35. Melissa

CHAPTER 35

MELISSA

THE FOLLOWING WEEK – MARCIE'S PARTY

E ach time I glanced at my engagement ring, a rush of disbelief and joy hit me. Even a week after Marko's proposal, the sight of it still sent my heart racing, a constant reminder of how perfectly our whirlwind romance had aligned.

I looked over at Marko, deep in conversation with Miki and Romi. We were at Glitz, their new London nightclub, celebrating Marcie's 29th birthday. The VIP area was ours for the night, and the party was in full swing with everyone who mattered—except Luca. He was MIA, and the guys were starting to worry. He'd texted earlier saying he needed to grab something from his apartment, but we hadn't heard from him since. Still, Luca could take care of himself, so I expected he would turn up soon.

Claire handed me another glass of bubbly, and we laughed at Marcie, who was dancing on the table after one too many drinks. Gracie, Sonia, and Eilidh eyed our champagne glasses with longing. Eilidh was just newly pregnant, but the other two were further along, and alcohol was out for all three.

I eyed their bellies, a secret smile tugging at my lips. Though I was on contraception and not ready for a baby just yet, Marko and I had talked about it. We planned to marry in the next few months then finally go travelling for a couple of months for our honeymoon. I longed for a baby, but not yet; I wanted to enjoy some alone time with Marko first. We had adventures to go on before we started a family.

Loud, out of tune singing brought my thoughts back to the party and my gaze shifted back to Marcie, who was screeching at the top of her lungs, the words to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls.

Wincing, I clutched my ears as her screams of "Tell me what you want, what you really, really want," threatened to burst my eardrums. God, she was awful! But I had to admire her spirit. Marcie was certainly going for it, determined to make the most of her night. Her best friend, and Gracie's cousin Claire, was up there beside her, giving it everything, singing, and giggling right along with her. That surprised me because I'd heard that Claire, who was apparently an up-and-coming defence lawyer was known as the "Ice Queen" and a bit of a ball-breaker at work. I hadn't expected her to have such a fun side.

The DJ played another song, and Eilidh joined Marcie and Claire on the table. Miki, looking worried, took up position behind her as the three women danced wildly on one of the table. I noticed that Anton was staying close to Marcie too, as he had most of the night and anytime I saw them together. I had asked Marko if there was something going on there and he said no. He told me that Marcie had a crush on Anton, but it wasn't reciprocated. However, with the way Anton watched, I wasn't sure that was true.

Pursing my lips, I wondered if I should step in and do something about the situation. After all, my match making seemed to be working for Trigger. Maybe I could take it up as another hobby.

"Not joining them?" Marko shouted in my ear over the noise as he grabbed hold of me from behind.

"I don't think any more people can safely fit on that table. And have you seen the way they are flinging their arms around? One of them is likely to fall off any minute." I laughed, all thoughts of matchmaking fleeing as he nibbled on my neck.

Just as I said that Marcie went flying backwards, but luckily Anton was there to catch her.

"Alright, birthday girl, time to quit dancing on tables!" he said, easing her down into a seat. Plopping down next to her, he handed her a glass of water. "Drink!" he told her with a disapproving shake of his head.

Marko pulled me aside. "I need you," he said as he dragged me through a staff door and into a small storage cupboard where he proceeded to show me just how much.

When we finally emerged from the cupboard, Marcie was clinging to Anton, trying to sway with him in a clumsy attempt at a slow dance. She was clearly plastered, struggling to stay upright while Anton looked like he was bracing for impact. It was obvious she needed to go home.

Without missing a beat, Anton grabbed her bag and jacket. "Alright, birthday girl, time to head home," he said, guiding her into a seat and draping her jacket over her shoulders. Claire tried to mask her amusement behind her glass, clearly entertained by the scene.

Marcie gave her best pout, then promptly threw up all over herself before passing out. Anton just shook his head, a resigned smile on his lips. "I'll take her home," he said, scooping her up with surprising ease.