Page 130 of The Wedding Forecast

‘For how long?’

‘A week.’

The Post-it on his book says ‘Cormac’.

‘Cormac,’ I say, looking at it, touching my finger to the words, and then up at him.

‘I wanted it to match my other signed copy.’

My hand is shaking again and I really hope he can’t see it.

I write Dear Cormac, thank you for inspiring me, and I sign my name, with three xxxs after it, no heart stamp, and I slide the book back to him. I regret the xxxs.

‘Where are you staying?’ I ask.

‘With my sister.’

‘Oh, good.’

I still can’t believe he is here. I used to picture him turning up just like this.

But now it’s all too late.

I got over you, I want to scream. I already did the work to get over you. I have Patrick now, and he’s perfect.

Claire and Samantha congratulate me, and then I need to say goodbye and thank you to Penny, and then I have to talk to various groups of people. Suddenly the launch is winding down. I can see Hayley and Luke standing with Patrick, and Mac, and Joel and Bianca and Birdie.

I approach them.

‘Hey,’ I say.

‘Hey!’ Hayley says, too brightly, her tone slightly manic. She’s been playing host and moderator and security guard all in one. Luke looks slightly sweaty.

‘Mac and Patrick are joining us for dinner,’ Hayley says, her eyes widening at me in such a way that I have to look away or I will start laughing hysterically. ‘Joel and Bianca have to get Birdie to bed.’

‘That’s a shame,’ I say, and to my credit I sound sincere.

Bianca smiles at me. She’s wearing a cute dress, and she looks gorgeous. I lean down to say hi to Birdie who looks at me coolly. I am apparently less appealing to her in the presence of her mother.

‘Anna, I just wanted to say,’ Bianca says. ‘I think you’re brilliant. This is all so impressive.’ She hitches Birdie up on her hip.

‘Oh,’ I say, surprised and a little flustered. ‘Thank you.’

‘I read your first book and it was so funny, I can’t wait to start this one.’ She smiles, and I glance at Hayley, who raises her eyebrows slightly at me. Bianca is a fan of my book. We need to unpack that piece of information at a later date.

Joel steps forward.

‘Congratulations,’ he says. He looks a little wistful. ‘Have fun tonight.’

It suddenly occurs to me he wishes he could come, that he’s sad he’s missing out, that being the only couple with a child is not always fun.

‘Thanks for coming,’ I say. This is the moment we should hug goodbye, but I am holding steadfast in my personal no-hugging-him-ever-again rule. I will shake his hand if I have to.

‘And good luck,’ he adds, smiling a little. ‘With your choice.’

‘My choice?’ I say.

‘Of a man,’ he says.