Sister Kevin charges back over to the door. ‘It’s a message,’ he says, thanking the concierge and slipping him some dollars. ‘In a posh envelope.’ He carries it over to us. He hands it to me.
‘Why me?’ I’m quick to say. ‘Give it to Big Sue.’
‘It has your name on it.’
I take it gingerly and turn it around in my fingers. It’s a small red envelope.
‘That is so sinister,’ says Cherry. ‘You better open it. It might be a death threat.’
Not helping.
I slide my finger under the seal and take out a thick piece of beautifully crafted white card with embossed writing. ‘It’s an invitation.’
‘To where?’ says Cherry, looking over my shoulder. ‘“Your attendance is requested at The Little White Wedding Chapel at midnight.”’
‘It says, “Come for the free booze, stay for the wedding”,’ I say. ‘Whose wedding?’
‘Maybe it’s a mistake? Or someone Matteo knows?’
‘Would anyone mind if I just went downstairs for a little gamble?’ Sister Kevin looks shattered. This week has been very full-on. I imagine Tash has been very high-maintenance and the cracks are beginning to show.
‘If you must,’ she says sharply. ‘See you at the gig?’
‘Of course. Sure.’ He doesn’t sound sure. ‘I’ll be there.’
We wait for Tash to run into his arms for a lengthy snog, but she stands rigid, unmoving. They exchange a frosty goodbye before he leaves.
‘Whoa,’ says Big Sue. ‘What’s going on there?’
‘Nothing,’ Tash says. ‘We’re just… tired.’
‘Yup,’ agrees Cherry. ‘You can say that again. I’m frigging exhausted. Feels like we’ve been here forever.’
‘Well, after today’s gig for Eddie from Talent Star, we have only one day left before we fly home,’ I say, staring down at my wedding ring, wondering what my dad will make of it all.
‘So much has happened,’ says Big Mand. ‘It’s ridiculous to think you’re going back a married woman, Connie, babes. Five minutes ago, he was your Mr Window Seat on the plane to Benidorm and now, you’re building a whole new life together.’
We let those words sink in.
I. AM. A. MARRIED. WOMAN.
Omigodomigodomigod.
‘It’s funny to think of how your life can change so dramatically all because of a chance meeting,’ says Liberty with a faraway look in her eye.
I wonder if she’s thinking of Hank.
27
An hour later, and the whole staying-married incident has put me on a high, excitement-wise. It’s insane. It’s ridiculous. It’s the most alive I’ve ever felt, and I am bursting with joy. I want to yell and scream and dance around. I instantly text messaged Matteo to make sure he is sure about what he said. I reread his instant reply.
If you are sure. I am sure.
OmigodOmigodOmigod.
This is happening. This is really happening. My heart is skipping into a sweet shop and bouncing around on fluffy marshmallows.
‘Connie!’ yells Tash. ‘Which floor? I need to press a button.’
