The Wedding Guest by Kathryn Croft

Author:Kathryn Croft [Kathryn Croft]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781837906840
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2023-09-13T16:00:00+00:00

EIGHTEEN

NOW

I stare at Tyler, the walls of the kitchen closing in on me. It takes a gargantuan effort to stifle my panic and remain composed, which is what it will take to convince Tyler that he’s wrong about everything.

But Christian has evidence. After all these years he still has it. Because he’s always known that he would come back for me.

‘What? What do you mean?’ I ask, forcing myself to lift my glass of water and take a sip.

‘I know something’s going on,’ he says. ‘None of it makes sense. And Christian’s behaviour is just plain bizarre. Turning up like this after fifteen years without a word about where he’s been or what he’s been doing. The two of you getting back together.’ He sighs. ‘I think you’re in some kind of trouble, Emily, and I wish you’d talk to me. I know you probably still think of me as Christian’s pain in the arse little brother, but I’m not that kid any more. Neither of us are the same, are we?’

I barely hear his words – I’m too focused on the fact that Tyler hasn’t actually revealed he knows anything. It’s just his instinct alerting him that something’s going on.

I take a deep breath. ‘I’m not in trouble,’ I begin, looking away. If I play this right, Tyler confronting me could work to my advantage.

‘Okay,’ he says. ‘But if there is anything – anything at all – I want you to know that you can always talk to me. Or Katerina. She’s a good listener too. And I don’t want her thinking she’s not part of this family.’

‘I appreciate that,’ I say, studying his face briefly before I look away. ‘Everything’s fine, though.’

Tyler studies me too closely and I shift in my seat. ‘It’s just… the way he rushed you out of Dad’s house the other day when he saw us talking together. It just felt… weird. And he hasn’t explained why he disappeared for all those years, or what he’s been doing. We know he set up a business in America – but that’s about all we’ve got from him. I googled him and his cyber security business does appear legitimate, but why won’t he tell us anything else? What’s he hiding?’

The ball is in my court now, and it’s time for me to make my play. I glance at the door. ‘I don’t know,’ I say. ‘But… ’

Tyler leans forward. ‘What? What is it? I get the feeling you’ve been trying to tell us something.’

‘Nothing. Forget I said anything. I’d better go.’ I stand up and scoop up my bag.

‘Please, Emily, wait,’ Tyler pleads. ‘Christian’s my brother. If there’s anything you need to tell me, then please just say it. Whatever it is, we’ll find a way to work it out. As a family.’

I sit down again and pause for a moment. ‘I have been a bit worried. About Christian’s… you know… mental health.’

Tyler’s brow creases. ‘Go on.’

I look away and silently count to five. Tyler’s got to believe this is difficult for me to talk about.

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