‘Well, I’m sure I can arrange that, but I think you’d much prefer the Penrigan View Hotel. It’s proper five-star luxury.’
‘But I also have to meet this Irish stallion you are living with and see the market and—’
‘We will do it all. But I’ve been working all week and it was market day today, so I’m knackered, so tonight I thought we could have a few drinks in the hotel and a nice dinner and tomorrow, it’s up to you. You can come and work the Saturday outdoor market with me, and I’ll give you the key to my place so you can chill there when you want to. Or you can explore over in Crowsbridge– a ferry goes across every thirty minutes– and of course the market is amazing for shopping. Or you can just stay here and enjoy the spa, beach and pier if you so desire.’
‘Options, options. I love it. But yes, let’s go check in and get a drink down us. It sounds like we have a lot to catch up on.’
‘Happy Noneymoon.’ Dee clinked their champagne flutes gently together as they sat perusing their menus in the packed posh restaurant of the hotel.
‘Thanks for that. But I guess, if it’s right that everything happens for a reason I must have been led here.’
A young, chiselled waiter in his all-black uniform smiled between them as he refilled their glasses.
‘Bloody hell, Rini, you didn’t warn me that this place was teeming with such totty. We will be ordering room service every hour on the hour at this rate.’
‘They’re half your age!’ The reminder of the age gap between Dominic and his new lover caused Sabrina to blow out a big sigh.
‘Shit. Sorry.’ Dee’s face looked pained. ‘Looking at the photos, I don’t think he’s that happy.’
‘Well, he may be happy with her but a kid on his coat tails is everything he didn’t want at his age.’
‘He made his bed, Sabrina.’
‘I know.’ Sabrina took a big sip of bubbly. ‘And now I have to make my own bed and move on.’
‘So, being led here for a reason? Does that mean you’re feeling alright about everything? About Dom, I mean?’
‘Yes, considering the enormity of it, I actually do.’
‘Good girl.’ Dee gently placed her hand on her friend’s.
Sabrina sighed. ‘Don’t get me wrong, it’s been difficult dealing with the fact I feel rejected by him. And then finding out she was pregnant– well, that was a huge kick in the teeth. But it’s only been six weeks and I don’t think I’m missing a man I was supposed to be marrying like I should be. I cried more when I broke up with Sammi Jenkins in sixth form.’
‘Oh my God, Sammi Jenkins. Wasn’t he the blondie with the cock ring?’
‘Trust you to remember that.’ Sabrina laughed out loud. ‘Yes, him– amazing in the sack, but thick as pig shit. I still stayed with him for two years, though.’ Sabrina laughed. ‘God, you’d have thought I would have learnt my lesson by now, wouldn’t you?’
Dee took a drink. ‘Life is one ongoing lesson, mate. But it’s brilliant, isn’t it, that you’re not missing Dom? And I’m so relieved you’re not, Rini.’
‘It was you who said to think about what it really was I missed about him, and do you know what, I must still be fickle now as I liked the crazy lifestyle that being with him brought. I liked the fancy London restaurants and having him on my arm at the soap awards red carpet. But through all of that, I never really felt held. I don’t think he ever got to know who I really was. Do you understand what I mean by that?’
‘Oh, Rini.’
‘And I’m not sure heeverhad my back really. He loved himself more than me and that’s not a quality I find attractive in a man. I look at Isaac and Belle, and their love is so pure and real. And I know you and Stu have your ups and downs, but the foundation is still true love. You two just work.’
‘That’s because we still laugh together. We have this standing joke of leaving a dog-eared Koala with one eye somewhere funny that the other will find– it was one of Phoebe’s old toys. This morning it was tucked in the top of my case with a note just saying,Love you, Chops. It is the little things.’
Sabrina nodded, so happy for her friend in her choice of husband. ‘Yes, it is. Not going to lie, I was feeling a bit morose the other night and I looked up the piece I read on your wedding day. I remember it was harder than learning any lines as I kept crying when I read it out in front of the mirror.’
‘Aw. You donut. You never told me that.’ Dee reached for her friend’s arm. ‘The only piece out of the Bible I would allow; we are such heathens.’
Sabrina was a little tipsy, she began reciting a little too loudly. She saw the woman on the table next door raise her eyebrows to her partner, but didn’t care.
‘“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”’
Dee put her hand to her heart, tears in her eyes. ‘It is the most beautiful prose.’
Sabrina took a large slug of champagne, ‘I’ve been worried that something is wrong with you and Stu.’ Dee looked awkward for a second. ‘Oh no, there is, isn’t there?’ Sabrina grimaced.
