‘I didn’t see,’ I reply. ‘She was in a cubicle so I only heard her voice.’
Before Kelsey can respond, Neil strolls back to the table, looking far too pleased with himself.
‘Oh, here he is,’ Kelsey says with faux sweetness. ‘You look sheepish. Were you in the car, watching some silly sport?’
‘Guilty,’ Neil says, grinning. ‘But I have to. You’re marrying a rugged manly man, remember?’
You can tell he’s laying it on thick, joking around, trying to charm his way out of trouble. It’s definitely working. Kelsey rolls her eyes but smiles, clearly amused.
‘Is Todd still there?’ I ask.
Neil blinks.
‘Oh, erm… no, I was on my own.’
‘Oh,’ I say simply.
Kelsey’s already scanning the room, her eyes quick and sharp.
‘He’s over there,’ she tells me, nodding toward the far end of the barn.
I follow her gaze. Todd’s at the bar, talking to the barman,who’s gesturing with his hands like he’s giving directions. Probably to the toilets.
‘If he gets looking at the old house, he might not come back until it gets dark,’ I joke.
Eventually, the lights dim and the music starts to shift. The crowd parts slightly as the DJ introduces the first dance, and the bride and groom step out together, ready to tick off another wedding to-do.
Kelsey and I fall quiet, watching them sway together in the middle of the barn.
‘Unchained Melody’ by the Righteous Brothers – sort of what I expected for a classy affair like this. Something classic but crowd-pleasing.
When it’s time to join the happy couple, everyone starts reaching for their partners and takes to the floor.
I glance around, hoping Todd’s made it back in time. For a moment I can’t see him, and I’m just about to feel disappointed when I spot him in the doorway to the barn.
Just in time.
I hurry over to him, weaving through the tables, dodging chairs and flower arrangements, and take his hand without thinking. His palm’s warm but stiff, like it’s braced for something. I pull him toward the dance floor, smiling up at him.
I know he’s not a big fan of dancing, but he usually makes an exception for first dances at weddings.
‘I thought you’d abandoned me,’ I say with a soft laugh, trying to keep it light and not sound like I’m criticising him, but he does seem a little more awkward than usual today.
Todd doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t even fake a smile.
‘It was just a joke,’ I say, a little quieter now. My stomach twists.
Still nothing.
‘What’s wrong?’ I ask, keeping my voice low, aware of all the people around us swaying and smiling, lost in their own little bubbles. We’re just another couple dancing.
Todd opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. His jaw clenches, like he’s having to wrestle with his words.
‘Todd?’ I press.
He’s scaring me now.
‘It’s not working,’ he says eventually, not even looking me in the eye.
