Page 246 of Double or Nothing

Dad grins and walks over. Pats Christopher on the shoulder.

“It’s good to see the two of you together again.”

Together. Whatever. We’ve occupied the same room for less than thirty seconds.

Christopher looks me over.

“You haven’t changed one bit.”

“That’s unfortunate. I was fourteen the last time we spent any meaningful time together. I think my tits have bloomed a bit since then.”

“ALICE!” Dad snaps. He isn’t messing around.

“Relax,” I say. “It’s called humour, Dad.”

“Still sharp,” Christopher says. “I always liked that about you.”

“You used to call me a strange little weirdo.”

“That’s not how I remember things.”

“Then you might want to dig through your memory bank.”

Dad sighs, shoots me a glance of death, then points towards the door.

“I’ll find your mother and check everything is ready. You two can reacquaint yourselves before the guests arrive.” He looks me straight on. “Be nice, please, Alice. Christopher’s had a long flight home.”

His tone is full of warning. I’ve known that particular tone my whole life.

Christopher waits until he’s out through the door and out of earshot.

“You don’t have to make this difficult, not for either of us.”

“Um, we’ve been reacquainted for two minutes, I’d say difficult is to be expected.”

He sighs. “I know what you think. That our fathers have flown me home and lined us up like part of a business arrangement.”

“Haven’t they?”

“Not entirely.”

“Nice to know.”

He walks towards the window. “Come on, Alice. It makes sense for us to be together. It always has. You know that as well as I do.”

I stare at him.

“How romantic.”

“Romance is overrated.”

“Beautiful. A strong opening argument for marriage.”

He has strength in his stare, I’ll give him that. He doesn’t baulk or bluster.

“Compatibility matters more than soppy sentiments.”

“And we’re compatible, are we? Really? Two peas in a pod?”