The Harder They Fall by Debbie McGowan Page A

job for him, because he was obsessed with the things. In the years that followed, they would meet up for dinner or a drink, or simply just chat online, and at some point in every conversation she would mention Andy, which eventually led him to predict that they would be married by the time they were thirty, with a brood of six little ones. She wasn’t sure where the bit about the Alps came from. Yet, in spite of his acknowledgement of her relationship with Andy, and his own marriage that was no more, there was still an undeniable spark between them and it was bright enough for others to notice, including Andy. He liked Rob, but recognised him as his only real rival and it aroused an unhealthy and uncharacteristic jealousy.
    “This heart condition of yours,” Jess began, just as the door opened.
    “Hey,” Eleanor called, initially not noticing that there was someone sitting in the chair. Rob swivelled around to face her.
    “Hello, Eleanor. I believe I’ve gazumped your wedding.”
    “Hello, you,” she grinned and headed straight over to give him a hug. “How lovely to see you. And yes, you have gazumped my wedding. You’re looking great, by the way.”
    “Thanks. You too. Who’s the lucky man, then? Surely you haven’t persuaded Josh Sandison to make an honest woman of you?”
    “Are you kidding?” True enough, they were always together all through sixth form, as well as being each other’s date for the sixth form ball, but the possibility of them ever having a relationship for real was never on the cards for lots of reasons. “You’ll get to meet him shortly,” she said, just as footsteps sounded on the stairs. “In fact, any second now!” James came into view.
    “Toby is in his seat, ready when you are, and Oliver is playing a bubble popping game with Lois,” he said, then looked past her and saw they had company. “My apologies,” he added sincerely.
    “This is my fiancé, James,” Eleanor announced. “James, this is Rob Simpson-Stone, an old school friend.” James smiled and moved forward as Rob stood and held out his hand.
    “Congratulations,” he said warmly.
    “Thank you.” James shook Rob’s hand and stepped back so that he was next to Eleanor. Rob examined them both and nodded.
    “A perfect match, hey, Jess?” he said, turning to her with a wink. She giggled.
    “Anyway,” Eleanor coughed, for effect. She’d seen this often enough before, but it was still embarrassing to watch. “I only came up to let you know I’m going home now. I’ll pop in from time to time next week, but I’m hoping I won’t be needed much.”
    “No. You just enjoy yourself. Go and have some beauty treatments, or something.”
    “Oh don’t you worry, I fully intend to,” Eleanor assured her. She gave Rob another quick hug. “See you tomorrow, I suppose.” She wasn’t impressed with the short notice, but she had nothing else planned and it would be great to see all her old schoolmates, now that she was at peace with herself.
    “Yeah, about that,” Rob said. “I’m glad you’re here actually, as it’s one less call for me to make. Don’t forget the dress code.”
    Eleanor looked at Jess and they both looked back to Rob.
    “Dress code?”
    “Well, not dress code, as such.”
    James shook his head. He’d noticed the dress code. It was typed in bold print on the back of the invitation.
    “Go on,” Jess said, pushing Rob to elaborate.
    “I think I might leave you to it,” he said, moving towards the door. Eleanor sidestepped to block his way.
    “Oh no you don’t. What dress code?”
    Rob grinned impishly. “You know how sassy we all looked at the sixth form ball? All you ladies in your fine frocks and high heels, us gents in our tuxes and bow ties?”
    “Yes?” Jess and Eleanor asked slowly and together, realising exactly where he was headed with this.
    “That dress code.”
    “You want us to wear formal ball gowns,” Eleanor stated, not that there was any need to