She remembered the family gathering last Christmas, all tucked around the dinner table about to tuck into the turkey. Her Aunt Veronica, with too much sherry inside her, started harping on at her. ‘Isn’t it time you found yourself a boyfriend, rather than follow that career of yours?’ She hadn’t let it rest all day. Her insides turned cold, even now. Not to mention the endless ‘So how’s your love life these days Soph?’ from a variety of younger, male cousins. ‘Still single, eh?’
Irritated, she snatched the wedding invitation from an unsuspecting James. She didn’t exactly date much, but she couldn’t admit that, could she? It wasn’t that she was shy. In fact she used to be much more outgoing … and why she had thought that she might have found someone to go with her. The months had whizzed by and her only social outlet was The White Lion on a Friday night. It was her own fault. She should have gone out more, accepted James and Kate’s invitations.
"I'd go with you, for the champagne and food of course!” James said, smiling. Sophie clicked her tongue. “But as you know I’m going –”
“Yes, to that bloody meeting in Manchester.” Most of her colleagues were going next Friday and tonight they’d been talking about extending it to the weekend. Sophie wished she was attending. It would be the perfect excuse. But she’d actually booked the time off ages ago in preparation for the wedding. Months ago she’d psyched herself up, telling herself that she could attend it. Now it came to actually going, her confidence had gone. “Besides, I don’t think Kate would appreciate you going away with me for a weekend.”
“True. She likes you a lot, Sophie. But even Kate might find that difficult to swallow.” He laughed. “But what if Kate went with you?”
Sophie smiled, understanding James’ offer, though not particularly enamoured he was still pressing the matter. “You’re sweet. Thank you, but it’s not really a case –”
“Soph, come on. Would you go if you had someone to go with?”
“Um … ” Yes, she would. But did it sound pathetic? She frowned. Adam walked towards them carrying a glass of wine and a greying dishcloth.
“Sorry, queue at the bar,” he said, handing Sophie her glass. She wasn’t sure if it were true, yet was glad he’d taken his time.
James suddenly beamed. “Adam, you’ll go with Sophie, won’t you?”
Sophie nearly spat out her wine.
“What?” He stared at James, shocked – or horrified even? – stopping mid-wipe with the cloth.
Sophie waved her hands in protest. “Seriously, it’s not that big a deal. I’ll cancel.” She took a gulp of her wine, Dutch courage was really required now.
“No, no, no.” James placed his hand on hers and squeezed it. Once he had an idea in his head, he didn’t stop or even listen. “Adam, you’ll do it, won’t you?”
Sophie glanced around again, hoping no one would take any notice. Good job they weren’t in the office otherwise she’d be the talk of the whole building. She imagined the sniggers.
“Just go along so she doesn’t get all those awkward and annoying questions, you know, like ‘why aren’t you married yet? You’re working too hard at that office.’ ”
Sophie laughed, and even Adam couldn’t hold back a smile. James sounded exactly like an old lady, not dissimilar to her Aunt Veronica.
“Well, I’m not sure,” Adam stammered. Unable to look Sophie in the eye, he picked up his pint.
Sophie sobered. Maybe he’d do it for someone prettier. And smarter. She hardly compared to Bella. Automatically Sophie brushed her hands down her trousers. She couldn’t blame him. Adam was well out of her league. He played Premiership; she was way down in second division.
“Adam, honestly, don’t listen to him,” Sophie said, pointlessly dabbing the cloth over the table. “You don’t have to. I’ll say I’m not going.”
“Rubbish!” James interrupted. Sophie quickly glared at him.
“James –”
“Go on,” James cut in, ignoring her. “You’ll charm the socks off the wedding guests.” He grinned.
“Sophie looks quite capable of standing on her own two feet,” Adam said, giving her a smile. It wasn’t huge, but enough to make her heart flutter. He’d just made her feel like a million dollars. Maybe she should wear more makeup into the office after all.
Stop it.
Adam was right though, what was James suggesting? She didn’t know Adam from … Adam. Oh, God.
“You’ll be helping a lady in distress.”
“I’m not in distress!” Sophie slapped her hand down on the table.
“Ah, James, shall we go get another pint?” Adam said, giving James a stern look, then his expression softened. “Sophie, would you like anything else?”
She shook out her bag and started putting the contents back into it. “Um, no, thanks.”
***
“What do you think you’re doing?” Adam scowled at James. He’d never heard of anything so ludicrous in all his life. They both ducked the low doorframe as they entered the pub. The warmth hit them, dry and stuffy compared to outside. “Not only did you just put me in a very awkward situation, the poor girl’s embarrassed.”
“Come on, Adam, she needs a date. Just go along, charm the guests, keep them off her back. You never know, you might enjoy the weekend.” James leaned against the bar. “And Bella’s no longer on the scene, so what’s the problem?” Adam winced. Bella had wanted more than he was prepared to give. He was too busy with work. And his father expected nothing short of absolute dedication.
Adam ordered the drinks when the barmaid arrived, trying to think of arguments for not doing it. There were plenty.
“We hardly know each other.”
James nudged him and laughed. “When has that stopped you before?”
“That’s different! Besides, what have you told her about me?” Adam looked at him questioningly.
“Only what everyone else knows.” James held up his hand defensively. “If she’s ever listened to me jabber on,” James winced, “then she might think of you as ladies’ man.”
“Oh, just wonderful.” Adam shook his head.
“Look, you know I would have gone with Soph, but I’m at that damn meeting in Manchester – and you’re not.” James paused. “And even if I could, Kate loves Sophie, but I’m not even sure she’d understand this one. Come on, help a mate out,” James said, rubbing his hand through his unkempt hair. “Do it for me? You’re the only guy I can trust to do this properly.”
“I don’t know.” Adam slid his hands into his pockets. Why hadn’t he stayed at the office this evening? He’d taken the opportunity to leave on time, rarely able to join the workforce down the pub on a Friday. Now he regretted it. First Bella, and now this.
“So, how good is she … at engineering?” Adam said hesitantly.
James frowned. “She’s a bloody good design engineer. Thomas will be making her chief engineer at this rate – obviously some time yet, she’s only young.”
“So we don’t want to lose her?” Adam’s forehead creased. Would helping Sophie actually benefit him, even if only in company matters?
“No, but what’s this got to do … ? Adam, I’m asking you as a friend.”
“I know, but I might need to call in a favour.” He shrugged.
“Man,