Free Amanda's Wedding by Jenny Colgan Page B

back to Charlie to make some other sheep-related remark and had missed it. But I was shocked, and puzzled: why did this ginger bloke hate us all so much? And if he did, why was he here?
    Nothing happened to change my opinion as the evening wore on. Angus seemed staggeringly unimpressed by Alex’s American stories, which I still found funny, even though I’d heard them several times. More pints were consumed, more chatter went round, and he didn’t feel the need to offer a single comment, make one remark, or laugh – not even when Alex got on to the time he decided he was going to become a rodeo star!
    I looked around for Fran. She had managed to get herself completely cornered by Charlie, whose eyes wereas round as Fran’s nicely shaped baps. He’d got her up against the wall at the back side of the table, and everyone else was in that mildly blootered universe where they didn’t notice much around them (except Amanda, who was drinking Aqua Libra, but never noticed anyone other than herself anyway).
    â€˜Darling,’ he was slurring, ‘you’re absolutely top totty …’
    â€˜Fuck off, Charlie.’ Fran sounded dangerous.
    â€˜Come, give Charlie a little kiss –’
    He reached out to grab her. Fran put her arms up and, without meaning to, slapped him in the face. The atmosphere turned suddenly.
    â€˜I say, did you bloody slap me, you bitch?’
    That posh charm was obviously spread pretty thin.
    Fran drew herself up to her full height, looking like she was on fire with humiliation and rage.
    â€˜No, but I fucking should have done, you wanker!’
    â€˜You fucking little bitch!’
    Then, and I mean it, he really looked as though he was going to go for her. Everyone watched like they were caught in a sci-fi time freeze, except for Fran, who seemed to be moving backwards in slow motion. Then suddenly there was a flash of ginger as Angus leapt up, grabbed Charlie’s arms, and in one movement threw him against the wall with the full force of his body.
    â€˜STOP IT!’
    There was a long pause. For some reason, rather a lot of people seemed to be panting. The landlord was heading ominously in our direction, and Angus and Charlie were staring at each other very intently.
    Alex leaned in. ‘Come on, Charles, leave it,’ he said softly.
    After an agonizing wait, Charlie lowered the eye contact, put his fangs away and stomped out of the pub. We were all looking at each other, half worried, half thrilled to bits with excitement.
    â€˜Well, what a cunt!’ said Fran. And that was a word we never, ever used.
    Outside, Charlie was obviously wanting to go, but Alex was hovering to see me.
    â€˜Ehm, I’d better take Charlie home. I’ll stay there tonight.’
    I didn’t want him to go, especially not with that … git.
    â€˜Good night then,’ said Alex, and he walked off supporting Charlie.
    The rest of us stood around wondering what to do next. Fran thanked Angus, but it seemed almost distasteful to mention it; like he had seen her being raped or something. Fraser was wandering over in our direction, looking concerned and worried, when Amanda grabbed him firmly by the arm, turned round and cheerily said, ‘Well we’d better go!’ as if they’d just spent the afternoon touring the village fête. As she hustled him off to her car, Fraser looked over his shoulder at Angus, who was standing looking a bit embarrassed, and gave him an awkward grin meant to convey shame, apology, pride and general goodwill all at once. Angus gave him one back, and they suddenly looked very alike.
    â€˜Right! All back to mine then?’ I said, as usual. Franand I were dying to discuss it, obviously, but it would be a lot easier if Angus didn’t come …
    However, he was already striding off in the opposite direction.
    â€˜Oh, look at him,’ said Fran, as he headed off towards the tube. ‘He’s my pig in