Chapter 19
Nineteen
Maddy trailed behind the others into the lobby. Every step made her more aware of Eva, who had arrived almost like an afterthought but now dominated Maddy’s awareness.
Hannah turned from the reception where she’d been in consultation for several minutes. ‘We’ve got rooms sorted! Bride, you’ll have the suite at the end of the hall with the Mother of the Bride! Mary and Aria next door! Eva, you’re with me.’
Maddy’s mother beamed. ‘Oh, how lovely!’
Mary slipped up beside her. ‘Excited?’
Maddy nodded. ‘Mmm.’
Aria was inspecting a jug of water sitting on the reception desk. ‘There’s cucumber and mint in the water? What’ll they think of next!’ she exclaimed, adjusting her big specs. Maddy forced a polite laugh.
Eva stood just behind her, suitcase in hand, composed as ever.
She didn’t flinch at Aria’s grandmother-on-crack vibe or Hannah’s dictatorial exuberance.
She simply existed in the room with a kind of controlled authority that made Maddy want to stick closer, like Eva was an umbrella that could shield her.
Maddy supposed that made the rest of them a shit storm.
Hannah clapped again. ‘Time to drop off bags! Lounge for welcome drinks in five!’
Maddy wheeled her suitcase down the corridor as directed, falling into step with Eva.
‘I hope this isn’t… too much,’ Maddy said quietly.
‘For me or for you?’ Eva asked.
Maddy thought for a moment. ‘Yes.’
Eva laughed. Maddy’s shoulders loosened a fraction.
They reached the rooms. Hannah had already flung open her door, squealing at the view.
Mary found her room, and Aria swooped behind with the keycard to let her in.
Maddy’s mother held open a door. ‘Ooh, look at us! Sharing like sisters. I always wanted to do this when you were young, but you thought it was weird, spoilsport.’
Maddy went where she was told, turning at the door to see Eva leaning casually against the doorframe of the room she was to share with Hannah. ‘You’ll manage?’
‘Manage?’ Maddy half whispered, a humourless laugh escaping. ‘This is fun.’
Eva’s mouth twitched into a half-smile. ‘Of course.’ She went into the room, and the door closed on Hannah saying, ‘I can’t sleep near a window.’
Maddy turned and went in to find her mother holding a towel against her cheek. ‘My towels never feel like this. Why is that, do you think?’
‘I don’t know, Mum,’ Maddy said.
But she was nowhere near as gloomy as she’d been. Eva had come. She’d been invited, and she’d come. This was it, Maddy’s chance to get to know Eva. They could even come out of this as real friends. By the wedding? Besties.
Maybe the weekend didn’t have to be so dreadful after all. It might even be worth the girl-fun horrors she would have to brave for the chance at having Eva in her life for real.