‘Aye, some things never change,’ Florrie hadadded.
All too soon, the session was at an end, much to the friends’ disappointment.
‘Thank you so much, Noushka, that was the best fun. I can’t imagine a better way for Ed and I to celebrate our hen and stag party,’ Florrie said, her cheeks flushed pink from dancing.
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 thebestday 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.’
