Fauxmance (Showmance #2)(35)
“And you?” I probed, interested to hear his own theory on himself.
He put down his knife and fork and rubbed his jaw. “I’m a workaholic, anti-social misanthropist who would rather be pulling out my own fingernails right now than having this conversation.”
I shook my head, though it was interesting to note that Cameron was self-aware. “Lovely.”
He stood and carried his empty plate to the sink. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
“Okay. Do you want Chinese takeaway for dinner tomorrow evening?” I asked, knowing the local Chinese restaurant was one of the few things he liked about London.
There was a beat before he replied gruffly, “Sure.”
I listened to his footsteps going up the stairs, distracted when my phone buzzed with a text.
Julian: What are you doing next weekend?
My heart skipped a beat. He wanted to see me again, or well, Elodie. The prospect of joining him for another night out excited me.
Ellen: I’m free next weekend. What do you have in mind?”
Julian: Want to crash a wedding with me?
I smiled, anticipation already whirling in my belly.
Ellen: I’d love to :-)
Chapter Ten
Julian
“So, where is she?” David asked as he snapped pictures of the wedding guests arriving at the church. He’d mentioned he was hired for a wedding this weekend and I thought, what better place for Elodie and I to have some fun? Since the happy couple said he could bring along a guest or two, I decided to invite myself.
“She said she’d meet me here,” I replied, staring up at the building. When I was little, Mum had never followed any religion, but looking at everyone gathering inside the church, I could sort of understand the appeal. There was a community here, a safety, a sense of belonging.
David arched a brow as he peered through the camera lens. “You think she got cold feet?”
“We’re not the ones getting married. She’ll be here.”
I hadn’t told David about Elodie’s true identity. In fact, I hadn’t told anyone, not even Rose. I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable with people knowing her secret. It was hers to reveal should she make that decision. When I’d finally told her what I did for a living, Ellen hadn’t shown any judgement or misgiving. Instead, she’d been curious and open, asking questions, eager to learn.
I hadn’t even realised how badly I wanted her to accept me. When she did, a tension in me released.
“I’ve been invited to audition for a part on the West End,” David said casually.
I brought my attention back to him. “You have? That’s fantastic. Which role?”
He scratched his chin, took another snap. “Seems that the YouTube video raised my profile a little. They want me for the part of Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd. They like that I’m a bass vocalist.”
“You’d be perfect for that role. I can see you now, all evil and brooding. Are you going to go for it?”
David shrugged, but I saw the edge of his mouth curve. He was definitely flattered, and I often got the sense he missed performing. “I’m definitely considering it,” he replied.
A taxi pulled up outside the church and Elodie stepped out. My gaze wandered up her shapely legs, resting on the curve of her thighs. She wore a stunning peach dress that complimented her pale skin, matching peach heels, her scarlet hair pinned to one side. I tried to figure out how she managed it with the wig, then realised this was a whole other wig. Did she have a collection? She really had gotten invested in her character.
Ellen must’ve spent a good deal of time practicing to walk in heels because her stride was effortless. She approached and David snapped a picture. The sun glinted off her green contact lenses, making them look even more striking.
“Hello, Julian and David,” she greeted and gave a little curtsey.
“Look at you! Rita Hayworth,” I said, smiling.
She gave a pleased look. “Oh, stop.”
“Hi, Elodie, it’s great to see you again,” David said, before returning his attention to his camera.
I took her hand and pulled her close so that I could whisper in her ear. “Seriously, where do you find all these amazing outfits?”
She laughed, though I did notice a few goose bumps grace her skin. Why did that please me? “I might have a bit of an online shopping addiction.”
“Well, the addiction pays off. You look incredible.”
A small, barely visible flush claimed her cheeks as she turned to take in the arriving guests. “So, who’s getting married?”
“Barry Stevens and Una Mann. I have a feeling Una’s side of the family are going to be entertaining when they get drunk at the reception.”
Her gaze followed a middle-aged couple as they walked inside. “Hmm, they do have that stick up the bum look about them. Maybe some alcohol will loosen them up.”
I grinned. “That’s what I’m counting on.”
“The bride should be arriving any minute,” David interrupted. “If you two want to snag a seat at the back of the church, go ahead.”
I held out my arm and Elodie took it. I enjoyed how easily we fit together and how she smelled like coconut. “The question is, do we sit on the side of the bride or the groom?”