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Leo watched her as she walked back to him. ‘Will he be back?’ She shrugged. ‘Probably. But at least he won’t have this.’ She handed the small stub to Mickey as CJ and Toby walked back to the bar. ‘Look, it’s Fred and Ginger.’ Leo stifled a snicker at Toby’s momentary anger. He said quickly: ‘Toby and CJ.’ Susanna smiled. ‘Well, I was close. How do you do. I’ve just been explaining to the lovely Leo here that I didn’t realise Joshua and little Sammy were still in the closet, work-wise. Sorry.’ Toby said grimly: ‘Not any more.’ Susanna frowned. ‘They must be extremely professional young men. I knew the moment they walked in. To have kept it from you for…how many years? Well, I think that shows a certain strength of character, don’t you? Mickey, break open the champagne. We should celebrate Joshua’s milestone.’ She looked round the room. Seeing the two men, she called across: ‘Joshua, dear. Tear yourself away from your adoring audience for a moment, please, and join us. You too, Sammy.’ As she leaned forward to kiss him, Josh said: ‘You smell of pot.’ Susanna laughed. ‘How on earth would you know?’ Realising what he had said, and who had heard, Josh did some desperate damage-control. ‘Er, I was at a party once…’ Susanna reached up and put a finger to his lips. ‘Joshua, dear, when in a hole, stop digging. Now, have a glass of champagne. Leo, you and I shall have a tolerable non-alcoholic alternative I found in a health food shop in…oh, somewhere. And then you and I will dance.’ Leo took the glass she handed him. ‘Er, I’m not really…’ Susanna smiled. ‘I think someone’s forgotten how to have fun. Never mind, I’m here now.’ She pulled Leo to his feet. Toby and CJ noticed he didn’t put up much of a fight. Susanna said something to the people of the stage, then to Leo. He smiled, looking over to where Sam and Josh were sitting. As the music started, Susanna laid her head on Leo’s shoulder, and they moved slowly, apparently oblivious to anything around them. As they watched, her voice full of disappointment, CJ said: ‘We didn’t do it like that.’ Toby choked on a mouthful of champagne. Eventually, he managed: ‘We work together.’ CJ sighed. ‘Would we have done if we didn’t?’ Watching them as they moved around the dance floor, Toby had to admit it was unlikely. Although CJ had felt good in his arms, Leo and the woman were dancing as if they had always been together. He looked away, suddenly uncomfortable watching them. ‘Want to try again?’ CJ’s voice cut into his thoughts, and Toby hesitated for only a moment before getting to his feet and taking CJ’s hand in his. ‘Fred and Ginger are having another go.’ Leo looked across and saw CJ and Toby dancing. He smiled, but his smile faded instantly as his eyes took in another couple in each others’ arms. Feeling the sudden tension, Susanna turned to follow his gaze. ‘It’s his birthday, Leo. Let the boy enjoy himself for a night.’ Leo had to fight every instinct not to get between them and pull them apart. After a few seconds, Susanna whispered: ‘I think you’re jealous. But of which one?’ Leo’s gasp of shock made her laugh quietly. ‘Just teasing.’ The song ended and Susanna lead Leo back to the bar. ‘You’re very good.’ ‘I’ve had a lot of practice.’ ‘Wife?’ Leo’s eyes clouded for a second. ‘Ex-wife.’ ‘Thought so. You certainly weren’t dancing with me out there.’ Leo’s eyes widened at Susanna’s perceptive comment. She laughed quietly as Toby and CJ made their way back to the bar. Sam and Josh were already there. ‘I’ll be back shortly.’ She walked onto the stage and took the microphone. ‘Joshua, this is for you. Happy Birthday darling.’ Her rendition of ‘Mad about the boy’ made them all smile. |