Chapter 9 #2
Noushka looked genuinely thrilled with the praise. ‘I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it. Offering sessions for hen parties is a new venture for me, and you’re only the second group I’ve had, so your feedback’s really helpful.’
‘We’ve all had an amazing time.’ Stella appeared beside Florrie. ‘It’d be nice to think we could do it again.’
‘Got something to tell us, have you, Stells?’ Jasmine gave her an exaggerated nudge with her elbow. ‘Are you and Al about to make an announcement?’
Stella rolled her eyes while Alex gave an amused chuckle. ‘I didn’t mean for that reason. It’s just we’ve all had such a great time, it’d be good to think we’d be okay to book more sessions.’
‘Yeah, yeah, we’ll believe you, thousands wouldn’t,’ Maggie teased as she scooped up her dark curls that had escaped her bobble and fixed them back in place.
‘You’ve all been great, we’ve had a fabulous time, haven’t we, Gabe?’ Noushka turned to her boyfriend.
‘We have. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than indulging in a bit of salsa with such an elegant dancing partner. Thank you for your patience, Jean – and apologies for stepping on your toes that time.’ He took Jean’s hand and kissed it, sending her all of a flutter.
‘Thank you so much, lovey. It’s been an afternoon I’ll never forget.’ Jean smiled bashfully, which sent a flood of affection rushing over Florrie.
‘Ah, bless you. It’s the same for me, too.’ He gave her a lopsided grin before turning to Florrie and Ed. ‘All the best for the future, folks, hope you have a fabulous wedding day, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of today’s celebrations.’
‘And I’ve just realised where I’ve seen you before,’ said Jasmine, turning to Anoushka. ‘You were in one of Gabe’s videos.’
It was Noushka’s turn to flush pink. ‘I was. It was all very last minute; the girl who was booked was ill, so Gabe asked if I’d step in. He owed me one, which is why he helped out today.’
‘And I’m sure glad I did.’
‘And it’s been awesome to have a couple of celebrities in my class, too.’ Noushka smiled over at Jack and Jenna.
‘It sure has.’ Gabe beamed at them.
‘Not sure why you’re looking in this direction, are you, lass?’ Jack feigned glancing around him, making everyone laugh.
Happiness danced through Florrie’s veins.
The afternoon had been totally surreal. Gabe Dublin – someone whose music she was a huge fan of; someone who she’d seen perform in concert – had actually been involved in her and Ed’s celebrations.
On top of that, he was a genuinely likeable and down-to-earth bloke.
Talk about a pinch-me moment. She’d be reliving it for years to come.
‘I’m guessing you’re regretting that we didn’t go pig herding,’ Stella said dryly, taking in Florrie’s happy smile. They were making their way over to the car parking area after getting changed into their smarter clothing.
‘Yeah, she looks gutted, doesn’t she?’ said Jasmine.
Florrie turned to her friends, her backpack slung over her shoulder. ‘Thank you all for arranging the best day for Ed and me. I’m buzzing with it all.’
‘Yeah, thanks, everyone. I know I was in on the surprise, but it way surpassed my expectations, big time,’ said Ed, as Florrie flung her arms around Lark, who was standing next to her. She proceeded to go round and hug all their friends.
‘And what about our Jean, the star of the show?’ Jasmine turned to the woman in question.
‘Talk about fighting off admirers,’ said Ed.
‘Get away with you,’ Jean replied, bashfully. ‘Mind, I could listen to Gabe talk till the cows come home. He’s got the most wonderful tone to his voice. Ooh, that accent…’ She sounded almost dreamy and made everyone laugh.
‘Right then,’ said Stella, clapping her hands together.
‘I know Jack, Jenna and Jean have to head back to Micklewick Bay, as do Leah and Hayley, but the fun isn’t over for the rest of us yet.
’ A quick enquiry told Florrie that Jean was meeting ‘a friend’ while the two younger women and their boyfriends had been invited to a get-together with some of their former college pals.
‘Stells is right about the fun not being over,’ added Lark in Florrie’s ear. ‘We thought all that dancing would whip up an appetite, so we’re off for Sunday dinner at The Sunne Inne in Lytell Stangdale.’
‘No way?’ Florrie’s eyes widened in disbelief. The Sunne Inne’s outstanding reputation had reached Florrie’s ears in Micklewick Bay. As if this day hadn’t been awesome enough already.
‘Yes way,’ said Jasmine. ‘Now come on, you lot, no more faffing about. I’m that famished I could eat a scabby hoss between two mattresses.’
With that, they bid a quick farewell to those who were heading home, before walking to their respective cars.
In the Land Rover, Florrie had a quick rummage around her backpack for her mobile.
She wanted to check for any further messages from her mum.
It had crossed her mind several times during the course of their salsa lesson how much her parents would have loved having a go at learning some of the dance moves.
She had no doubt they’d have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into it, particularly her dad.
Not to mention how much her mum was a fan of Gabe Dublin’s music – she regularly described him as having a voice that could melt chocolate. Florrie had to agree.
She fired off a quick text, the high-spirited chatter around her fading into the distance as she concentrated on what to say.
Hi Mum, hope Dad’s feeling better and you’re still okay. Had a fab time at the salsa lesson. Shame you couldn’t have been there. Loads to tell you!!! Fxxx
Finding it difficult to type as the Landie bounced over potholes and bumps, not to mention the road being so twisty-turny, Florrie kept her message brief, deciding she’d call in on her parents later that evening.
She hoped her dad was okay and her mum wasn’t underplaying how unwell he was feeling so as not to spoil her and Ed’s day.
It had never left her mind that they’d kept her mum’s illness a secret until she’d overheard them having a conversation about it.
They’d been trying to protect her, not wanting her to worry as she faced her final year uni exams. She’d had to practically drag the details out of them.
She’d made them swear never to do it again, but it still hadn’t stopped a little doubt from lingering.
Tucking her phone back in her bag, her eyes slid to Ed’s hands in his lap where he was holding his mobile.
Florrie couldn’t help but notice a text from his mother on the screen.
It came as no surprise to see that she communicated in shouty capitals, and was demanding to know where he was.
She caught a flash of something that included mention of his father, but before she could read any more, Ed swiped the message away and shoved his phone back in the pocket of his hoodie, releasing a weary sigh.
She bristled, as her heart simultaneously went out to Ed. How typical of his parents to put a cloud over such a happy day.