Three Amazing Things About You (43 page)

‘That’s not all,’ said Flo. ‘She’s even gone and got herself a job!’

This was definitely a bombshell. ‘Blimey, doing what? Bricklayer? Carpet fitter? Milkman?’

‘Ha, can you picture it? No, she’s working in one of those posh art galleries where you sit behind a desk and chat on the phone to your friends all day because hardly any customers ever go in. But she’s doing it, that’s the main thing. It’s the first time she’s ever stuck at something for more than three days. I feel like a proud mum!’

Hallie gave her another hug, because Flo could so easily have given up on Lena but hadn’t. ‘And I bet it’s all down to you. Where’s Patrick, anyway?’

‘He’s had to go and pick up a consignment of chandeliers from a studio in Primrose Hill.’ Flo’s cheeks gained some extra colour as she said it. ‘He’ll be back soon.’

As the party continued, Flo glanced out of the living room window and saw Patrick’s car reversing into a space between a grey Porsche and a white Fiat 500.

Her heart lifted as it always did at the sight of him. Patrick had made her so much happier than she’d ever imagined. True, he’d never be mistaken for a male model, but he was one of the kindest men she’d ever known. He was also wonderful with Alexandra. His easy manner and ability to laugh at himself had charmed her from the start. She’d felt better in his company, even during those difficult early months following Zander’s death. After first getting in touch with Hallie and hearing back from her, the only people she’d wanted to tell had been Patrick and Margot. And after discussing it with Margot, she’d discussed it for even longer with Patrick.

In the months that had followed, their close friendship had become more. When she’d heard about the developing relationship, Margot couldn’t have been more thrilled.

And now here they were in April, and it was all good.

Flo watched as Patrick looked up at the window and, seeing her, broke into a smile. Her stomach tightened and she did a little wave back. He wasn’t better or worse than Zander; he was just different.

And different was fine. They would both rather be in each other’s company than in anyone else’s. Not counting Alexandra, of course. Patrick had disappeared from view now, as he entered the house and made his way up the stairs. Flo looked forward to hearing his voice when he came into the living room.

As, she knew, did Alexandra.

Really, who could ask for more?

‘Here goes,’ Rory murmured, touching Tasha’s arm as Joe began to attract everyone’s attention by tapping a knife against his glass. ‘He warned me he was going to make a speech.’

‘He warned me too.’ Tasha squeezed his hand in return. ‘First time ever. Any idea what he’s going to say?’

Rory shook his head; did anyone ever really know what words might come out of Joe’s mouth next?

‘Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? No chatting at the back, either. I’d like to say a few words, if that’s OK.’

‘And if it’s not?’ Carmel called out from the far end of the room.

‘Well that’s just too bad, because I’m going to go ahead and say them anyway,’ said Joe.

Everyone laughed. Tasha whispered, ‘Let’s hope he isn’t going to make us jump out of a plane again.’

Rory smiled and pulled her closer. Tasha truly was the love of his life. Would he have got through the last year without her? Probably, yes. But would he have been a fraction as happy as he was now? Definitely not.

‘My best friend Rory is twenty-seven years old today,’ Joe announced, to a roar of approval from the gathered crowd. ‘And I think we can all agree, the last two years have been pretty eventful.’

Carmel, standing with one hand resting on her protruding stomach, said drily, ‘For me too.’

More laughter. Rory caught Flo’s eye and she smiled at him, her own fingers entwined with Patrick’s. Next to them, Hallie was still holding Alexandra, whose tiny left hand was splayed across Hallie’s chest. Here they were, his new family, complete strangers who between them had saved his life. He owed them everything.

‘Anyway, I’m not going to bang on about it, because we all know the details,’ Joe continued. ‘But I just want to say, none of us knows how long any one of us has left. It could be fifty hours, could be fifty years. We’re just glad we’re here today. And we won’t forget those who aren’t.’ He paused and raised his glass. ‘To absent friends. Especially Zander.’

Everyone else joined in.

Then Rory felt Tasha disentangle her fingers from his. Stepping forward in a rustle of sapphire taffeta, she surveyed the gathering of guests. ‘Rory isn’t going to waste this chance he’s been given. He didn’t want to tell you because he was worried he might sound boasty, so I’m going to tell you myself. Next year he’s going to be running the London Marathon. He’s hoping to represent England at the World Transplant Games. And he’s also planning to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End, to raise awareness of organ donation. I couldn’t be prouder of him, I really couldn’t.’ Tasha’s eyes were bright as she turned to smile at Rory. ‘He’s amazing. He’s never going to change and I wouldn’t want him to.’

A lump sprang up in Rory’s throat; for a moment he felt himself waver.
Oh God
. . .

‘Don’t make him cry, Bin Girl.’ Typically, Joe came to the rescue. ‘We’ll never let him live it down if he does.’

‘Here’s to Rory.’ Flo, stepping into the breach, lifted her glass.

When the toast had been made, Rory said, ‘And to Hallie.’

Hallie in turn added, ‘To Flo and Alexandra.’

Finally, moving towards them and clinking her glass against each of theirs in turn, Flo said simply, ‘Here’s to us.’