Page 4 of In the Frame

“That’s all very well and good, except my new suit’s ruined, and my night’s only beginning.” His voice is cold, like the ice cubes and Bellini slush at our feet. His stormy gaze withers me to my core.

This is definitely the biggest serving disaster I’ve accomplished to date.

“I’m sorry. Really, really mortifyingly embarrassed sort of sorry.” I set the tray down on the table because it’s certainly not any use now.

Florian’s jaw clenches. Forcing myself to look away, I scan the room and look at the standing group around what may or may not have been Table 23. “I’ll take you to Table 27.”

God knows if it’s actually Table 27, but close enough, and Kat’s seen the disaster over here.

“Sounds great,” Billy agrees cheerfully, while his friends nod.

Except Florian. “Where’s the WC? I need to wring my suit out before I go home.”

“Oh no, let me help. I’m sure wringing out a suit can’t be good for it. Not that I’m an expert on suit upkeep. I mean—I mean, let me get you some bar cloths to help dry off. Or… something. What do you need?” I scan his face.

“To leave.”

“No, no, I don’t want to ruin your night⁠—”

“It’s too late for that,” Florian snaps.

Billy rolls his eyes, linking arms with Florian, who practically pouts. Then Billy turns to me with a flourish. “Would you please show us to the new table? Excuse Florian, he’s dreadful. Truly the worst.”

Florian shoots him a warning look, but at last relaxes enough to let Billy take his arm properly. Billy must be his boyfriend, judging by the ease of their body language together. Who knew that a grump like Florian could find love in this huge city, but not me?

Banishing that thought as I turn on my heel, I lead the way to the elevated VIP mezzanine that slightly overlooks the bar with the best seats in the house. I take them to the empty table. They all settle in.

Except Florian, of course.

To be fair, he does look rather soggy and miserable. His wet suit clings to him.

“Look, I do have towels,” I tell him urgently.

“My problem is bigger than a towel.” Florian shakes his head, frowning as he looks down at himself. “What I need is a new suit.”

“I—” My face heats up as I think about what he might keep hidden behind a towel. Of course I went there. Please let him think I’m just plain useless and now not thinking inappropriate thoughts about him. Or his body. Oh God. Way to make a bad situation worse, Matty. “Wait. I have an idea. Or a suit.”

“You have a suit?” Florian asks skeptically.

“Well, actually… yes. Hear me out.” I eye him, giving him the once-over. We’re about the same height, and if anything, he’s slimmer than me, but a slightly too-big suit might be a better option than a glass-covered and spirits-soaked suit. And, most importantly, it’s dry. “My flat’s just around the corner. I have a suit there that you can use. I mean, I’m not wearing it tonight, am I?” I gesture at myself, slightly damp, but no comparison to Florian. “It’s the least I could do.”

Billy looks thoughtful. “That’s a generous offer. Beats going all the way back to South Kensington. Why not try it?” he suggests to Florian. “You’ve done wilder things back in uni.”

Florian looks scandalized. “I would never borrow a strange man’s suit.”

“Live dangerously. It’s either that or not get into the club,” Billy points out to him with a shrug. “They have a no glass dress code.”

“It’s not even five minutes away, my flat,” I offer. “Well, my mate’s flat. I’m flat-sitting, though I’m sure you don’t care about that. It’s my break now, and you could come with me, change, and I’ll arrange to have your suit dry-cleaned, and you can pick it up here from the bar in a couple of days’ time.” Feeling breathless, I stop and give Florian a chance to digest my rush of words, just as I see Kat arrive at the scene of the crime with a mop and towels. “I’ll give you a minute to think on that. I’ll be right back.”

I hurry over to Kat. “Please, let me do that. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s alright. Things happen, and it’s time for your break.” Kat lets me take the bar cloths from her to mop up the table and gather the glass into a dustpan. “I told Alexander I had an accident.”

I gawp at her. “You didn’t!”

Kat gives me a conspiratorial grin. “If you don’t tell him, I won’t. Unless you want his wrath. And the hunt for a new gig.”

“I really need this job.” I’m beyond grateful. “I can’t believe you covered for me. Thanks so much. I’ll have to do something to thank you.”