That One Moment (Lost in London #2)(17)

“You were rather rude to my coworker,” Leslie chastises as she settles down beside me, followed closely behind by Theo.

“Why is she even here?” I whisper as the announcer begins the bidding on a custom dining room set of Theo’s.

“Good question,” Theo drawls. “Fucking Benji wears on my last nerve.”

“Oh shut up! He’s harmless. Vi and Benji took Mitch and Julie’s tickets. What’s the big deal?”

“It’s kind of inappropriate for her boyfriend to get pissed at a charity if you ask me,” I sneer.

Leslie’s green eyes widen in disbelief. “Pot! Meet kettle!”

My face goes white as I realise what I’ve just said. “That was different,” I bite out between clenched teeth. Christ, I walked right into that one.

Leslie’s face softens. “Don’t be hard on my coworkers. They’re good people. Really, you’d get on with Vi, I’m sure.”

That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.





TURKEY’S DONE



Burr. Feels f*cking glacial in here now, I think to myself after my less than warm and fuzzy greeting from Hayden. Not that I had much to expect, I suppose. It’s not like we really know anything about one another. But bloody hell, he could have at least acknowledged my presence without a moody glower.

Benji sucks down the glass of water I handed him. He begins hiccupping to himself and giggling. “I’ve never drank wine before.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head. “You’re drinking water.” The bugger can’t handle his liquor, that’s quite apparent. I just hope I’m able to pour him into a cab after this.

As the auction begins, I find myself impressed by the furniture pieces being displayed for bidding. Leslie told me about Theo’s talent, but I’d never made it over to his shop to see for myself. Their flat rests above his business, so hopefully I can see more when I pop around tomorrow.

The announcer continues rattling off numbers as a suited man carries several small wooden boxes out and places them on every few tables. He drops one on ours and Finley reaches for it first, smoothing her fingers over the glossy, nearly black wood. The MC explains there’s a silent auction sheet inside each box, and as soon as Finley places the box back in the centre of the table, I grab it to get a look for myself. We’re bidding on a holiday package it would seem. I’m less concerned with contents and more interested in the intricate box. Based on the explanation sheet, it seems like the box comes with the winning bid and I instantly have to have it. I write down my name and fill in an exorbitant pound figure, hoping it’s enough to secure the beautiful box.

I get a funny sensation and look up to see Hayden practically glaring at me, his brow furrowed in the most frustrated manner. What the hell is this guy’s problem? If I was trying to forget about that sexual chemistry I felt before, this is a right proper way of achieving it.

“I think I’m gonna be sick,” Benji croaks and then burps, slapping his hand over his mouth.

“Oh f*ck,” I whisper as he shoots up out of his seat and makes a mad dash for the exit. “Where the hell is he going?” I say out loud to myself. Christ, I did not intend to be someone’s babysitter tonight!

I follow Benji out of the ballroom—a bit more gracefully than him—and stroll outside to find him hunched over a waste bin retching his guts out. “Benjiiii,” I groan, looking away so I won’t make myself sick as well. Mustn’t smell it, Vi. Mustn’t smell it!

“You guys okay?” Leslie asks, hurrying after us.

I shake my head and gesture silently to the scene because it truly does speak for itself. I think I might even hear Benji weeping. Theo comes out next and assesses the situation in that brooding way he’s got about him.

“You can’t get him in a cab like that. The driver will take one look at him and tell you to get stuffed,” he says, removing his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Damn, he really looks like his brother without his glasses on. “He lives in Notting Hill,” I say, placing my hands on my hips. “It’s not terribly far…Maybe I can lump him onto the Tube?”

“The hell you can!” Leslie admonishes. “Theo, go get Hayden. He’s sober. He can take them.”

“No!” I exclaim and then rein in my reaction since Theo and Leslie gawk at me in shock. “No…thank you, but that’s completely unnecessary. Really, I’ll figure something out.”

“Stop, Vi. It’s no trouble. Theo…go.”

Theo doesn’t even hesitate before he takes off back into the ballroom. Oh God, this is going to be awkward. “I really wish you’d just let me figure this out, Leslie. I’m a big girl.”

“I know you are, but that’s what friends are for!” she says, gazing over at Benji apologetically. “Poor bastard. Your heart was in the right place.”

“Yeah, well, don’t feel too sorry for him. It was self-inflicted.”

A moment later, Hayden and Theo are outside and Hayden does not look pleased. We connect eyes and annoyance is written all over his features.

“Thanks, Hayden. Our hero with a chariot!” Leslie sings with glee.

Hayden’s eyes narrow on me. “I just hope he doesn’t vomit in the car.” He hands the keys to the valet who hurries off to bring the car around.