Page 32 of The Good Neighbour

“Thanks,” Alexander replied. “I had it made.”

Hugh inspected the dress with his expert eye. “You can tell. It’s fabulous.”

Alexander did a spin, evidently enjoying the attention.

“This place looks amazing,” Zac said to Simon. “Rodrigo has really outdone himself.”

“You have no idea the amount of planning that has gone into it all,” Simon replied. “Just wait until you see the body part finger food.”

They all burst out laughing.

“I won’t be eating,” Hugh said. “This lycra is stretched to capacity already.”

“I can see that,” Alexander replied, glancing at Hugh’s crotch.

Josh had also noticed the sizeable bulge and had suggested a silver bumbag. Hugh had seemed unconcerned about his grand reveal.

“I couldn’t be bothered tucking tonight,” he explained.

“If you’ve got it, flaunt it,” Alexander said, staring directly at Josh.

Before he could reply, the doors burst open and Madeline Morrison swept in. She looked incredible as Morticia. The black dress she had on clung to every curve and her makeup positively glowed. Although most people were used to celebrities, something about Madeline commanded every room she found herself in. Whether it was a movie premiere or the local smoothie shop.

“Shit,” Alexander said. “Now that’s an entrance.”

Hugh practically had stars in his eyes.

Josh supposed that Operation Madeline was officially on.

Mercury and Nick followed her into the room in old-school Batman and Robin garb.

“Will you introduce me?” Hugh whispered.

Josh didn’t really have much choice. Before he had a chance to make their excuses, someone grabbed hold of his hand.

“Joshua, how wonderful to see you here.”

“Mrs Wimpole!”

She was dressed as Mary Poppins. The perfect costume for the doyenne of Queens Crescent. The Professor lurked behind her as Indiana Jones.

“Looking great, Mrs W.”

“Thank you, Alexander,” she replied, beaming. “And who do we have here?”

She stared directly at Hugh. Josh shuddered.

“Hugh Mottram,” he said. “I’m housesitting for Jeannie Butler.”

Mrs Wimpole frowned. “I didn’t know about that. You must be very good at staying under the radar.”

It was unheard of for things to happen on their street without her knowledge.

“Welcome to our little world,” the Professor said, shaking Hugh’s hand.

No matter what happened, Mrs Wimpole and the Professor seemed to find themselves in the thick of it. Most of the couples attending the party had been given a helping hand by one or both of them.

“Josh has been giving me a running commentary,” Hugh said. “You are lucky to live in such a wonderful place. Wherever I’ve lived in London, neighbours are like strangers.”