COSMOS | E. SMITH ROWE

• 30 •

The moment Lily and Emile enter the garden, where the dinner is held, her boyfriend gets whisked away by Bukayo.

"Don't worry Lils, I'm just gonna give him the big brother talk before this evolves even further," Bukayo grins.

Lily lets out a groan. "B I'm older than you," she says irritated. She feels sorry for Emile, because not even an hour ago he was being interogated by her dad.

"It's okay Lils, I survived your dad, so I can survive this as well," Emile smiles. He quickly brushes his lips against hers before he walks off with Bukayo.

Lost Lily looks around the garden to search for a familiar face. She spots Sophie waving at her and she walks over to the Welsh girl.

Smiling she drops down in a seat next to Sophie. "Hey Sophie and Kieran," she greets the girl and her boyfriend, correction fiancé.

"Hello Lily," Sophie says. "So you and Emile huh?"

Lily looks down at her hands shyly. "Yeah, it's still early days, but it feels right," she answers.

"You guys look great together. I don't think I've ever seen Emile so happy. Not even the day he got his first England call-up," Sophie goes on.

Lily feels a presence sitting down next to her. She turns her head to see a smiling Emile. He drops a hand on her knee and gives her a lingering kiss, making Lily blush. She likes that he isn't so shy anymore around her and isn't afraid to show some affection in public.

"You survived?" she questions him.

"Yeah barely," he winks.

"Aww look at them babe," Sophie cries out next to them, making them turn their heads towards her. "They're so cute."

"I know bonnie, but I think we're cuter," Kieran smiles and gives his fiancée a kiss on the lips.

"I feel so alone right now," Bukayo sighs at the other side of the table. Lily didn't see him joining them.

"Me too B, me too," Benjamin says while dropping his hands on Bukayo's shoulders. "Alright lovebirds, I'm here to inform you that food's ready."

After they have all eaten, Ben starts bringing out a big stereo installation. Most of his teammates realise what's happening and groans and complaints can be heard everywhere.

"Should've known he was going to bring it out," Kieran sighs. "Lad's obsessed."

"What's going on?" Lily asks confused.

"Benjamin is a huge fan of karaoke," Emile answers while dropping an arm on the back of Lily's chair.

"Alright everyone, it's karaoke time!" Ben yells through the microphone. "My first victim will be," he puts his hand in a box and pulls out a small paper. "Emile!"

Lily has to contain her laugh when her boyfriend groans loudly. "Fucking Benjamin and his karaoke," he mumbles under his breath.

Emile gets up from his chair and Lily gives him an encouraging thumbs up, while he makes his way to the makeshift stage.
He tells the song he chose to Ben and takes the mic.

The first notes of 'Junk of the Heart' can be heard through the speakers and Lily feels the corners of her mouth curl up.
Emile sends her a quick wink and starts singing. It's really bad, but Lily doesn't care.