“Wow,” Mia said as they boarded the boat, catching sight of the interior. “This is stunning. It’s like a limousine on water.”

“That’s exactly what it is, ma’am,” the man she assumed was the captain said with a smile. “There’s everything you need in here—champagne, of course, minibar, climate control, music system and even WiFi. You just head on inside, then sit back and enjoy the journey.”

Elias shook the man’s hand. “We intend to, thank you so much.”

They passed through the door, and Mia walked carefully along the aisle as she grew used to the movement of the vessel on the water, taking in the seats—probably Italian leather—the plush carpet, the polished-wood surfaces, the ambient lighting courtesy of spotlights set in the ceiling, the beautiful display of flowers next to the ice bucket which held their champagne… He’s gone to a hell of a lot of effort, here. But then I suppose we are technically on our first date. I’m not sure the Aventador weekend counts, does it?

She smiled fondly as she remembered the weekend she, Elias, and Alex had enjoyed in Kent, as she’d sped around a track in a ludicrously expensive sports car. Elias had won the experience for her at a charity auction—the auction at which the three of them had first met—and Alex, who wasn’t short of money himself, had embellished it by renting out the race track for her so she could really put the car through its paces.

There was a gentle thud, and she turned to find Elias had closed the door, sealing them in to the cabin, mercifully keeping out the cold. She felt a little sorry for the captain, but he’d looked to be well wrapped up. At least it wasn’t raining.

“What do you think?” Elias asked, taking off his jacket and laying it carefully, almost like it was a new-born baby, down on one of the seats. He gave it a little pat before straightening up.

“It’s gorgeous. I love it already.”

The boat’s engine fired, and they didn’t try to talk for a moment until the machine settled into its rhythm and the captain steered it away from the pier. “I’m glad. Shall we sit?”

They settled onto the luxurious cream leather seats at the back of the boat, meaning they could look left and right to admire the various views and landmarks of the city, rather than having their backs to anything.

“Would you like some champagne? Or something to eat?” He indicated a platter of snacks, including grapes, cheese, and vol-au-vents.
“Not just yet. Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

She followed dazedly as he led her around the left-hand edge of the square, which was lined with benches and large flowerbeds. When they reached a gap in the buildings and passed the last one, the view opened up on their left. There was the Thames. They continued over a footbridge, past another expensive-looking building, and towards a pier jutting out into the river. A sign read Welcome to Chelsea Harbour. They stepped onto a walkway, then walked across a bridge and onto a small platform. A few people queued up for the scheduled river boat services, their Oyster cards and travel passes at the ready, but she suspected that wasn’t where they were going.

Sure enough, Elias jerked his head towards a small but beautiful boat moored up at one side of the platform. A man stood on the pier beside it, bundled up against the cold and clearly waiting for them. “What do you reckon?”

With a smile, she replied, “As long as they’ve got the heating on, I’m up for it.” She rubbed her arm with her free hand—her thin shawl wasn’t doing much to ward off the cold air.

“Oh, Mia, I’m so sorry—I should have made sure you brought a coat.” His eyes were wide with concern, and he released her hand, only to wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her in for a hug, then chafe her arms.

She shrugged. “I’m an adult—or so my birth certificate tells me—I should have thought of that myself. Come on then, let’s get on board. I want to see what you have planned.”

Elias grinned. “You mean you want to get in the warm.”

“Yeah, that too.”

A pang of guilt hit her square in the stomach. She hadn’t, not once, told him or Alex that she’d been alone—they’d assumed, and she simply hadn’t enlightened them. It was more omission than outright lying, and it was only because she wanted to discuss Thomas with them face to face that she hadn’t said anything yet. She was trying to do the decent thing and yet felt horrible about it—even more so now because Alex not being here meant a further delay. Still, not much she could do about it. Unless she went ahead and told Elias and left it to him to bring Alex up to speed? Not an ideal solution, but possibly better than waiting until all three of their diaries matched up again. That could easily be another month, especially when it came to Alex’s insane workload.

“Yeah… about that,” she began tentatively, but didn’t get to continue since the car had drawn to a stop.

“Hold that thought, sweetheart—we’re here!” Elias said excitedly, reaching into the inside pocket of his suit jacket for some money and then getting out of the taxi.

Used to at least one of his foibles by now, she stayed put until he’d paid the driver and come around to open her door. She took the proffered hand and stepped out. “Ever the gentleman. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He nodded to the taxi driver and closed the door.

As the vehicle pulled away, Mia drew her shawl more tightly around her body and took in her surroundings to try to figure out where they were. They were in a kind of square, surrounded by smart, expensive-looking buildings, and boats bobbed on a body of water in front of them—but it wasn’t the Thames. Well, not the main stretch—this had to be an offshoot of some kind, a harbour.

She hadn’t been paying attention in the car—how long had they been driving? She didn’t know. All she was sure of was they’d travelled roughly south east.

“Come on,” Elias said with a smile, and squeezed her hand. “I promise all will be revealed very soon.”