“Oh my God. This is amazing. When are you seeing her again?”

“Don’t get too excited. She’s got a boyfriend.” I felt irritated to my core even thinking about him. “She’s way out of my league, but she’s further out of his league.”

“Sounds like you’re jealous.” Bea’s recently teary eyes flashed with delight.

“Attached women are not my type, Bea. Plus she’s from a different world.”

“Well it’s great someone has finally made a small dent.”

“I don’t have a wall up, Bea. I just hadn’t met the right girl.”

Bea nodded. “Right girl, wrong time?”

“Pretty much.” I stared at the floor.

Bea picked up her bag and stood up. “Angus and I have a wedding in the city at five. Family friends of Angus’s. Honestly, I’d much rather stay home on the couch with a tub of ice cream, but we’re committed. You know how much I hate the city.”

“Have fun with that. I’m going to put in a few more hours here before heading back to the city. I’m working tonight.”

“Oh yeah. The new gig. Where is it?”

“Just off Liverpool Street—it doesn’t have a name. The manager just gave me directions to the door.”

“Hey. How was Kayla doing this morning when you were there?”

“She seemed to have it all under control.” I put my arm around her shoulders as we walked towards her car.

“You know she’s completely in love with you, right?” She shook her head and laughed.

“She knows the score.” I grimaced, remembering her trying to clean up some crumbs on my trousers and lingering too long on my crotch. “She appeared to be doing a good job for you and that’s the main thing.”

“I’ll have a word to her anyway. I don’t want her flirting with you in front of my other customers.”

I hugged her and held the door as she climbed in.

“We might stop by on our way home from the wedding. It’s in the botanical gardens, so we’ll be close by. Who knows the next time I’ll back be there.” She smiled.

“I’ll text you directions. Have a great night, Bea.”

I watched her car bump along out to the road, vowing I would fix the cobbled stone driveway next.

Chapter Twenty-One

Juliette

Coming home from Friday night drinks last night, I once again got the feeling I was being watched. It was nothing concrete exactly, just a strange sensation backed up by no evidence. I had one more week to wait for fight night, and the need for it was palpable. I could’ve easily caught a cab home, but I refused to allow fear to infiltrate my psyche. Choosing the side streets and alleyways over the well-lit main roads, I purposely took the long way home.

I’d caught sight of a man in a dark grey hoodie, ducking out of sight when I looked his way. When I reached the river, I waited by a closed paper stand for him to appear again. Fifteen minutes passed and no one approached, so I gave up and wandered home, lost in my thoughts. Was it the same guy? Why was he still following me? What could he possibly want?

Sia and Juniper had insisted I spend the morning with them getting primped and preened for the wedding. I loved Juniper, but she reminded me of whom I was meant to be. She had dreamed of her wedding day all her life and everything was going to be perfect. For her family to be able to afford such a premium venue, the wedding was being held in winter rather than the more popular warmer seasons.

Sia kept asking about the mystery man and the big changes in my life, but I remained tight lipped. Richard and I’d been together for three years and broken up for less than a week. It wasn’t a case of getting over him, because I don’t think I was actually ever on him. I just didn’t want to talk about my love life. I was more than happy to concentrate on Juniper’s. I headed home just after lunch and spent a few hours tending my little garden and reading.

The wedding ceremony was being held at Gardens House in the Royal Botanic Gardens at five, followed by a reception cocktail party. It was walking distance, but in my silver heels it felt like a marathon. With my overcoat shielding me from the cold, I made my way into the heart of the Gardens and found the beautiful double-storey Georgian house. A marquee had been set up on the manicured lawns, presumably for the reception, but guests were milling around outside with champagne waiting for the ceremony to begin. They were incredibly lucky it was a clear day so it could be outside. There had to have been a rock solid plan B.

My light mood was immediately darkened by an unexpected familiar voice. “You look beautiful, my love.”

My head snapped up and my posture immediately slumped before I managed to push my shoulders back. “What are you doing here?” I seethed.

“We were invited, Juliette.” His feathers weren’t remotely ruffled, and he was matter-of-fact with his response. “Of course I’m here.”

I took a few purposeful steps to close the distance between us so I could get right up in his face. “These are my friends and we’re broken up. I already told them you wouldn’t be attending.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We haven’t broken up.” He gestured between us, and when his hand touched me, I flinched. “I told you this isn’t over until I say so.”

“And I told you never to touch me again, you arrogant bastard.” I took a step back. “Trust me when I tell you we’ve broken up. You complained incessantly about having to go to this wedding, and suddenly you turn up when you’re no longer invited. I don’t get it.”

“You needed some space and time to cool off and see the error of your ways. Being the gentlemen that I am, I rose above your disgraceful behaviour and decided to give you another chance.”

My hands flew up in frustration. “I don’t want another chance. I don’t want to be with you and I don’t think you want to be with me. Why are you pushing this? It doesn’t make sense to me.”

“Juliette!” Sia called out when she saw me and came rushing over. “You look amazing. I knew that dress was killer.” She turned to Richard and scowled. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

“Misunderstanding, I’m afraid,” Richard replied, smiling disingenuously. “I hope Juliette’s dramas won’t cause any catering issues.”

Before Sia had a chance to reply, her mother appeared looking flustered. “It’s about to begin, Sia. You need to take your place.”

“Sorry, I have to run.” She looked at Richard. “This is my sister’s wedding day. Don’t ruin it, please.”

I was humiliated and so incredibly deflated. Five minutes before I’d been congratulating myself on starting afresh and moving forward, and there I was, taking shit from Richard.

When Sia and her mother left, I took a deep breath. “Just stay away from me tonight. I don’t know why you’re here, but Zac and Juniper’s wedding isn’t the time or place to discuss it.”

Richard just laughed, an evil laugh, reminiscent of the night in the alleyway. It seemed he had other ideas about our breakup. He and my mother just didn’t seem to be getting the hint that this farcical relationship was over.

I stormed off to find a seat so I could try to enjoy the ceremony. Rows of white chairs were set up on the other side of the house. Most were already occupied, but I spotted one with a handbag on it. I shuffled past a few guests lingering in the aisle.

“Excuse me,” I said, trying to get the attention of the lady in the next seat with her back to me. When she turned around, I got my second surprise for the evening. “Bea! What are you doing here?”

“Jules?” She appeared as shocked as I was and quickly took her handbag off the chair so I could sit down. “I could ask you the same thing. This is my husband, Angus.” She put her hand on the knee of the man sitting next to her. “Angus, this is Jules. She’s my coffee-loving twin.”

I leaned over Bea and shook Angus’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you. So how do you guys know Zac and Juniper?”