Lost and Found

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Amelia was shocked that he still could evoke that strong a reaction in her, after all this time. She had known he was going to be here, there was no surprise like last time.  She should have just nodded slightly then dropped her gaze away from him. As it was she found herself fixed on his eyes. He looked pale, tired, but she couldn’t allow herself any sympathy. He was nothing to her anymore.

With eyes that seemed to be burrowing into her, he was locked on to her too, and it was only when he tilted his head in the direction of one of the side doors leading away from the room, that she felt anger. He honestly expected her to join him for what? A secret rendezvous?

Shaking her head in an aggressive manner she made to look away, but the hurt expression, the obvious pain in his eyes floored her. Don’t fall for it! She told herself, her internal monologue at a screeching level, warning her to get away.

                “Daydreaming?” Clay’s friendly voice appeared at her ear and despite the shock, the shame at her reaction, she was glad of the chance to drag her eyes from Sol, and back to the man who stood beside her smiling with two glasses of champagne in his hands. Lovely, generous and caring Clay, Clay who’d never let her down.

Taking one she gripped it more tightly than necessary to stop her fingers shaking. She needed a few more of these to calm her nerves. But before tossing the drink down her throat in a rush, Amelia knew she had to keep her wits about her. If she played her cards right then she could get away without seeing anymore of him.

                “Just watching my friend be such a star! I feel like a proud mother!”

Clay chuckled, tossing an arm around her and pulling him towards him, “I can imagine you as a concerned and proud mother.”

                “You think?” She turned away from the central group to smile up at him. “That’s such a nice thing to say! Now did you spot any food anywhere?”

Clay directed her back into the reception area and pointed out the buffet tables and the hot canapés being delivered by yet more liveried staff. Grinning, she clapped her hands, “I’m starving!” Hoping that eating would settle her stomach that was still churning, the champagne was only upsetting it further!

They made their way around the room chatting to a few stragglers who also were only there for the food! Clay knew one woman from when he lived in London a few years back, so that was a funny reunion. Amelia knew a few mutual acquaintances of Li, but otherwise they people watched, giggled and from Amelia’s point of view, tried to forget that ‘he who shall now not be looked at OR named’ was the other side of the wall.

Amidst rounds of applause, speeches and talks started to echo from inside the room, so they made their way to the doorway to stand and watch, clapping appropriately. When Li stood up and took the acclaim, Amelia couldn’t resist an almighty ‘Whoop’ that caused her friend to chuckle on stage, Daichi to crane over the crowds to give a thumbs up, and then of course, more attempted eye contact from Sol. But she was prepared this time, and avoided it.

Then there was a real step down in formality, and Li, dragging a bemused Daichi across the room, came dashing across to Amelia and Clay. The four people dissolved into a round of hugs, kisses and obviously congratulations.

                “I’ve barely seen you and you fly home tomorrow!” Li moaned as they broke their best friend hug.           

                “We’ll spend time together in the summer darling,” Amelia reassured her with another hug. “It’s a special and unique time for you, and you should be enjoying every second of it...” she then leaned close and added, “and phoning me with all the minute details!”