathe. This doesn’t matter. Florian’s not my real boyfriend, and I’m not actually jealous. Jealousy, I tell myself firmly, is not attractive.

Billy slips away, and true to his word, ten minutes later, dinner’s announced, and everyone files into a large space with a view of the Thames for a sit-down dinner. Which is delicious, as promised, and the drinks keep flowing. I make a point to alternate drinks with water so there’s no Sotheby’s repeat. So far, so good. Everything’s smooth. I survived meeting Billy. And Florian’s been amazing all evening so far.

Dinner gives way to dancing. The music’s back at volume, and the museum’s transformed at night, with different DJs in different galleries. There are pink uplights and a smoke machine in one gallery and strobe lights in another, and it’s truly incredible, like nothing I’ve ever been to. We dance and take a break for the chill gallery, which plays downtempo music and has an easier vibe as people sit in groups on sleek leather chairs and tables. A bar is set up at one side in front of a wall, which glows in a soft purple. We collect some gorgeous cocktails and find a tall table and stools near another wall glowing with pale blue light.

“What do you think of the night so far?” Florian asks.

“Very impressive. It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before. I don’t know what I was expecting for a rewilding gala. Possibly more sticks and mud. Not that I have other galas to compare to.”

Florian laughs. “Fair enough. Billy’s done an excellent job. But I wouldn’t expect anything else. I know how much this work means to him.”

There’s a bittersweet taste on my tongue, which I take care of with my cocktail. “Hopefully, they’ll be able to fund a lot of projects with the proceeds of the gala.”

“I’m sure they will,” Florian says.

“I’ve wanted to ask, Florian. How’s your brother after that night we picked him up?” I ask. It’s hard to forget Gabriel having a meltdown on the phone, panicked and afraid.

His expression shifts to concern. “Well, he’s in the hospital now, getting help to stabilize him again and adjust his meds as needed. He has various mental health issues. I’m not sure if I should say more than that.”

“It’s okay,” I assure Florian. “I’m sorry he’s in hospital, but it sounds like the right place if he’s unwell. I understand. I’ve had my own challenges with anxiety. Less the panic attacks. Usually.” Never say never. It’s happened, around exams back in uni and in school. The pressure to do well when everyone tells you your entire future hinges on exams. Except… it really doesn’t? The world is a whole lot bigger than exams. “It’s really amazing how you look out for your brother. He’s lucky to have you.”

“We’re lucky to have each other.” Florian fidgets with the strap of his watch, looking down for a moment. “Our parents are… challenging. I’ve stepped up as Gabe’s advocate when he can’t advocate for himself. But he’s capable of so much when he’s well.”

I reach out and squeeze Florian’s hand. “Obviously, he trusts you. Even when he was so upset. That you’d come find him and do the right thing. That’s incredible.”

“Twins look out for each other. I already sensed something was off earlier with him.” Florian shakes his head. “If only I caught it sooner.”

“It’s not your fault,” I tell him. “And you found him. That’s what matters.”

Florian pushes his lips together, considering me. Then, he looks momentarily preoccupied and pulls out his buzzing phone. “Sorry. Shame,” he tells me after he swipes through his messages. “Ali can’t make it tonight after all. Billy might need help later, we’ll see.”

That’s about when my stomach drops to my knees. I’m so out of my depth, and this is definitely not helping. Or Florian’s willingness to go to Billy’s aid. Which hits totally different than him going to help Gabriel. My mind runs in circles, worrying about Billy.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

I press my lips together, searching Florian’s eyes. I try to act nonchalant. “What kind of help?”

“At the end of the night to shut things down, help organize the events staff.”

“Right,” I say. This is totally normal gala behavior. Asking your ex to work with no notice. I do my best to look unfazed, but it’s bothering me. More than I want to let on.