Don't Look Back by Nicola Graham Read Free Book Online Page B

lips, his taste, how he would rub his perfect nose against mine, how he would nibble my earlobe, how we would kiss for hours until our lips were swollen. Suddenly I feel him whisper in my ear; his scent swirls around me like a fog.
    “You’re supposed to be singing!”
    I gasp, realizing we are halfway through the song. I blush, chiming in at the last second.
    “Happy birthday, dear Diana, happy birthday to you.”
    The entire hall finishes the big finale as the birthday girl attempts to blow out her candles; with help from Annie, she manages to extinguish them all. Diana fumbles for a chair so she can sit and regain some composure as the top tier of the cake is cut and served to guests along with cupcakes.
    My jet lag is beginning to reappear, although alcohol and Matthew aren’t helping.
    Matthew is talking to Terry behind me, so I head over to Diana, who is sitting with Annie enjoying a piece of birthday cake. Helping myself to a piece, I join them and cut into the dark cake with a fork.
    “Oh. My. Gosh. This is the most amazing cake ever, Di.” My mouth melts around this delicious, moist chocolate cake, possibly the best cake I have ever tasted. It dissolves into my mouth, the rich flavor of cocoa and fudge overwhelming my taste buds and making me crave an enormous ice cold glass of milk.
    “I know, Terry’s mum baked it. She calls it Chocolate Heavenly Cake. Its chocolate cake, chocolate frosting and chocolate filing ... bloody amazing! You won’t find this in America!” She winks at me, stuffing her last forkful in her mouth and sucking the utensil clean.
    “So?" Di puts her fork down on the plate, wiping her lips with a napkin as she gets serious on me. “What’s Sully saying? I can’t believe he’s here, Katie. Terry didn’t say a thing about it to me; I guess he wanted it to be a surprise! Are you okay?”
    Inhaling deeply, I glance across the room toward Matthew. “I’m fine, and nothing much has been said. He hasn’t been here long, so we barely chatted more than a few minutes before you guys came over.” I lean in closer to her. “Diana, his dad passed away, that why he's here, and he’s headed home on Tuesday. I felt awful when he told me that. I didn’t know what to say.” I shake my head, still in shock that he is here. “Other than that, we haven't said more than a few words to each other. I would love to sit and talk to him, but it's difficult.” I play with my cake. “You know what I mean. It was solong ago, and he never wrote, and now we both have different lives. Fate stepped in. And does it matter anymore?” I look sadly at my friend, and she nods in silent understanding.
    Taking my hand and squeezing it, Diana replies, “Katie, I know that you’ve longed for the opportunity to say things to him. Please don't let that chance pass you by. There’s a reason you both ended up here tonight. No one planned this. This ... is fate.” Diana releases my hand and winks at me. “I love you, Katie, and I’m so fortunate to have a best friend who flew around the world to be here for my birthday party. Thank you for this.” Tears fill her big brown eyes. Once again she throws her arms around me, and this time we hug tightly. “Don’t miss this chance to say the things you need to say. I think he needs it as much as you,” she whispers and kisses my cheek.

CHAPTER 7
    Against The Odds
    Somehow I manage to keep up with Di and Jenny on the dance floor for most of the night once I discard my heels and spend the rest of the time barefoot. My jet lag gives me the sensation of being on a cruise ship, rising and falling on giant waves, so eventually, after a few too many glasses of wine, I find myself feeling lightheaded and woozy and needing to sit once again.
    I haven't spoken to Matthew any more; last I saw him, he was sitting at a table with Terry, Joe, and a couple of old friends from school. They all appeared to be having a good time, laughing and putting a few beers away, obviously