Don't Look Back Read Online Free

faces.
    When I stumbled across it, I was instantly taken back to that moment. I was so excited to be home again, to see Diana, and we had so much fun that night at the club. Then, of course, there was Matthew. My heart warms for a moment with the thought of him, another relapse, then quickly hardens back up, encasing itself in a protective shell. I force my well-trained mind to return to the happier thought of Diana. I hope she likes the gift.
    I try to divert my nervous energy and focus on my breathing—a technique learned in yoga class—in an effort to calm myself.
In through the nose, out through the mouth
, I repeat over and over to myself. Tucking my purse under my arm, I grab Di’s birthday gift and close the door quietly, stepping out into the hallway.
    “Here goes!” I mutter, checking around to make sure no one is listening.
    A few minutes later, I am walking outside, heelsclicking on the concrete pathway, the scent of roses and honeysuckle filling the air as I stroll along the quaint walkway in between the hotel and the restaurant next door. The air is cool and refreshing, the evening sky still fairly bright, although a warm, golden glow is starting to span the scattered clouds as the sun begins its descent. There are quite a few cars in the parking lot, and I can hear music drifting from The Swan, but it doesn’t sound too loud yet, so I am not sure if anyone has arrived for Diana’s party.
    It probably would have been a good idea to keep watch from my room, as now it appears I will be walking into a room of strangers. Thank goodness it isn’t a surprise party; Diana is aware that Terry has arranged a light buffet and reserved a small section of the restaurant for family and friends to celebrate her birthday. At least I’m in the clear to walk right in. Gathering up my courage, I approach the entry, and taking one last deep breath, I push against the heavy doors.
    The Swan is quaint and charming but with a modern twist. The exterior matches the hotel, since they were both built around the same time. Upon entering through the black wooden doors, the pub area is directly to my right. Gorgeous limestone tiles in various shades of cream welcome me toward the grand bar that runs the length of the room. Stacked stones in matching tones cover the front of the bar, with multiple beer taps scattered atop and about a dozen dark brown leather bar stools inviting me to take a seat and select a drink from the many choices on display. The restaurant, to the left, features a large exposed brick fireplace as the focal point alongthe far wall, and I can imagine how welcoming it must feel on a chilly winter evening.
    Tonight, a section of the dining room floor has been cleared to accommodate dancing and a buffet, but plenty of tables with cream colored linens remain, offering seating for a least a hundred guests. Based on the empty bar, I am guessing Terry must have rented the entire venue for the night. He has gone above and beyond, as there is a DJ setting up with disco lights, and purple balloon arches decorate the cake table, the buffet spread, and all four corners of the dance floor. A table is set up in the corner by the fireplace with a stunning two-tiered chocolate cake decorated with fresh summer flowers in shades of purple and lilac (Diana’s favorite colors), surrounded by matching cupcakes.
    So far, about thirty guests have arrived, seated at various tables throughout the restaurant. As I make my final evaluation of the room, feeling out of place and self-conscious, Jenny spots me, and I hear her yelling my name over the music.
    “Katie! You made it!” she exclaims. She leans in and gives me two exaggerated air kisses on each cheek.
Kiss, kiss. Kiss, kiss
. “I’ve been messaging you all day, darling.” She smacks my hand as if I’m a misbehaving child. “You’ve had me worried sick.”
    Surprisingly, tonight I find myself the same height as Jenny, as she is wearing adorable flat gold sandals, her toes