I nodded, recalling how the blood had drained from my mother’s face. “I’m happy for them.”
“Yeah. So am I. Thea’s such a talented musician.”
“You could have practised your scales as Mother hounded you to do.”
“I’m too distracted to practise anything, I’m afraid.” Savanah pulled a sad smile. Despite her skipping carefree through life, there were moments when that façade cracked, and I caught a glimpse of a fragile girl who hadn’t quite grown up.
Savanah hugged Declan, followed by Theadora, who then placed a gift-wrapped present in her hand.
“It’s not much. We really didn’t know what to get you,” Theadora said.
Savanah unwrapped the present, and a chunky necklace dangled from her hands. The purple baubles went perfectly with her outfit.
“It’s something I picked up at a vintage shop. Mary Quant, I believe. They have a whole lot of designer stuff from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.” Theadora smiled, while Declan, wearing stars in his eyes, had his arm draped around her waist.
They were very much in love. Enviably so.
Do I want that?I wasn’t meant to.
On that confirmed bachelor inner note, I noticed Alex, a drinking mate and wingman, sauntering towards us. He was known to carry me out, or more like us carrying each other out, after many big nights of partying.
“Hey, you,” he said.
“We’re celebrating my sister’s birthday. You know Savvie?” I asked.
He smiled and saluted her.
“Join us.” I made space for Alex.
“I would, but there’s this girl.” He cocked his head towards a leggy blonde by the bar. “She’s coming on strong.” His eyebrow arched. “What about you? I haven’t seen you for weeks.”
“I’ve been busy, what with running the hotel. I’m also overseeing a spa project back home. I haven’t really felt like random hook-ups either.”
His face scrunched in disbelief. It even surprised me to hear myself admit that.
“Have you met someone?”
“Sort of. But she’s not interested.”
His face lit up in surprise as though I’d spoken of having my chest hair plucked. One excruciating strand at a time.
Mirabel hadn’t returned my texts after my visit to her cousin’s flat, which had me shuffling off with a bruised ego.
Sienna turned to look at me, her tongue running over her pumped lips.
Alex noticed. He noticed everything to do with women. The man was addicted to the chase. The girls liked him, too, with those eyes that twinkled, “Let’s party.”
I guess we made a good pair. Drinks. Pick up a girl. Compare notes. And repeat.
Years later, I was left with a head full of interchangeable names and faces. I certainly didn’t miss having to scrub lipstick off my dick every morning.
“She’s nice. Great mouth.” He wore the bright smile of a man without a care in the world.
I shrugged. “That’s if one feels like a collagen-filled gob around one’s nob.”
He laughed. “Yep. Sign me up.”
“Talking about pouts, your girl looks like she’s pining for you,” I said, staring at the tall woman dressed like every other woman at that bar. Tight. Synthetic. Glittery. Spiky-heeled shoes that could double as weapons.