Chapter 23
23
POPPY
I danced with Joel and his friends to several great tracks but by half ten it was obvious that Imogen was spent and needed sleep. Darcie admitted she was tired too and happy to go to bed. Joel scooped his daughter up – so adorable – and said he’d be back soon. I told him I’d be in the snug when he was ready.
I ordered a soft drink, parked myself at a table with two squidgy armchairs and took my phone out, spotting a message from Phil.
From Phil
Great night tonight! Sorry I had to leave you early but hope it’s going well with Joel and you’re being brave
To Phil
Loved seeing you tonight. We’ve talked a bit and danced a lot. He’s just taking his daughter back to the room and then we’re having a drink. I want to do this but I don’t think I’m brave enough
From Phil
You’re the bravest woman I know and the only one stopping you taking the next step is you. And, despite what I said earlier, the next step doesn’t have to be a big one. It just has to be forwards
To Phil
I can do forwards. Thank you. Hopefully see you again really soon x
Forwards. I could definitely do that. Bit of flirting? Maybe a kiss? I crossed my legs, the split in the dress revealing a fair bit of leg. Seductive. I could do that… I uncrossed my legs with a sigh. No, I definitely couldn’t do that. This wasn’t me. I wasn’t the sort of person who flirted with a stranger, and I certainly wasn’t the sort to take anything further. It was time for bed. My bed. Alone. I picked up my clutch bag and hastily left, but I hadn’t made it far along the corridor when Joel appeared.
‘You were leaving.’
I wasn’t sure if it was a statement or a question.
‘Yes.’
‘I’m sorry I was a while. Imogen wanted me to wait until she’d fallen asleep and?—’
‘It’s not that. I’d never dream of rushing you with your daughter. It’s just that…’
‘I can take it,’ he said, his voice soft, his eyes warm.
‘It’s me. This. I really like you. In fact, you’re the first person I’ve been attracted to in a scary number of years, but it’s all got a bit overwhelming – place I don’t know, guest at a wedding of people I don’t really know, trying to flirt with a stranger and thinking all sorts of thoughts about that person which I shouldn’t be thinking, especially when he’s at a wedding with his daughter and, although I’ve heard rumours there isn’t a wife or girlfriend in the picture, I haven’t categorically confirmed that and…’ I’d run out of steam and shrugged apologetically.
Joel smiled. ‘There’s no wife or girlfriend and, as you’ve been honest, I will be too. I’m attracted to you – very attracted – and have also been thinking all sorts of things, but I have no expectations for any of them. What I’d love to do is have a drink and a chat and hopefully scratch off that stranger thing. But if you don’t want that, I understand, and we can say goodnight with my thanks for your first aid and stain removal expertise.’
That made me smile and diminished the nerves a little.
‘If it helps, it’s scary for me too. I’m crap at this sort of thing which is why I’ve been single for more years than I care to say. Women usually friend zone me immediately and I don’t know how to stop that happening so there’s no need to worry about after because I can pretty much guarantee there won’t be an after.’
The words and the tone were flippant but the sincerity in his eyes suggested that being labelled as a friend had caused some pain in the past. I could see beyond the joke and feel the vulnerability.
‘What do you say?’ he prompted.
‘I say okay, let’s scratch off that stranger thing.’
We returned to the bar but, in the short time we’d been talking, it had filled up and was the busiest I’d seen it all night. The volume of chatter and laughter wasn’t going to be conducive to a getting-to-know-you conversation.
Joel must have had the same thoughts as me. ‘Where did this lot spring from?’
‘I’m guessing the DJ made an unpopular track choice.’
‘What if I get a bottle of wine and we find somewhere quieter?’
‘There were some alcoves with chairs in them near the room where Amber and Barney got married,’ I suggested.
‘Perfect. Why don’t you grab an alcove while I go to the bar? And if you do want to leave but were uncomfortable saying it to my face just now, that’s your embarrassment-free escape route.’
‘I’m not going to run, but I’m still nervous.’
‘Me too. But I think that’s a good thing. It shows we both care. See you shortly.’ He held up his crossed fingers and the hopeful smile he gave me melted my heart. Yes, I did care and that was surprising after such a short time. Something in my gut was telling me that Joel was going to be a very important person in my life, and I had no idea why. I was the practical accountant – not someone who believed in fate, destiny or gut feelings. But everything about my trip to Yorkshire so far felt very much like destiny at play. I loved it here and felt more like me than I had in a very long time. And the thought of leaving on Monday made me feel a little tearful.