God, no wonder Pippa acted so strangely when I told her about Mount Etna – she planned our wedding as a surprise, and I’m two thousand miles away!
I run a hand down my face, a wave of exhaustion slamming into me. Was it really this morning when I woke up in Norway?
‘Hey, did you meet the other Nicholas – the one who was supposed to be here?’ I ask, curiosity triumphing over fatigue – for now, anyway.
‘Oh, yeah we met him. He’s a bit of a wanker, to be honest. As if he’s the only one who’s been inconvenienced.’
‘Hmm, that tracks with what I’ve heard,’ I say, wishing Nicholas would be more understanding – particularly how upsetting this must be for Delaney. She may have a cheery disposition, but I suspect she’s gutted.
‘Look, I’d better get back,’ says Dan. ‘We’re all going to dinner.’
‘All?’
‘Yep – me, Becks, Pippa, and her family.’
‘Oh fun,’ I say, letting the sarcasm drip from my tongue. Pippa’s family are lovely people, but I can’t imagine anything more awkward than suffering through a cordial dinner when everything’s gone tits up. ‘Hey, before you go… what are you planning to do, you and Becks? Will you head back to London?’
‘No way – our leave was approved months ago, and we’ve always talked about visiting Iceland. We’re staying.’
That sounds like Dan and Becks – I’d probably do the same thing if the situation were reversed. Of course, that would never happen. For a start, they’re already married, but they’re also far too practical to do something so daft.
And Dan saidmonths. Meaning Pippa’s had this scheme in her head from the moment we booked the trip. Another thing to delve into – but not tonight.
‘Sounds good,’ I say, stifling a yawn. ‘All right, I better go. Give my love to Becks.’
‘Course. We’ll speak soon, eh?’
‘Yep. And, Dan, thanks again. I mean it.’
‘I’ve got you, baby brother.’
I smile at that and after we end the call, I stare out into the night, my gaze wandering to the handful of boats bobbing in the marina, most of them in shadow.
What the bloody hell, Pip? Did you seriously think I’d be okay with this if Ihadshown up in Iceland?
I squeeze my eyes shut and yawn loudly. Hopefully, I’ve given Delaney enough time in the bathroom. If I don’t get to bed soon, I’ll fall asleep out here, standing up. I tiptoe back inside to find her fast asleep on the far side of the bed, a sleep mask on and snoring softly, the covers kicked off.
I quickly turn away because all she’s wearing is lacy knickers and a matching vest, which is bunched up around her waist. I suppose shedidpack for a holiday with her boyfriend – she might not have had anything else.
Still… as frustrated as I am with Pippa, there’s no way I ever want her finding out that Delaney and I shared a bed for a night. Especially not with her wearingthat.
* * *
I wake suddenly, blinking in the bright sunlight streaming through the gauzy curtains, then check my watch, which is charging beside the bed. It’s after eight, meaning I slept more than ten hours –ten! I must have needed it.
I look over, wondering if Delaney’s awake, but it’s just a wall of pillows. Propping myself up on one elbow, I discover I’m in bed alone. I lie back, sinking into the mattress. It’s unclear what today will bring, other than moving hotels. But I wonder if I’ll hear from Pippa – until she admits to planning a wedding without me, I guess I have to maintain the charade.
I really can’t believe she did that.
‘Hey, you’re up.’
Delaney’s standing in the doorway between the bedroom and the lounge, already dressed and sipping from a takeaway coffee cup.
‘Where did that come from?’ I ask, pointing at the coffee.
‘There’s a café near the funicular. They do takeout coffees –ifyou ask nicely. I would’ve gotten you one, but I had no idea if you even drink coffee.’
‘Ah, yep, I do,’ I reply, self-conscious that I’m shirtless. As if she heard my thoughts, her eyes drop to my chest where they linger before lifting to meet mine. I bury myself further under the covers.