Charlie had graced the audience with her presence just beforeit started, blaming Arlo for needing another story before he’d settle with Grandad. Now, in the after-hours hotel bar, the gang debriefed on the evening and reminisced on old times.
“Elda was undoubtedly a lovesick puppy when she turned up at my doorstep.” Sylvie wiped away her tears of laughter.
“Charlie was no better. She was wasting away with all the pining,” Jack said, fanning his face.
Elda put her hands on her hips. “Okay, you two. I think I prefer it when you’re sparring with each other rather than ganging up on me.”
“We probably wouldn’t have made it, if it weren’t for you two.” Charlie raised her glass. “Jack practically pushed me into the Channel Tunnel, and Sylvie gave me a good talking to.”
“Liar. You trot out that tired old line every time we’re all together.” Jack tipped his chin. “We all know you were desperate for Elda, and you would’ve followed her to the ends of the earth.”
Charlie kissed Elda. “Fine. You two had nothing to do with it.”
Julius rose. “Who wants another drink?”
They all nodded and raised their empty glasses.
“Isn’t he a keeper?” Jack said, his gaze following Julius to the bar.
“He is. Don’t fuck it up.” Elda shot him a warning look, then followed it with a comedy smile.
“Hey, I’m a changed man. The only one of us who’s still single is Sylvie.” Jack pretended to play a tiny violin. “When are you going to make it official with your California girl?”
Official was a funny word. Were they official, for now? She squirmed beneath the scrutiny of three pairs of eyes. “We’re just having fun.”
Jack’s eyes sparkled. “Fun for now, or fun forever?”
Elda laid her hand across Sylvie’s. “Leave her be, Jack. It’s not that simple for everyone, is it?”
The sympathy only served to remind her how sad it would be when Ade was no longer around. Her jaw tightened. “I wish it wasforever, but I can’t make her stay.”
“Can’t you go?” Jack asked.
The question so simple, but the answer was so very complicated.
“We can’t all upend our lives for love.” Charlie twisted a coaster in her fingers.
“You would’ve done for Elda, though, wouldn’t you?” Sylvie asked.
Charlie glanced at Elda with a tenderness. “Yeah. But giving up your life’s purpose for love isn’t the only option. If you two are meant to be, then you’ll find a way.” She took Elda’s hand. “We made it work, didn’t we?”
“We absolutely did. But I get where Sylvie’s coming from. California is so much further away. We didn’t have the Atlantic between us.” Elda twisted in her seat. “Are you really serious about her?”
Sylvie resisted the shrug that would casually brush off the question. If she couldn’t be honest with her closest group of friends, who was she kidding? “I’ve never really trodden this path before. The only blueprint I have for this kind of whirlwind is you two.”
“Praise indeed.” Jack whistled into the remains of his cocktail. “I’m with you though, Sylvie. These two have created a pretty high bar when it comes to finding love.”
“But that’s it.” Sylvie cleared her throat. “I think I’ve reached that bar. Ade is everything. I’m just not sure where that leaves us in a few months’ time.”
Julius returned with a tray of drinks. “Who died?”
“Sylvie’s love life.”
“Not yet.” Sylvie punched Jack’s arm. “Plenty of juice in the tank for now.”
“That’s what she said.” Jack guffawed, leaning on Elda for support.
“Don’t change, Jack. Never change,” said Sylvie.
