Authors' note: This is a short chapter and we apologize for that. But, the Brighton trip starts next chapter and there wasn't really a good place to split that first Brighton scene up so we're just posting this one and you'll have a nice, long chapter next week. We promise! Enjoy!
It was a quiet afternoon at the pub. Audrey was training Becca on all the different things they had to do, and RJ and Alexa had come by to work on the surprise engagement party they were planning for Andrew and Saffron.
"Why don't you go and clear that table?" Audrey asked motioning to a table near where RJ and Alexa were sitting.
"Sure thing," Becca said, sauntering over.
"Do you think we should have it at the house or at that restaurant she likes so much?" Alexa was asking RJ. "The Sand Dune, right?"
"Yeah," RJ nodded. "I think that's her favourite, next to The Ivy." he said.
Alexa grinned. "You took me there and ate so much that they were happy to see us leave."
RJ laughed. "I closed the kitchen."
"So, our party budget just increased," Alexa teased.
"I'll cover the extra," RJ patted his stomach.
Alexa laughed. "Well, we could have it there or we could have a barbecue on the beach."
"Both sound good to me," RJ said.
"Just as long as there's food, right, Weasley?" Alexa asked.
"Exactly," RJ answered. "I think getting her to The Sand Dune would be easier. She's bound to notice preparation for the barbecue."
"It's going to be hard enough keeping this a secret from her," Alexa said thoughtfully. "She doesn't miss much."
"Unfortunately," RJ joked.
Becca sidled over to their table. "Hi, RJ. I don't believe I've met your friend."
"Hi." RJ said coolly.
Alexa smiled warmly at the other girl. "Hi, I'm Alexa O'Leary."
"Alexa," Becca suddenly smiled. "RJ's ex girlfriend?"
RJ glared at Becca. "We don't need anything. Thanks."
"I'm just being friendly," Becca shrugged.
RJ sighed. "Alexa, this is Aud's cousin. Becca."
"It's very nice to meet you," Alexa smiled.
"It's fantastic to meet you," Becca said with false sincerity. Alexa missed it, but RJ certainly picked up on it. "You have the prettiest red hair."
"Oh... thanks," Alexa said. "Yours is pretty too."
"I'll be around if you need anything," Becca said winking at RJ.
"We won't," RJ said.
Becca was smiling when she walked back to the bar. She had a feeling she could use this to her advantage.
"That was funny," she said going behind the bar.
"What was?" Audrey asked.
"RJ," Becca shrugged. "It's like he couldn't wait to get me out of there so he could be alone with that redhead."
"They're planning a party for Andrew and Saffy," Audrey told her. "Remember me telling you that they're engaged?"
"I think so..." Becca smiled innocently. "Isn't' that his ex?"
"Yes, but they're still friends," Audrey replied. "Now, I was thinking we could go over how to ring up the tabs..."
"They're only friends?" Becca interrupted.
Audrey nodded. "Why does it matter, Bex?"
"It just seemed like he was getting cosy with her is all," Becca replied.
Audrey looked over in their direction and saw RJ and Alexa sitting close together and laughing about something.
"They're just friends," She shrugged.
"Didn't you tell me he cheated on her when they were dating?" Becca asked.
"Well... yeah," Audrey said uncomfortably.
"Once a player, always a player," Becca said shaking her head.
"He's not like that," Audrey shook her head. "Not at all."
"I'm just looking out for you," Becca said. "You're my best friend, Aud."
"I know," Audrey said. "But I love him."
RJ chose that moment to approach the bar. "Hello, pretty lady. I was wondering if you could put an order in for Lexie and me. Club sandwiches and crisps. All this talk about food has made me hungry."
"I thought you just said you didn't want anything," Becca said, her eyes meeting his.
"I changed my mind," RJ said trying very hard to be polite.
"It's no big deal, Becca," Audrey gave her a strange look.
"I'll go and put the order in," Becca said giving them one last look before she went into the kitchen. "So how are the party plans coming along?" Audrey asked.
"Good," RJ grinned at her. "We've decided on the Sand Dune."
Audrey smiled. "Saffy's favourite place, right?"
"Exactly," he nodded. "The food is amazing there. You'll really like it."
"I can't wait," Audrey said reaching for his hand.
"You look gorgeous today," he leaned in and said softly.
Audrey smiled. "That's very sweet of you to say."
"I tell the truth you know," RJ said.
"I know," Audrey said leaning in to give him a kiss.
"Excuse me, miss," a customer called out. "I'd like another club soda."
"Coming right up," Audrey said, making a face at RJ. "Hold that thought."
RJ grinned and walked back over to his table. "I placed the order for us."
Alexa looked up from her paperwork. "You really don't have to pay for lunch."
"I don't mind," he said.
"Thank you," Alexa said. "I promise next time, it'll be on me."
"I'll keep that in mind," he joked.
"Well, I rang the restaurant," Alexa told him. "They booked us for the 25th at eight."
"Great," RJ said with a grin.
"Now, we can work on the guest list," Alexa said. "So far I've got Gabe and me, you and Audrey, Beth and Peter, Mimi and Jake. Jon, Allie, Josh, Lizzy, Ashley, Drew, Darla, Brian and Hans..."
RJ frowned. "I wouldn't count on Hans."
"Really?" Alexa asked.
RJ shook his head. He told her what had been going on with his older sister.
"I'm sure they can work this out," Alexa said thoughtfully.
"We'll see," RJ replied.
"Well, if he's home now that's a good thing," Alexa said.
"For now," RJ said.
Alexa patted his arm. "You're a great brother to care about her so much."
"Yeah well... you know how we are," RJ grinned at her. "The Six Musketeers."
Alexa gasped. "RJ! Did you just make a LITERARY reference?"
RJ laughed. "Maybe. But, don't you let that get out. I have a reputation to protect."
"I'm just going to hold it over your head," Alexa said.
"Come on, O'Leary," RJ said. "You would do that to me?"
"You bet I would," Alexa laughed.
Becca carried their food over to them. "Here you go."
"Thank you," Alexa smiled at her.
"My pleasure," Becca said smiling back at her.
She included RJ in her smile but he ignored her and dug into his food.
Becca sighed before she walked away.
"You don't like her very much," Alexa commented.
"She keeps hitting on me," RJ said.
Alexa gaped at him. "But she's Audrey's cousin!"
"And her best friend," RJ pointed out.
"Maybe she's just being friendly," Alexa said trying to give the girl the benefit of the doubt.
"It's more than that," RJ shook his head.
"Have you said anything to Audrey?" Alexa asked.
"No," RJ said. "How could I even approach that with her?"
"Yeah, that might be a little tough," Alexa said. "I just can't imagine why she would do something like that if she's so close to Audrey."
"Me either," RJ gazed at his girlfriend.
"How's the food?" Becca asked coming up behind them. She touched RJ on the shoulder.
RJ jerked like he was on fire.
"No, we're great," Alexa replied. "And we're really busy. Lots and lots of stuff to plan."
"Well I'm just checking in," Becca said. "Doing my job..."
"We appreciate that," Alexa said. "And you're doing great."
"Thank you," Becca said brightly.
"So," RJ said ignoring Becca. "Let's finish with the guest list. I can ask the guys from the team..."
"Let's not let this get too out of hand," Alexa cautioned. "We've already got a pretty large amount of people."
"Right," RJ said. "You want to just keep it to immediate friends and family?"
"That's probably the best idea," Alexa nodded.
"Becca!" Audrey called out.
"Yeah?" Becca turned around.
"I need some help," Audrey said impatiently.
"Sorry," Becca hurried over.
"Can you get that tray of drinks?" Audrey asked. "And you really need to not just stand around so much. Vic already said something to me about it before."
"Sorry," Becca said, grabbing the tray.
"I just want this to work out," Audrey said smiling at her cousin. "It's been great having you here."
"It has been pretty fun," Becca grinned back at her.
"Come on," Audrey said. "Let's serve this and then we can both take a break."
"Sounds good to me," Becca followed her cousin.
Back at the table, RJ and Alexa were going over the final guest list.
"So that's 25," Alexa counted. "That sounds like a good number."
"A big number," he nodded.
"It's going to be great," Alexa said. "And you'll ask Jason and Monica, right?"
"I'll send him an owl," RJ nodded. "Andrew will sure be surprised to see them."
Alexa smiled. "It will be great to see them again. It's going to be like a reunion!"
RJ laughed. "And I'm just glad you remember them."
"I remember a lot of the crazy things you used to do," Alexa said throwing a crisp at him. "Like that time you snuck into the girls' loo trying to surprise me and you ended up in the same cubicle as Patti McLaughlin..."
"Shite," RJ shook his head.
"You're lucky she didn't tell McGonagall," Alexa giggled. "I mean you did see her completely starkers..."
"And I'm still haunted by the memory," RJ said shuddering.
"I was pretty mortified when I found out too," Alexa admitted.
"Let's never speak about that again, okay," RJ said.
"Never speak about what again?" Audrey asked sitting down.
"Nothing," Alexa and RJ said in unison and then they both laughed.
Audrey felt left out of their joke, but she tried to smile.
"Are you on your break?" RJ asked.
"Yes," she answered.
"Where's Becca?" RJ asked, praying that the other girl wouldn't join them.
"In the kitchen, grabbing us something to eat." Audrey told him.
"She seems to be doing quite well," Alexa commented. "Is she catching on?"
"For the most part," Audrey nodded. "She needs to sometimes get moving on her own without someone prompting her."
"Maybe this isn't really her thing," RJ said. "Maybe she should get a job in a clothes shop or something."
"She'll be fine," Audrey replied.
"Oh, you know who we forgot?" RJ asked eager to change the subject. "Lex, what if we invited Mary Ellen?"
Alexa rolled her eyes. "Invite Saffy's mortal enemy? I don't think so..."
"It'd be fun," RJ said.
"Who's Mary Ellen?" Audrey asked.
"She was at Hogwarts with us," Alexa explained. "Long story short, she and Saffy competed over EVERYTHING."
"And she was furious when Saf got Head Girl," RJ replied. "Tried to say it was because Jules was Deputy Headmistress."
"Oh," Audrey said nodding.
"Saf would kill us if we invited her," Alexa said. "You remember what it was like to be on Saffy's bad side, RJ. It wasn't a great place to be, was it?"
"Right," he shuddered.
"Aud, would you like to help us decorate before the party?" Alexa asked. "We're doing it on the 25th at eight. I was thinking we'd head over around six and decorate the room."
"I'd love to," Audrey said, smiling at her.
"Great," Alexa said. "We'll use RJ for the manual labour."
"Hey!" RJ said.
Audrey laughed. "Come on. You're so big and tall and strong!"
"Well yes, I suppose I am," RJ flexed his arm.
Audrey put a hand to her heart. "That's my big, strong man!"
RJ laughed and slid his arm around her.
Alexa reached for her mobile phone. "I'm just going to ring Beth and Meems. I'll be right back."
RJ was glad for another few minutes alone with Audrey.
"Andrew and Saffy are really going to be surprised," Audrey said resting her head on RJ's shoulder.
"I hope so," RJ answered, kissing the side of her head. "And I'm looking forward to us moving in together too."
"I can't wait," Audrey said happily.
"I can't wait to spoil you," RJ said.
Audrey giggled. "I'm going to remember you saying that."
"That's okay," RJ gave her a kiss.
Becca walked out of the kitchen and spotted the couple sharing a kiss. She frowned until she saw that Alexa O'Leary was sitting by herself at the bar.
"What brings you over here?" Becca approached her. "Giving the couple of the year a few minutes to themselves?"
"That and I had a few calls to make," Alexa replied.
"Oh," Becca said. "Sorry to bother you."
"It's okay," Alexa said. "I'm finished. I had to leave voice mails."
"Cool," Becca said. "Thirsty? Fancy a beer?"
Alexa shook her head. "I'm good, thanks."
"You sure?" she asked. "On the house."
"I'm positive," Alexa said, raising an eyebrow. This girl was a new employee and Alexa was pretty sure she didn't have the authority to go around giving out free drinks.
"Oh well," Becca shrugged. She looked over at RJ and Audrey again.
"How do you like it here?" Alexa asked conversationally.
"It's pretty cool," Becca replied.
"And I'm sure it's great to work with your cousin," Alexa said. "RJ said you were really close."
"My best friend," she said.
"That's like Saffy and me," Alexa said thoughtfully. "We've been best friends since we were 11 years old."
"Cool," Becca said. "You know RJ as long?"
Alexa nodded. "Yes."
"Was he always... like he is?" Becca asked.
Alexa raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what you mean. Like how?"
"Just... a nice guy?" Becca covered hastily.
"Yes, he's always been a nice guy," Alexa said. "And he's very loyal."
"Loyal, huh?" Becca asked.
Alexa nodded.
"Good to know," she said quickly. "For Aud's sake."
"Yes," Alexa said studying the other girl. "For Audrey's sake. You have nothing to worry about where RJ is concerned. He'd never want to hurt her."
Becca nodded. "Just what I wanted to hear," she lied.
"I'm sure," Alexa said briskly. "Well, if you'll excuse me..."
"Sure thing," Becca replied.
Alexa walked back to the table. "I had to leave messages for Beth and Mimi, but I'm sure they're in."
"Great," RJ said. "Can't wait to see those two again."
"They haven't changed a bit since the last time you saw them," Alexa said.
"They never will," RJ said dryly.
"You'll like them, Aud," RJ told his girlfriend.
"I'm sure I will," Audrey smiled at Alexa.
"I'd better get going," Alexa said gathering up her paperwork. "I have work, too." "I'll go with," RJ said.
"I'll stop by with some of my things when I get out of here," Audrey said. "May as well start moving in."
"Great," RJ said leaning in and giving her a kiss. "Let me know if you need any help."
"Oh I will," Audrey teased. "I'll see you later."
"Bye, Audrey," Alexa said. "And thanks for agreeing to help with the decorations."
"Anytime," Audrey said.
"I have a feeling you're only coming with me to score some doughnuts," Alexa teased RJ as they headed out.
"What are you talking about?" RJ asked innocently.
"I know you," Alexa said. "All too well."
"You only think you do," RJ bumped her shoulder.
Alexa smiled. "This is nice, isn't it? Us being friends again. I missed that."
"Me too," RJ said.
Alexa smiled at him. "I'm glad that we're all friends again. I didn't think it was possible after all that happened."
"It was rough for awhile," RJ nodded.
"I'll never be able to thank you enough for what you did for me last summer," Alexa said. "It meant a lot to me that you were willing to do that for me."
"You were my girl for a long time, Lexie." RJ smiled at her. "I'll always care about you."
"I'll always care about you too," Alexa said turning and giving him a hug.
"Does that get me at least three doughnuts then?" RJ asked impishly.
Alexa pretended to think it over. "How about three doughnuts and three chocolate éclairs?"
RJ practically salivated.
Alexa laughed. "You are soooooo easy, Weasley."
"Hey!" RJ said jokingly.
"Only kidding," Alexa said as they continued walking down the street. She suddenly remembered her conversation with Becca. "I--I think that you were right to be worried about Audrey's cousin."
"Yeah?" RJ asked.
Alexa nodded and told him about what Becca had said. "She made it sound like she was looking out for Audrey, but it seemed to me like she was looking for ammunition."
"I don't get it," RJ said in frustration. "I don't need anyone causing trouble for me right now. Things are right where I want them to be."
Alexa looked sympathetically at him. "You and Audrey are tight, RJ. Nothing that girl tries to do will change that."
"I hope not," RJ answered.
"Besides, you'll be at Brighton for most of the summer," Alexa pointed out.
"With Aud," RJ brightened.
"And Becca is going to be stuck here in London slaving away at the pub," Alexa said. "See? Problem solved."
"That does put it in perspective," RJ admitted.
"It's going to be a great summer," Alexa said optimistically. "You and Audrey are moving in together, Saffy and Andrew are moving in together and I'm spending my last summer here before I go away to school in the States."
"I can't believe you're going there," RJ shook his head.
"Neither can I," Alexa said softly. "I'm excited and scared to death all at the same time. Does that make sense?"
"It's a big change," RJ nodded.
"I just keep telling myself that I'll have Gabe and I'm going to be pursuing my dream," Alexa said.
"Exactly," RJ patted her arm. "He'll take good care of you."
Alexa smiled. "Yes, he will. And I'm going to make sure to get him out of the library every now and again."
"Good luck," RJ said dryly.
Alexa poked him. "Hey! I managed to get you off the Quidditch pitch every now and again."
"Now and again," he grinned at her.
"I expect you to write to me and maybe you and Audrey could come and visit Gabe and me," Alexa said. "I know it's a little awkward..."
"Nah," RJ said. "Not at this point."
Alexa grinned. "I just might be able to add some chocolate chip biscuits to that order of yours."
Back at the pub, Becca and Audrey were back to work. They were refilling the salt and pepper shakers. Becca couldn't think of anything more boring. "It's a shame you and RJ couldn't have spent more time together," Becca commented.
Audrey shrugged. "It's hard while we're working."
"And while he's sitting with that girl," Becca said. "You know, you're certainly a lot more trusting than I would be. Watching your boyfriend spend all that time with his ex-girlfriend. The first girl he ever loved..."
Audrey gave her a look. "I'm perfectly secure in my relationship with RJ, Bex. He's not going anywhere."
"You might want to clue little Red Riding Hood in," Becca said pulling a concerned face.
"She's got a boyfriend," Audrey said. "She's moving to the States in a few months to be by him."
Becca bit her bottom lip. "While you and RJ were alone, I---I overheard her talking to one of her friends on the phone..."
"What?" Audrey asked.
"She was telling some girl named Mimi that she had the greatest day and that she couldn't wait to get RJ alone," Becca confided.
Despite what she'd just told her cousin, Audrey felt a prick of dread in her stomach.
"And they did leave here together," Becca pointed out.
"They're planning a party," Audrey said.
"I'm just telling you what I heard," Becca said defensively.
"RJ wouldn't do that," Audrey said.
"He did before, didn't he?" Becca asked.
"That was different," Audrey pointed out.
"If you say so," Becca said. "But you know what I always say? Once a cheater, always a cheater."
"And I always say, people can change." Audrey returned.
"I'm just telling you to keep your eyes open," Becca said patting her friend on the arm.
"I'll be okay," Audrey told her.
"I'm here if you need me," Becca said smoothly. This was so easy. She could practically see the doubt in her cousin's eyes.
"I'll be fine," Audrey muttered. "I need to take these in back."
"Go right ahead," Becca said. "I can finish up here."
Audrey hurried into the back and dumped the tray of dishes into the sink,
"You alright, Audrey?" Victoria asked.
"I guess," Audrey said.
"You want to talk about it?" Victoria asked.
"I don't even know where to begin, really." Audrey said. "I don't even think anything's wrong, to be honest."
"Is it your classes?" Victoria asked. "I know you have exams coming up. If you need some extra time off..."
"It's not that," Audrey replied. "Just... did you think RJ and his ex girlfriend looked particularly... cosy?"
"Oh," Victoria said nodding in understanding. "I see. Well, I didn't see much of them, but from what I saw, it seemed pretty innocent."
"I just don't know what I'd do if I lost him," Audrey said softly.
"He loves you," Victoria said. "Anyone can see that."
Audrey smiled. "I still can't believe we're moving in together.
Victoria smiled back at her. "He's a great guy."
"He really is," Audrey agreed.
"What made you doubt him?" Victoria asked.
Audrey glanced out the door. "Becca thinks because he cheated on his ex, he might do it to me."
"Your cousin is trying to stir up trouble," Victoria said.
"I hope that's all it is." she said.
"I'm sure it is," Victoria reassured her.
"Thanks Vic," Audrey smiled at her.
"You've worked her for quite awhile," Victoria said. "And I couldn't ask for a better waitress."
"I'm glad," Audrey said. "I love it here."
"Jon and I love having you here," Victoria said. She just wished she could say the same thing for Audrey's cousin.
"I'd better get the rest of those glasses," Audrey said. "I feel better now, Vic. Thanks."
"Anytime," Victoria said.
Audrey went back out to the bar and filled another tray with dirty glasses.
Becca came over to her cousin. "There are some really cute guys in the back playing darts!"
"That's nice," Audrey said.
"I'm going to go and see if they need anything," Becca said. "But first I'm going to freshen up..."
Audrey smiled. "Have fun."
"I always do," Becca said winking at her.
Audrey was glad when her cousin went to the loo. She had initially been happy that Becca was working there, but wondered if Vic was right; wondered if Becca was indeed trying to stir up trouble.