Page 23 of Hello Darling

“Sounds boring as shit.”

“Well I guess that’s why you’ll never read the real story in the Mirror.”

“Cate wants you to know that while she is a fan of OneLove she will never listen to them again if you ask her not to.”

“Please convey my appreciation to Cate and inform her that there are no hard feelings between myself and said boy band and she may proceed to enjoy their musical stylings.”

“Dammit I was really hoping to tell her they’re banned from our home.”

“Well, I’m not going to be the one to disappoint her, I’ll leave that to you.”

“Speaking of…The reason I wanted to speak to you. We’ve finally decided to make it official, Cate and I. I’m going to be the one disappointing her for the rest of my life. We’re getting married in March.”

“Liam! I’m so happy for you, congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“About time, I suppose. You’ve been engaged for what—five years now?”

“Bit more.”

“Wow. I’m really, really happy for both of you.”

“Good, because you’re going to be a part of it. I want you to be in the wedding party. We’re doing it in Sussex, some lovely old barn or other, upcoming weekend after Valentine’s Day, so have your people ensure your availability and all that.”

I laugh. “I will alert the proper authorities. Thanks, I’d love to. I’ll do whatever you need.”

“Well, Cate would like you to bring a date who won’t make her want to tear out her own hair on her wedding day.”

“I’ll see if my mum’s available.”

We both laugh at that, but my thoughts immediately turn to Stella—which is ridiculous because I haven’t even known her for twenty-four hours. Although it really does feel like much longer. At the same time, I wonder if I can wait however many hours I’ll have to before seeing her again…

So far I think I’m handling this not rushing into anything too soon after I’ve been dumped very well.