The Hoax: A Nailbiting Psychological Thriller by Nikki Rodwell

Author:Nikki Rodwell [Rodwell, Nikki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nixie Books
Published: 2023-06-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

RONNIE

The restaurant is quiet, being it’s so early. We have three double tables pushed together set for six. James is wearing a white T-shirt under a black jacket and despite wearing jeans, looks fairly smart in a rock star kind of way. He holds the chair for Rachel as she takes her place in the centre next to him, with a spare seat waiting for Ray. I sit opposite her with Amanda beside me, waiting for Lorraine.

I check my phone and assume that no news is good news. My message has been sent to Martyn, so I assume everything is underway at home, and I feel a bubble of excitement imagining everyone en route. The anticipation of seeing Amanda’s face when she discovers what I’ve pulled off feels like the best prank I’ve ever played. She’s going to be blown away when she sees her horsey buddies, friends and family all waiting at home, and I’m expecting tears when she meets the new puppy.

As I place the napkin on my lap, I note how it’s made of heavyweight paper; not quite your cheap paper napkin but missing the luxury of cotton or linen. I look over my shoulder through the front window. It’s still light outside, but there’s no sign of Ray and Lorraine. Where the hell are they? Ray knows how het up I am about tonight, and I told him to meet us here at six.

“Would you like to order some drinks?” The waitress stands at our table, a young blonde girl dressed in a short black skirt and tight black T-shirt with a little grey apron tied around her minute waist.

“I think we’ll wait for our friends to arrive – ”

“No,” I interrupt James. “Let’s order some fizz, and they can order their drinks when they get here.” I need to relax; I can hear the tension in my own voice.

“I’ll just have a mineral water with lime please,” Rachel says. It seems strange she’s not drinking, since James is driving.

“A Bud Light for me,” James says.

“And a bottle of champagne please,” I add.

The waitress looks uncomfortable.

“We only have prosecco, I’m afraid, sir.”

“Then your finest bottle of prosecco, please,” I say, “and some bread and olives for the table.”

We won’t have time for starters, I decide. Not if I’m to convince Amanda that we have time to rush home and get the tickets.

A distraction is required. I may have a little fun with the waitress tonight, I decide, being she’s so young.

Ray and Lorraine arrive and give their jackets to the waitress by the door before rushing over to greet us.

“Sorry we’re late,” Lorraine says, pecking me on the cheek.

“Couldn’t find anywhere to park,” Ray adds.

“Happy birthday, darling.” Lorraine hands a beautifully gift-wrapped parcel to Amanda, who jumps up to kiss her and give her a warm embrace.

After seating themselves at the table, Amanda carefully opens the gift, to reveal a beautiful silver bangle with a clasp shaped into a horse’s bridle to hold it together.

“I love it.

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