Chapter Twenty-Three
Hayley
February
T he Ever After Boutique was a shop Hayley passed every day on her way to work, the sort of place she’d happily stand and stare in the window of for ages, until someone shoved her out the way and told her to stop being so silly.
Normally she had no reason to set foot in here, but with Genevieve’s wedding fast approaching, she had the best excuse ever. As chief bridesmaid, she had to go along to dress fittings, just for support.
Soft light glinted on the racks of pristine gowns, making the sequins on the fairy tale dresses twinkle. Hayley wanted to rifle through the dresses and look at them all. Just as well I’m not getting married. How could I ever choose just one?
‘Look at that.’ Her eyes widened as she took in the intricate lace details of a gown on a pedestal in the middle. ‘That is just wow.’
‘It’s stunning,’ Genevieve agreed. ‘I think we’ve found a dress for you too.’
‘If you find the groom that goes with it, let me know.’
Genevieve smirked. ‘Not Oliver then?’
‘Pardon?’ Hayley gaped at her. No one knew about that, did they? Had he blabbed to Finlay? Surely not. He’d seemed as keen as her not to let their little fling become common knowledge.
‘Just kidding.’ Genevieve chuckled. ‘I just thought it would be funny. You were doing such a good job getting along at the sten. I kind of hoped it was for real.’
‘You know he’s moved to London, don’t you?’ She brushed her fingers across her red and white spotted top, rubbing her sternum, trying to ease the ache that appeared there every time she thought about him being so far away.
‘Yes, I do.’ Genevieve moved across the plush carpet to the sales desk, where a woman waited, smiling at them.
‘Hello,’ she said. ‘I have your dress ready if you want to step through to the fitting room.’
Genevieve looked ready to burst with excitement; it was infectious, and Hayley grinned too.
‘You’re going to look absolutely stunning,’ she said.
Genevieve beamed. ‘I can’t believe it’s happening. It’s getting so real.’
They stepped into the changing area, and both Hayley and the assistant helped Genevieve into the gown. Genevieve stared at herself in the long, elegant mirror. Time seemed to pause as Hayley watched her friend’s beautiful reflection.
‘Oh wow,’ she sighed, her voice catching with emotion, and she flapped her hand in front of her face. ‘You’re so beautiful.’
Genevieve twirled, her eyes meeting Hayley’s. ‘Do you really think so?’
Hayley nodded, her hand over her heart. ‘Of course. Finlay is the luckiest guy in the world.’
Tears welled in Genevieve’s eyes, and she leaned over to hug Hayley. ‘I’m lucky too,’ Genevieve said. ‘I’ve got a great guy and I’m getting an awesome sister-in-law too.’
‘Who’d have thought that? We’ve gone from friends to sisters.’
‘It’s just the best.’
Hayley released her, and the assistant checked the dress fitted in all the correct places. Once she was sure everything was perfect, Genevieve dressed in her own clothes again.
‘Let’s grab lunch,’ Hayley said, and they made their way across the street to the Drip Drop Coffee Shop. Lisa was working and bustled over to see them.
‘Hey, favourite girls.’ She gave them both a brief hug. ‘Drinks on the house for you, and what shall we get you to eat? Lunch menu or just cakes?’
‘Hi Mum,’ Hayley said. ‘We’ll have lunch, please.’
‘Thanks, Lisa,’ Genevieve added. ‘I need to stay away from cakes until the wedding,’
‘Aw, you’ll be the most beautiful bride. My boy is so lucky.’ Lisa gave Genevieve a pat on the shoulder. ‘Let me grab a couple of menus for you, then I’ll fix you some coffees.’ She bustled off to a little dresser next to the counter.
‘Finlay had a phone call from Oliver yesterday,’ Genevieve said.
‘Oh really?’
‘I don’t think he’s enjoying London that much so far.’
‘No?’
Lisa returned with the menus and handed them over. ‘Is that you saying Oliver isn’t happy in London?’
‘Well, you know what Oliver’s like,’ Genevieve said. ‘He doesn’t exactly give much away, but Finlay thought he sounded a bit down. Homesick even.’
‘It’s bound to be a big change.’ Lisa let out a sigh. ‘And the poor lad’s been through so much already. But listen to me gossiping. What can I get you to drink, the usuals?’
They both agreed, and Lisa hurried off behind the counter.
‘Did you go to London with Oliver before Christmas?’ Genvieve asked.
Hayley pressed her lips together. She hadn’t actively told Genevieve about London, though she hadn’t promised to keep it a secret either. Oliver must have blabbed.
‘We shared accommodation when he was at a legal conference, and I was at the hair show.’ She spotted Genevieve’s wide eyes and semi open mouth. ‘In separate beds, so don’t get any funny ideas.’
Because those funny ideas didn’t start until after that. In London, they’d behaved themselves… almost. Her chest ached so hard at the memories. That had been such a great week. No matter how much she wanted to tell herself she was just lusting over Oliver when she thought back to that trip, there was more to it. She enjoyed his company, and they got on well. When they were out together, they complemented each other and had fun.
‘I can’t help being suspicious,’ Genevieve said with a little smirk. ‘I mean, you went to London for a week, and you didn’t tell me. That seems strange in itself.’
‘I didn’t tell you because I knew you would get suspicious.’
‘You know Finlay wouldn’t mind if the two of you dated; he’s not the kind of brother who would object to something like that.’
‘Yes, but I’m not dating Oliver, am I? He’s moved to London and I’m staying here. So even if I did like him like that, it’s not like we can get together, is it?’
‘So, are you saying that you like him?’
‘I don’t dislike him as much as I used to, but that doesn’t mean I automatically want to marry him and have his babies.’ Though secretly that was exactly what she did want.
‘I thought he was weird when I first met him,’ Genevieve said. ‘But he’s grown on me. He’s just a quiet guy. I think you’d be good for him.’
‘Not going to happen.’ The words sunk like a lead brick to the bottom of Hayley’s stomach because she recognised the truth in them. ‘He doesn’t do relationships.’
‘That’s what he says just now, but people change.’
‘Stop it,’ Hayley said. ‘If you have to set me up with someone, please try and make it someone who actually lives here.’
Genevieve grinned and patted her on the hand. ‘Sorry.’
Dwelling on Oliver wasn’t doing her any good. Not that there was much competition around here. She’d probably dated all the single guys in the town at some point. It felt like it anyway but she never fully clicked with any of them.
‘Here you go.’ Her mum laid a tray on the table and lifted their drinks from it. ‘What are the two of you chatting about?’
‘Men,’ Hayley said. ‘And the lack of single ones in this town.’
‘What about Brann Duthie?’ her mum said. ‘The builder. I love him. We had a very nice dance at the sten.’ Her eyes went dreamy. ‘I think he took pity on me because I was feeling a bit lonely.’
‘He did that with me at Felicity’s wedding,’ Hayley said. ‘He is sweet. You should date him.’
‘Me?’ Lisa laughed. ‘He’s not really my type. Well, he is very rugged and a lovely guy, so I can see why people like him, but he’s way too young.’
‘Stuff like that happens,’ Genevieve said.
Lisa grinned. ‘I’m not sure I want it to. I like my own company too much these days. But I don’t see why you won’t consider him?’ She stroked the top of Hayley’s head, smoothing her hair down.
‘I like him.’ Hayley tapped the edge of the table. ‘But I don’t feel a spark, you know?’
‘Yeah.’ Her mum put her arm around her shoulder, dipped in, and kissed her forehead. ‘You’ll find someone soon, my love. I just know it.’
‘Me too,’ Genevieve said.
‘Why is it that you can be attracted to some people but not others?’ Hayley mused. ‘What are the magic ingredients that make people compatible?’
Genevieve pulled a face. ‘That’s a big question, isn’t it?’
‘Sure is.’ Lisa nodded. ‘It can be so many things. Some people like to have things in common with their partners, others like their opposites. Some people like hot bods, some like a dad bod.’
Genevieve and Hayley laughed.
‘Love you, Mum,’ Hayley said. ‘You just say it like it is.’
‘I guess you just need to find someone who ticks all your boxes… Or at least the majority of them,’ Genevieve said.
‘It’s funny how some people give you that instant spark, isn’t it?’ Hayley played with her fingernails. Her French polish needed redoing; her thumbnail was a little chipped.
‘Yeah, but I guess that could happen with someone who isn’t your ideal life partner. It’s just good luck if the two happen to coincide.’
‘True.’
‘I better go,’ Lisa said as some other customers came in.
‘I had a call from Elise.’ Hayley took a sip of coffee. ‘I forgot to say.’ Thoughts of Oliver had pushed the chat with Finlay’s ex-girlfriend from her mind. Both Hayley and Genevieve had been friends with her, but after Elise messed about with both Finlay and Aidan, Hayley hadn’t made much of an effort to stay in touch. Finding the right words was always difficult.
‘She seems to be doing ok,’ Hayley said.
‘Well, I’m glad she dumped Finlay.’ Genevieve swirled the coffee in her mug around. ‘It left the door open for me, but what she did wasn’t very nice.’
‘Yeah, she was really silly.’
‘I just hope it works out for her. She doesn’t want to come to the wedding. I get that. I’ll maybe meet up with her after.’
The subject kept them going until their soup and sandwiches arrived. ‘Here you go,’ Lisa said.
Genevieve placed her spoon in the bowl, then looked at Hayley. ‘Wouldn’t you consider moving to London?’
‘Why are you asking me that?’ The heat rose in her face and her mum turned back with a frown.
‘No reason.’ Genevieve took a mouthful of soup, unable to hide her smile, and Hayley narrowed her eyes.
‘I don’t want to move away from here. I like it and I’m happy here.’
‘Yup. I feel the same. My brother and sister totally don’t get it. They love city life and think I’m a strange little home bird.’
‘Nothing wrong with that,’ Lisa said. ‘This is a great wee town.’
‘I had no qualifications and wasn’t much good at anything,’ Genevieve said. ‘So it made sense for me to stay here, but you’re a really good stylist. You’d get a great job if you went to London.’ She looked at Hayley, then glanced at Lisa.
‘She has a point,’ Lisa said. ‘Though that’s nonsense saying you’re not good at anything. You’re a brilliant cook and a social media superstar.’
‘You are,’ Hayley agreed. ‘And it’s kind of you to say I’m a good stylist, but that lifestyle isn’t me. Working in the salon is exactly what I want. Everyone there is like part of my family. We enjoy it and we have good relationships with our clients. I don’t care if my wage isn’t as big as it would be in a bigger city and I don’t see myself in a big salon. This is where I belong.’
‘Yeah. I know.’ Genevieve stirred her soup. ‘I was just thinking about you and Ol—’
‘Don’t say it.’ Hayley held up her hand.
‘Oliver?’ Lisa raised an eyebrow.
‘Seriously?’ Hayley put her spoon down. ‘It’s not happening, ok?’ Genevieve seemed more determined to bring about the impossible situation than Hayley herself… And Genevieve didn’t know the half of it. Hayley was barely holding herself together. Why did it feel like a breakup when they’d never been together? Not officially – just casually. Though at the time, it hadn’t felt casual. Not unless casual had got very intense. Now she had to get used to the idea that Oliver was hundreds of miles away and she wouldn’t see him until April, when Genevieve and Finlay tied the knot.
‘Oh dear.’ Her mum patted her shoulder. ‘He’s a long way away, but remember, you don’t have to cut him from your life entirely. You’re still best man and chief bridesmaid.’
That was true, and it made Hayley think.
As soon as she and Genevieve went their separate ways, Hayley pulled out her phone and typed a message. It filled the gap he’d left in her heart momentarily as she put down the words for his eyes only.
HAYLEY: Hi Mr Wright. How are you getting on? I was at lunch with Genevieve today and she was asking me about our trip to London. Did you tell Finlay about it? Also, what’s this I hear about London not living up to expectations? Is everything ok? Speak soon x
Ah hell, there went the kiss. Oh well, she’d had one or two of them with him the past few months and they were all rather memorable, so maybe they could start having a text kiss every now and then, though it wouldn’t get anywhere close to the real thing.
The following morning came and Oliver still hadn’t replied. He hadn’t even seen the message. Was he that busy? He’d anticipated long hours. Hayley didn’t envy that lifestyle one bit. She worked late in the salon on Wednesdays and Thursdays, condensing her hours, so she was off Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. But two long days each week were enough.
‘How’s everyone today?’ she asked Amber, Colette and Nikki, who were all on shift with her.
‘All fine.’ Amber checked the others were in agreement.
‘I’ve got that man from the road department coming in for his cut today,’ Nikki said. ‘He talks about some strange stuff. I wish he’d just go to a barber.’
Hayley chuckled. ‘I think he likes you.’
‘Oh shut it.’
The bell rang over the door announcing the first client, and Hayley went to greet a woman with long blue hair. ‘Morning, Cha,’ she said. ‘How are you?’
‘Good thanks.’
‘Let me take your jacket and you can have a seat here.’
Cha took off an impressive denim jacket, adorned with gold buttons and chains. Her hands glinted with thick rings, and she ran her fingers through her luscious locks. She was one of Hayley’s most adventurous clients and liked to keep her hair blue. Amazing how well it suited her.
‘So, what are we doing today?’ Hayley asked after hanging up Cha’s jacket. Colette had already fitted her with a black gown.
‘Just the roots and a bit of tidying.’
‘It keeps the colour so well.’ Hayley took a comb through it. ‘And it really suits you.’
Cha smiled. ‘I hope so. I keep worrying I’m getting too old for this colour.’
‘No way. What age are you?’
‘Thirty-four.’
‘That’s not old. My brother’s nearly thirty-four.’ So was Oliver.
‘Yeah, but does he have blue hair?’
‘No.’ Hayley laughed. ‘I can’t imagine that.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Well, if you ever want to change it, just let me know. I can take it back to a more natural colour and maybe just leave the blue as highlights. It’s up to you.’
‘Leave the blue just now. I’m so used to it. My sister-in-law, Nina, is pregnant, which means I’m going to be an aunty. I quite like the idea of being the cool aunt with the blue hair.’
‘I know Nina. She comes in here too. And you’ll definitely be a cool aunty.’
‘My friend’s kids all like it too. Wouldn’t want to disappoint them.’
Hayley mixed up the dye and returned to Cha. Cha had told her before that she and her husband weren’t bothered about having kids. They hadn’t ruled it out, but it wasn’t something they were dead set on. Hearing her talking fondly about her friends’ children and her future nieces and nephews made Hayley wonder if she could be like that. What if she didn’t find someone to have kids with? Would she be happy being an aunty to Finlay and Genevieve’s kids? Or to Aidan and Lilah or Marcus and Willow’s children? They’d all have them at some point, she was sure. What about Felicity and Gavin? All these friends and relatives of hers would have children around the same time. They’d be pushing buggies together and being mums at the school gates with kids in the same class.
And I’ll be left behind . Maybe occasionally picking up a niece or nephew if she was lucky, but it wasn’t what she wanted. She’d be happy to be an aunty or an honorary aunt, but she wanted her own family.
Cha’s hair took up most of the morning and when Hayley went into the backroom for a quick break, she checked her phone. A message from Oliver had finally arrived.
OLIVER: Sorry for late reply. I’m so busy. It’s a bit of a nightmare really. I’m not getting finished until after eleven most nights, and my commute is pretty hellish. It’s a nice apartment in Ruislip but the commute all in takes an hour. I barely have time to sleep before I’m up again. So, yeah, it’s not exactly living up to expectations. I never thought I’d miss Glenbriar as much as I do.
I told Finlay about us going to London… Well, I didn’t mean to. I forgot he didn’t know and I said something about it, then I had to explain. Hope I haven’t caused any problems.
Hope you’re doing ok. x
She let out a sigh just as another message came in.
OLIVER: It’s not just Glenbriar I miss… Certain people too.
OLIVER: I mean you x
OLIVER: I’ll see you at the wedding. It’s only six weeks away. Not too long now.
Hayley sucked on her lip, holding back an unexpected pang of sadness. Six weeks without Oliver was like a lifetime. And he missed her. She missed him too. A lot. An awful lot.