I finally find what I need and scurry into the bathroom. Right as I’m about to close the door, Nick’s phone chimes and a second later, he says, ‘What the hell?’ I poke my head around the doorframe, finding him frowning at his phone.
‘Everything okay?’ I ask.
He looks up, confusion stamped on his face. ‘My brother and his wife are in Reykjavik.’
‘That’s weird. Why?’
‘I have no fucking idea,’ he says, getting up from the bed, ‘but I’m about to find out.’ He takes his phone outside, and I close the bathroom door to get ready for bed.
Could this day get any weirder?
7
NICK
As I walk outside, I read Dan’s text again.
Becks and I are in Reykjavik. Call me asap.
I go over to the railing and make the call.
He answers straight away. ‘Hey.’
‘What the hell’s going on?’
‘Hang on, I need to find somewhere quiet,’ he says in a hushed voice.
Of my three brothers, I’m closest to Dan. He’s only eighteen months older, whereas our older brothers were already in primary school by the time Dan was born, so he and I hung out a lot growing up. We’re similar in many ways – the ways that count, like believing there’s more to life than accumulating assets and wearing your wealth as a status symbol.
Unlike the rest of my family, Dan doesn’t judge me for pursuing a career outside medicine. And while he’s a doctor like Hugh and Colin, they’re both making squillions as consultants and Dan’s content being a local GP. He and Becks would rather spend money on travel and experiences than the latest model car or designer clothes, and own a modest semi-detached in Weybridge, which they share with their cat, Wally.
I love their house. It’s my home away from home and I’d much rather doss in their guest room than stay in my furnished flat in central London. It has zero appeal other than its location – utterly devoid of soul. And Wally’s my little mate – he always sleeps with me whenever I stay over.
I also prefer their place to Pippa’s house, which is also in Weybridge. It’s nice enough, but even though she likes to call it ‘ours’, it’s really all Pippa – and our tastes are a little… at odds. I imagine that once we’re married, we’ll find something that’s more ‘us’ – a compromise.
‘I’m back,’ says Dan, speaking in his normal voice.
‘Okay, so why are you and Becks in Iceland?’
‘Look, I’m not supposed to say anything, but…’ He sighs and my gut twists into a knot.
‘Justtellme.’
‘We’re here for your wedding.’
I burst out laughing. Ordinarily a joke this sick would piss me off, but right now, I’ll welcome anything that takes the edge off the day.
‘Nick, come on.’
I let my laughter die down, grinning even though he can’t see me.
‘Yeah, yeah, good one, big brother. Now what’s really going on? You and Becks crash our romantic holiday on purpose or?—’
‘I’m being serious.’
This time I realise he means it.
‘What?’ I whisper, the knot in my gut tightening. ‘Awedding?’ Evensayingthe word feels strange – and wrong. ‘Wait, there’s no way Pip would’ve planned?—’