Free Champagne Kisses by Amanda Brunker Page B

it look as if I was doing something, I was at pains to think who I could text or call.
    I had texted Lisa earlier but had heard nothing back. So I decided Maddie my supposed best friend should come out and comfort me.
    Lacking the energy to submerge myself in the madding crowd again, I texted ‘Maddie: I’m out in the garden. Come out with a drink pls.’
    Straight away she texted me back: ‘2mins.’
    Somewhat relieved, I relaxed into my concrete chair, and people-watched the smokers.
    Although a heavy dew had started to cling to everything, semi-clothed glamorous women frolicked around, puffing bellyfuls of smoke to the sky like old movie stars, while a group of grumpy-looking men pretended not to notice them.
    Half choked by their unforgiving starched collars and vast footballer’s ties, these men looked so absorbed in their own conversation that if the Marlboro Man’s ghost had walked up and asked them for a light they’d have totally ignored him.
    Another couple huddled in a corner looked very devious indeed. Both in their forties, they definitely looked like they were having an affair; but one that was coming to an end. Uneasy in each other’s company, they seemed on constant lookout, as the woman sobbed into her champagne cocktail, and he remained sullen.
    Occasionally she’d pound his chest and shout the word ‘Bastard’, which only made him look more determined and fierce.
    Just as the damp had started to numb my bum, my phone, gripped between my hands like a lifeline, beeped ‘1 New Message.’
    Sure it was Maddie telling me it was too cold outside, and that I was to stop being stupid and get back in and join the group, I got a shock to see the words ‘TURN AROUND’ from an unrecognizable +191 number. Thinking what the fu—? I quickly looked behind me to find my New Yorker standing beside a rose bush brandishing a bottle of Laurent Perrier rosé and two glasses.
    ‘Pinky said it was your favourite.’ Michael smiled, making my heart skip a beat.
    ‘For the record his name is Parker,’ I corrected, ‘but what are you doing here?’
    ‘Hey, I met the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen tonight, and then she ran off on me. What’s with that?’ His eyes smiled as he spoke.
    Not sure if I was daydreaming again, I pinched my leg to make sure. ‘Am I imagining things?’
    ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘Well, I’m nearly sure we left you in Queens. How did you find me?’
    Ignoring my question, he positioned himself beside me on the icy concrete bench, and started to pour the champagne like a pro.
    ‘You know, that Pinky fella really is a good judge of character,’ mused Michael. ‘He invited me when you were in the cloakroom. He said it would be
da craic
and not to tell you.’
    ‘What did he say to you? Did he pressurize you into coming here? Oh, God I’m so embarrassed. I’m so sorry. He can be a bit forceful sometimes.’ My mind began to run away with itself.
    ‘Whoah! Slow down there, tiger, everything is just rosé in the garden. Don’t you think?’ A broad smile rippled across his face as he placed the champagne flute in my hand and clinked his glass against mine.
    ‘I propose a toast,’ declared Michael, raising his glass to the stars: ‘here’s to new beginnings and great friendships.’
    ‘Shock entrances, more like.’ My confidence had started to return.
    ‘I’ve always prided myself on my entrances. Much better than my exits, I feel,’ he said and then knocked back the champers.
    ‘Well let’s hope you never make one,’ I said, tilting my glass towards him. And in two magical mouthfuls, I too made my champagne disappear.
    Lifting the glass from my hand, he placed the two empty glasses at our feet, and then asked me, ‘Can I kiss you?’
    Unable to speak, I gave him my best sexy eyes and tilted my head towards his.
    Then we kissed, the perfect kiss. It wasn’t like kissing someone for the first time. It was familiar and right. Wow! If he kept kissing me like this I