Page 61 of A Change of Heart

“Decided to grace us with your presence after all,” he said, leaning his head back to look up at her.

Before she could answer, Rebecca stepped out of the kitchen. “Thank goodness you’re here,” she said, surprising Seren by hugging her tightly. “These two are terrible company.”

“Thanks a lot,” Felix said, giving her a friendly shove. “What do you want to drink?” he asked Seren. “If you’re not up for whisky, there’s wine … or pretty much anything. My parents keep the place well stocked with alcohol.”

“I’ll have white wine if there is some.”

“Me too.” Rebecca beamed at Seren. With her long dark curls and big brown eyes, she was a softer, feminine version of Felix. “I haven’t seen you properly in ages.”

“Yeah.” Sometimes Rebecca came into the pub with her friends; they always greeted each other warmly but never really chatted. Seren had always seen her as a reminder of Felix, and she hadn’t wanted to be reminded.

“You could help me with something … I’ll be back in one sec.” Rebecca waltzed away inside.

Cadan shrugged when Seren looked at him questioningly. “Party-planning would be my guess.”

“Where did she go?” Felix asked, coming outside with two glasses of wine in his hands.

Rebecca reappeared with a notepad and pen. “I need some advice about my birthday,” she said, pulling the chair out from under Cadan’s feet with a look of glee. “It’s in two weeks and I’m going to have a party here, but I can’t decide what to do about food.”

Cadan cast her a look of amusement. “I keep telling you, no one will care about food. It’s a load of twenty-two-year-olds. If there’s alcohol, they’ll be happy.”

“I want to make food,” Rebecca said adamantly.

“You’re causing yourself a headache for no reason,” Cadan told her.

Rebecca glared at Felix. “Can you tell your idiot friend to shut up?”

“Leave her alone,” Felix said. “It’s her birthday, she can do what she wants.” He nodded at a seat for Seren, then sat down himself.

“I can’t decide what to cook,” Rebecca said. “I guess I’ll do finger foods and make it a buffet.”

“I can order food in if you want?” Felix offered.

She insisted she wanted to cook, then rattled off a list of potential foods, asking for their opinions as she jotted down ideas. With her rosy cheeks and incessant chatter, she sounded about twelve. It made Seren feel old. With an uncomfortable jolt she realised Rebecca was the same age as Kit. She’d started to convince herself that the age gap between them wasn’t such a huge deal, but sitting with Rebecca it seemed fairly monumental.

“Thirsty?” Felix said, drawing her from her trance.

She snapped her gaze to the empty wine glass in her hand.

“I’ll bring the bottle out,” Rebecca said, then slipped inside.

Cadan lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. “Are we going to have to hear about this bloody party for the next two weeks?”

“You’re welcome to find somewhere else to stay,” Rebecca told him, returning and refilling Seren’s glass.

“And miss the party of the century?” he said with a smirk. “No chance.”

“Who said you’re invited?” she fired back. When he didn’t reply she turned to Seren. “Will you come?”

“To your birthday party?” She took a large swig of wine.

“Yes. You should come.”

“I probably wouldn’t know many people, and I think I’d raise the average age considerably.”

“Don’t be silly, you should come. It’ll be fun.”

“Maybe,” Seren said, then realised how miserable she sounded. “Thanks for the invite.”