Chapter 24 #2
I notice Jules and Jean-Marc hovering around capturing people chatting, drinking, snacking, laughing on camera.
The photographer is also going round asking people to pose and to stand in the light.
She approaches Big Sue and Big Mand, and I stand to one side watching them.
Their faces are positively radiant. Big Mand looks amazing in my former gown and powder wig.
The colour has returned to her cheeks, and she and Big Sue are chatting animatedly to some of Ged’s music friends.
The photographer has them posing one by one then together.
I can’t believe how relaxed they are and how much they are laughing along.
Usually, Big Sue is very military about operations of this nature.
And Big Mand is quite a private person. It’s lovely to see them relishing being captured as a couple.
They catch me staring and beckon me over. ‘I’m just sorting the timings for the first dance with everyone,’ I say. ‘You both ready and know what you’re doing?’
Big Mand nods, her cheeks flushed. ‘So, how are you feeling?’ I ask. ‘You both look stunning, by the way.’
‘Thank you so much for swapping outfits with me, Connie, hun. I really appreciate it,’ says Big Mand. ‘It fits like a glove.’
‘She’s gorge, isn’t she?’ says Big Sue, her arm snaking around Big Mand’s waist and pulling her closer. When the photographer moves on to the next group of guests they step towards me. ‘Don’t say anything, but…’ murmurs Big Sue, checking over her shoulder for stray spies.
Christ Almighty. I slap a curious frown on my face as though I don’t know what’s coming.
Big Mand giggles. ‘We’re secretly engaged!’
I gasp.
‘But. Not. A. Single. Word,’ whispers Big Sue. ‘We’ll announce it tomorrow at—’
‘Christmas dinner. Yes, great plan,’ I say.
She nods. ‘Bad form to do it on—’
‘Ged and Liam’s big day. Yes, I agree. Congratulations. I’m delighted for you.’ I hug them both.
‘It means we can get started straight away on planning the engagement party. Vegas has given us a real eye-opener as to what we want.’ Big Mand beams. ‘We’re going for a big, bold bastard of a shindig somewhere crazy like…’
Afghanistan? The moon?
‘Can’t wait,’ I say, thinking of my poor credit card. ‘Somewhere crazy sounds very… um, romantic.’ This next year is going to be eye-wateringly expensive. But first we need to get through Christmas dinner.
Finally, I make it to the kitchen to speak to Molly, the caterer who stepped in last minute as a favour to Birdie. I’m surprised to see her deep in conversation with both Birdie and Eddie.
‘Oh hi,’ says Birdie, in an unusually friendly tone. ‘This is Connie.’ She introduces me to Molly. ‘Connie’s from England too. Where is it again?’
‘Newcastle.’
‘No. Never heard of it.’ Birdie looks nonplussed as though I’ve made it up.
‘Thank you so much for doing the wedding at such short notice,’ I gush.
‘You’re from Newcastle?’ Molly says brightly.
‘Same.’ She asks me where I live and how two girls from such working-class upbringings have ended up living a billionaire lifestyle.
‘Life’s unpredictable, huh? Do you know, when my friend wanted us to open a restaurant in a tiny village halfway up a mountain in France, I nearly didn’t have the guts to go for it. God, I’m so glad I did.’
‘I’m glad you did. Because your food is amazing. Best I’ve ever had. It’s been exquisite.’
She laughs. ‘Well, apart from the beef. Apparently only Texas beef is worth its salt.’ She grins at Eddie. ‘But what does he know? He only owns half the cattle in the whole of the USA.’
I notice Eddie and Birdie are standing very close together. Very close. I can’t help flicking my eyes from his to hers. I need to pretend I don’t know what’s going on.
‘We’re together,’ blurts Birdie in her gorgeous pouty French accent.
‘Get over it. Deal with it. We’re all grown-ups.
Liberty is fine with it. She gave her blessing.
It’s no big deal anyway because it wasn’t serious between them.
’ She sticks out her chin defiantly as though I’m going to oppose the union.
I couldn’t be more fucking relieved.
I act surprised. ‘Well, in that case I’m delighted for you both.’ I hug her thin frame. There is no meat on her bones. I kiss Eddie on the cheek. ‘Good luck,’ I whisper jokingly.
He sniggers. ‘I sure do pick ’em, don’t I?’
Birdie elbows him good-naturedly. ‘If you would be so kind to tell your husband that Eddie and I are leaving with Molly, later this evening. Levi’s sending his chopper and we’re spending Christmas Day together at his resort in the Alps.’
Oh wow.
Eddie runs a hand over his moustache. ‘I promised Libs that she could take y’all back home in my jet. And I’m a man of my word.’
‘Thank you, that’s very generous of you. I’ll let them know. I hope that you two will be very happy together,’ I say genuinely. ‘And have a lovely Christmas.’
‘Don’t say it like you’ll never see me again,’ says Birdie, smirking. ‘I live in the same street as you in LA and I’ll still need your husband to finish the album we’re working on. Isn’t that right, Eddie?’
‘Yes, ma’am.’ He gives me a jokey eye roll before kissing Birdie quickly on the lips. ‘Are you always going to be this bossy, woman?’
I leave the kitchen feeling like I’m walking on cloud nine.
I check my phone. It’s time for the Bridgerton ball extravaganza to begin.
I hurry down the corridor, peeking out of the windows.
The sun has set, the moon is high and the stars are beginning to twinkle in the sky.
As soon as I race back into the ballroom, I am greeted by a blaze of glittering lights and colourful costumes.
Everyone is in high spirits as they sweep to one side, the music starts and my two best friends glide into the centre of the dance floor to begin their first dance of the evening. The first of many, as they dance throughout life together.