Page 30 of Waiting for a Prince

“Sure, he’s all smiles right now. But you didn’t hear him seven months ago. He was serious. And I’m not going to putmyself through that again. I don’t need it. Do you hear me?” Her strident voice made him wince.

Maybe he should tell his dad and get it over with.

It couldn’t be any worse than the torture Rebecca was subjecting him to.

Could it?

“There’s a party Friday night at Suzanne’s house. I said we’d be there.”

He knew better than to argue.

“Fine. Let me know what time you want me to pick you up.”

His voice sounded flat to his own ears.

Not flat—dead.

Chapter Ten

Saturday, August 17

Sonia threadedher arm through Mark’s as they walked down the hill. He didn’t have the car today so it was taking him out of his way, but he’d wanted the chance to talk with her all that Saturday. Unfortunately, it had been a really busy day for the salon, and the opportunity had never arisen.

Busy day? It had been a busyweek.

Then he realized it had been longer than that since they’d had a really good chat.

Real life gets in the way sometimes.

“So, do you have plans for tonight?”

Mark shook his head. “Not really.”

“Not even a trip to Portsmouth?”

He’d thought about it—for all of ten seconds—and hewastired of having nothing but his right hand to play with.

What hereallywanted was to call Sam and maybe meet up with him. Again.

Yeah, because I really need to crush on the guy who’s become my best friend.

Mark loved spending time with Sam, although he’d noticed a pattern to their chats.

Sam steadfastly avoided any mention of Rebecca.

Which was fine, in Mark’s opinion, because he didn’t need to be reminded of her existence. But in his quieter moments, he would think back on their conversations. The more he reflected on Sam’s reticence to talk about his girlfriend, the more he became convinced something was going on.

What that something was, however, he had no idea.

“Where are you, Mark? You’re miles away.”

Sonia’s words broke through his internal meanderings. He pulled himself together to find her staring at him in amusement.

“Sorry,” he apologized sheepishly. He tightened his arm around hers.

She pulled a face. “I can’t believe we haven’t had time to chat these last few weeks.” The salon had been fully booked, keeping all the staff very busy, Mark included. “So how were the Cowes fireworks? As spectacular as ever?”

Mark gave a shrug. “I wouldn’t know. I left before they got going.”