‘I love that you’re offering, but no. I don’t want any more confrontations. Let’s just get this over with.’

Twenty-Two

NOW

I turn around just as Cassie comes within shouting distance. To my surprise, I find that I’m suddenly past caring about Cassie Barrington and all her drama.

‘Hi, Zoe,’ she cries with far too much enthusiasm. ‘Just wanted to wish you and Toby a really happy anniversary. You look stunning, by the way.’

‘Thanks,’ I reply coolly, resisting being my usual polite self and returning the compliment. I’m sure she knows just how beautiful she looks without me boosting her ego.

‘Yeah, thanks for the invite,’ her American boyfriend drawls. ‘It’s been an interesting evening.’

‘Indeed.’ I give them both a thin-lipped smile that doesn’t extend to my eyes.

‘Still no Dina, I see,’ she says with false concern. ‘Looks like you were mistaken and she’s not back in town after all.’

For a moment, I’m stunned into further silence by her breath-taking insensitivity. I manage to stutter out a strangled, ‘Looks that way.’ I try to swallow down my emotions, to stop the biting retorts that fly to my lips like a swarm of wasps. I manage to stay silent, refusing to be drawn into whatever bitchy game she’s playing.

‘Cassie…’ Toby’s voice is icy. ‘If you can’t say anything nice, please just go home. You’ve already caused enough drama here for one day.’

‘What? I didn’t say anything wrong. I was just asking after my friend’s sister. And that thing earlier was hardly my fault. Zoe’s psycho boss was responsible for that.’

‘Fine, but right now, your insensitivity is upsetting my wife.’ Toby fixes Cassie with a stony glare.

‘Like I said, I was only asking about her sister.’ Cassie looks mortally offended, as if she truly didn’t realise that her words would cause hurt. But she forgets how well I know her. ‘If Zoe’s that sensitive then that’s—’

Toby holds up a hand. ‘Let me just stop you there. This isn’t a debate; this is our anniversary party and we’d both like you to leave.’

Her skin pales ever so slightly, and then she gives a light shrug. ‘That’s fine. We weren’t planning on staying. It’s not really our thing. Nice to see you guys though.’ She turns and leaves with Whatshisface trailing in her wake.

The party comes back into focus again and I let out a breath before leaning in to hug my husband. ‘Did I ever tell you how glad I am that I married you?’

His arms stay around me. ‘Yes, but you can keep on telling me; I don’t mind. This is our night, Zoe. Cassie Barrington can piss off.’