Chapter 35
ALICIA
As Noah and I took our seats on the hotel’s grand terrace I gasped.
I knew that the wedding set-up would be stunning, I mean, hello. This was the Love Hotel. Everything they did was first-class. Even the toilet paper was extra luxe.
But this? What Sammie, the team and the wedding planners had done, was out of this world.
First up, let’s start with the view.
Obvs, Sammie and her colleagues didn’t build the hotel or create the sea, so I can’t credit them for that, but seriously, it was… wow.
A grand white gazebo decorated with pretty white and peach flowers had been set up at the edge of the caldera, giving us breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, the volcano and surroundings.
Rows of white chairs with plush white cushions filled the space.
In one corner, a suited and booted male pianist played a classical version of a pop song that I knew, but couldn’t remember the name of on a white piano, whilst a female violinist dressed in a flowing blue dress played along.
Everything was sheer perfection.
‘Not bad, eh?’ Noah said.
‘It’s stunning!’
As the rows began to fill up, I waved and smiled at the people I recognised. When I saw Trish and Brian a big grin spread across my face. I was excited to talk to them and listen to their words of wisdom.
Last night with Noah was epic. I felt closer to him than ever before. And although it was risky, I was seriously considering starting a relationship when we got back to London. I knew that was what Noah wanted and if we could make it work, it’d be amazing.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I pictured us going for walks hand in hand, cooking together, laughing and spending long weekends in bed making love.
It’d be bliss.
But what if it doesn’t work?
Even considering the possibility of a relationship with Noah was a big deal.
Of course I wanted to, with all my heart, but I was still nervous about the risks.
Really nervous.
The butterflies in my stomach quickly disappeared and were replaced with knots.
Beads of sweat formed on my forehead and I quickly wiped them away with the back of my hand.
I was scared shitless.
Absolutely terrified.
The stakes were so high.
Once bitten, twice shy, right?
I didn’t want history to repeat itself and for our friendship to be ruined.
No.
I pushed the doubts out of my head.
I took few deep calming breaths and my heart rate stabilised again.
It’d be fine.
Once Trish had given me one of her great pep talks and regaled me with the joys of dating your best friend, I reckoned that’d give me the extra shot of courage I needed to suggest to Noah that we take the leap.
Trish didn’t know it yet, but she was about to become my relationship mentor. I didn’t have the greatest track record when it came to dating, so I needed all of the help I could get to make sure things went smoothly with me and Noah.
This wasn’t just some random guy I’d met on a dating app. Noah’s friendship was everything to me, so I couldn’t risk fucking this up.
I was about to go and say hi, but then I saw Trish swat Brian’s hand away from her arm then she gave him a look that was so dirty, a hundred showers couldn’t wash it off.
Huh? That was strange. They were normally laughing and smiling together.
I supposed no couple could be whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears twenty-four seven. Maybe he’d pissed her off by leaving the toilet seat up or something.
I’d catch up with them later.
The moment I saw Petros and Romeo take their seats, I guessed that the wedding would be starting soon.
When I looked around I noticed that all the seats were filled.
I spotted Cassie with a handsome Frenchman who I immediately knew was her husband.
Somehow, he just oozed wealth. His hair and the cut of his suit were immaculate.
‘That’s the billionaire,’ I whispered to Noah then tilted my head in Cassie and her husband’s direction.
‘D’you think now’s a good time to talk to him about a loan for my first Lamborghini?’ Noah joked and I prodded his bicep. God, I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of touching that.
‘If anyone’s getting a loan, it’ll be me! Remember, I’ve got that mansion to buy with the walk-in wardrobe.’
‘And the knicker drawer,’ Noah added.
‘Exactly! And shouldn’t you be buying your table tennis table before the Lamborghini?’
‘Good point. Maybe I’ll ask for a bigger loan to cover both.’ He laughed.
‘Oooh and look!’ I gasped. ‘It’s Jake!’
Noah followed my gaze.
‘Should I be worried about you crushing on him?’ He raised an unimpressed eyebrow.
‘Don’t worry, No-No,’ I said using an ancient childhood nickname I used to have for him, ‘you know I only have eyes for you. I just love his music, that’s all.’
‘Sure, sure.’ He laughed and I took the opportunity to plant a soft reassuring kiss on his lips.
I might have had posters of Jake on my wall when I was younger, but Noah was the only man I was crushing hard on. He ticked all my boxes and more. I still didn’t know how I hadn’t realised it sooner.
As the saying goes though, better late than never.
The musicians switched to playing another song, then a flurry of cheers sounded from behind me. When I turned around, I saw Max walking down the aisle in a light blue linen suit, with his best friend, who if I remember correctly was called Colton.
He took his place at the gazebo. Then a few minutes later, the cheers grew louder as Stella sashayed down the aisle with Sammie and Jasmine as her bridesmaids.
They all looked incredible. Stella had a long flowing white dress with an intricately embroidered veil, and Sammie and Jasmine were wearing pretty peach bridesmaids’ dresses.
The ceremony flew by in a flash and I admit that I may have shed a happy tear or two.
When Noah caught me welling up, he’d taken my hand, given it a squeeze, then leant over and planted a soft kiss on my cheek.
For a moment I wondered whether that could be us one day. The thought made my belly instantly flip and I warned it to calm down.
Although starting a relationship with Noah was now a possibility I was open to, thinking about us getting hitched was way too premature. Next thing you know, I’d be etching Ali and Noah Forever on the back of the chair.
As Stella and Max had glided back up the aisle, everyone jumped to their feet to congratulate them.
Multiple photographers took snaps of the happy couple, the guests and the surroundings. Then before we knew it, it was time to be seated for the reception.
When Noah pulled up the seat beside me, I smiled.
‘Thank you,’ I said, giving him a quick peck. Barely twenty-four hours ago, I was worried about anyone seeing us, now I couldn’t seem to keep my lips off him in public.
‘What for?’ he asked.
‘For being here. For being you. For always being so supportive and utterly amazing.’
‘Go on…’ he said as a ginormous smile spread across his face. ‘A guy could get used to all these compliments.’
‘And a guy could get a big head if I mention any more. But just for the record, I have a lot of things to compliment you on. Some are suitable for mentioning in public. Others not so much…’ I teased.
‘You’ll have to tell me all about those ones later.’ Noah’s smile widened, reaching all the way to his eyes. I loved the way it made his whole face light up when he smiled like that.
‘In all seriousness though,’ I continued. ‘I meant what I’d said. I’m so happy that it’s you I’m here with.’
Spending this special day with Noah had been magical. When I thought about the fact that I could’ve been with Adonis right now, a cold shiver shot down my spine.
Being with Noah was a zillion times better. I was so glad things had turned out the way they had.
After the speeches and a delicious five-course gourmet meal, the DJ declared that the dance floor was open.
Noah and I shook a leg before we went to watch the photographer take sunset photos of Stella and Max.
The terrace was now decorated with strings of fairy lights and it looked even more romantic.
Jake performed three of his biggest hits for the guests and I was blown away by his voice.
You could’ve knocked me over with a feather when there was a tap on my shoulder and I turned around to find Halle standing there with her rock star boyfriend.
‘H-hi!’ I stuttered, my voice going squeaky.
‘Hey,’ Noah said, first to Halle then to Jake before holding out his hand for him to shake. ‘Loved your performance.’
‘Thanks, man!’ Jake ignored his hand and pulled Noah into a bear hug instead.
‘This is Alicia and her boyfriend, Noah,’ Halle added.
Hearing Noah being called my boyfriend instead of my best friend sounded weird. But good weird.
‘It’s so lovely to meet you,’ I said, finally recovering the ability to string a coherent sentence together.
‘Likewise.’ Jake leant forward and gave me two cheek kisses.
This holiday really had been a surprise on every level.
If someone would’ve told me a few months ago that not only would I get to go to the Love Hotel in Santorini, but that I’d also end up sleeping with my best friend, plus meet a rock star and make a load of cool new female friends, I would’ve laughed in their face.
This really was a dream holiday and I was gutted that I’d be going back to London tomorrow.
We chatted to Halle and Jake for a good ten minutes, before we bumped into Romeo.
‘Sorry, guys,’ I said, ‘but I’m bursting for the loo. I’ll be back in a sec.’
I gave Noah a quick kiss then raced to the nearest toilet.
When I came out, I spotted Trish and Brian down one of the hotel’s walkways that was away from the main terrace. Their voices were raised and she was gesticulating angrily. Seconds later he stormed off.
Trish’s head dropped in her hands and I couldn’t be sure from this distance, but it looked like she was crying.
What the hell was going on?