The Stand-in Prince Charming

Lynsey knew the perfect man to take her to her best friend’s wedding . . .

- Annie Harris

OH, Lynsey, that’s wonderful.” Angie smiled with relief down the phone. “Rob and I were so worried you wouldn’t be able to face it after this latest trick. I told Rob he’d have to tell that idiot brother of his he couldn’t be best man rather than not have my oldest friend as bridesmaid.”

“But you couldn’t make him do that. Jason is his only brother, and –”

“Well, he shouldn’t have behaved so badly to you. You’ve put a really brave face on it this past month, but I know he badly hurt you, going off with that horrible bottle blonde.”

“But she isn’t a bottle blonde.”

“That’s the way it looks.” Angie’s tone was dismissive. “Anyway, I put my foot down and said she wasn’t coming to the wedding, so what does he do? Leaves it to the last minute then gets to work on big softie Rob. We all know he can never say no to his kid brother.”

“Don’t worry, Angie. I’ll be fine, honestly,” Lynsey assured her.

“I’m really glad you’re taking it like this. Remember, he isn’t worth a single tear, not one.”

“I know you’re right.”

“Of course I am. And I tell you what, he’ll regret it,” Angie added with relish.

But even so, although she’d put on a cheerful face, Lynsey’s heart was still sore and there were tears in her eyes as she finished her lunch and hurried back through the little grassy area that abutted the auction rooms where she worked.

“All right, Lynsey?”

Hastily brushing her hand across her eyes, she swung round to see one of the salesroom assistants behind her.

“Oh, hi, Graham,” she said awkwardly. “Yes, I’m fine.”

She felt him studying her.

“Sure?”