Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye - Jacquelyn Middleton Page 0,130
text from Mark.
The addictive feel-good vibes of “Groove is in the Heart” by Deee-Lite bubbled from the speakers, and a pink-cheeked Freddie claimed a corner of the room for an impromptu dance party. Eyes peeled for Leia, Tarquin swayed along to the euphoric anthem, his determined expression slipping into a confused wince. “Lex”—he slouched into Alex, her thumbs typing away—“what’s with Si’s dance moves? Look at those elbows—they’re lethal! He’ll take someone’s eye out! I hope Freds has health insurance.”
Alex snorted and hit send. “You think that’s bad? You should’ve seen him at Tom and Naomi’s wedding!” She looked around at all the happy faces chatting, dancing, enjoying cocktails. “Leia must be thrilled by this turnout. The standing ovation was incredible, all the cheers and applause growing louder all around us.”
Tarquin adjusted the flowers in his arms. “Yeah, Leia deserves every second. I’m so proud of her.”
“Well, good! You can tell her yourself.” Alex’s shining eyes shifted to the left.
Leia. Tarquin’s pulse rocketed beneath his white shirt as he admired her loose red waves cascading over the shoulders of her champagne-hued dress, sparkly and low-cut, the ultimate present for some lucky guy to unwrap.
Different dress, same beautiful angel.
Alex nodded. “I’m gonna check on Joan.” She squeezed his arm gently, slipping away.
Leia’s smile… So many times I thought about her. Tarquin waited. But let her choose—talk to me or turn away.
Leia closed the distance. “Hi.”
“Hi.” He smiled softly. Blimey, you idiot! Give her the flowers. “Oh! These are for you.” He offered the primroses. “Your show…Leia, it was beautiful, but fun and completely unpretentious. And the music told a great story, too. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!”
“Thanks.” She blushed, looking at the colorful blooms. “How’d you—um, I saw you with Naomi’s husband. Did you come together?”
“No! I bumped into him here. Let’s just say Mr. Chadwick-Smythe and I aren’t the closest of friends.” He pressed his lips together. “Shantelle rang me—this morning.”
Her brows peaked. “Shan did?” Leia paused, her eyes darting past Tarquin.
He followed her stare to a dark corner and Shantelle and Bastien making out, their hunger for one another unmistakable, much to the delight of several attendees with raised phones.
And Tarquin.
Bloody hell! I was COMPLETELY wrong! That Brooklyn photo in The Mail of him and Leia… one hundred percent fake news! The press outed the wrong girl!
An ecstatic grin lit up his eyes as he fought back a chuckle. Get in, Shantelle! His gaze shot back to Leia, her baby blues narrowing as she shook her head, the plastic wrap on the primroses throwing shards of color under the room’s spotlights.
She huffed. “Shan, Shan, Shan…”
Shit. She’s angry. “Leia, it’s not her fault. I’m the one who showed up uninvited and blagged my way in.”
She raised a brow. “So, you sweet-talked the door staff?”
“Uh, yeah.” Knots of regret tightened in his chest. Now my so-called confession sounds like a total stalker move. And on the most important night of her career, too. Badly played, Balfour, badly played. He pawed through his hair and backed away. “I know. I shouldn’t be here. Sorry, Leia—”
“Tarquin, you still apologize way too much.” Hugging her flowers, Leia smiled. “I’m not mad, Han Solo. And don’t even think of leaving!” Her eyes slipped to his lips.
“Okay. I’ll stay.” His shoulders loosened as he played with the ring on his thumb. “It’s so great to see you.” Understatement of the century there, mate!
“You, too. We have to catch up, but…” Leia looked left. Blazing toward them, the orange-haired fashion editor elbowed her way through the party, a self-important air of expectation riding her crocodile smile. Following in her wake was a cluster of wineglass-toting bloggers and buyers keen for their moment with London’s newest fashion crush.
They’re queuing up for her—as they should! Tarquin glanced back at Leia, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She’s waited years for this moment. I can’t stand in her way. Let her go.
“Bravo, Leia, bravo!” The editor planted herself by Leia and Tarquin’s side and whipped out her notebook and phone, the fashion world equivalent of staking territorial claim with a flag.
Leia softly brushed Tarquin’s arm. “I’ll text you later, okay?” She gave him an eye-crinkling grin and stepped away.
But will she?
Twenty-Seven
LEIA
The next day
Just look at him. So perfect and gorgeous and here, despite everything.
Leia sipped her water and stared longingly across the café table as Tarquin stirred a spoon in his coffee, his soft smile lost in the milky swirls.
Why did I suggest meeting at Peggy Porschen? Sure, I want