‘Actually, I’ll have the same, thanks,’ said Florrie, thinking they sounded delicious.
In the end, all of the friends were tempted by the house special hot chocolates.
‘So, what’s been happening, flower?’ Stella asked as soon as Casey had left their table and was out of earshot. All eyes turned to Florrie.
‘Actually, can we let Florrie see what’s in the gift bag first?’ Lark said gently.
‘Good point,’ agreed Jasmine. ‘We can’t go any further until… well, you’ll see.’ She threw Florrie a wink.
‘I hope there’s nothing risqué in here. I know what certain people round this table can be like, mentioning no names… Jasmine and Maggie.’ That set the friends off laughing, Jasmine’s dirty cackle standing out above the others.
Removing the tissue paper, Florrie reached inside the bag and lifted out a sparkly, plastic tiara with the word ‘BRIDE’ emblazoned across it in pink faux gems. Her face broke out into a beaming smile. ‘Aww, lasses.’
‘You’ve got to wear it,’ said Jasmine.
‘Of course I will.’ Florrie slid the tiara onto her head. ‘What d’you think?’
‘Very stylish, flower,’ said Stella.
‘There’s more,’ said Lark.
The other items included a bright pink sash with ‘THE BRIDE’ splashed across it, a pair of pink, flashing ‘Bride’ earrings and a matching flashing ‘Bride’ badge. ‘Thanks, lasses, I love it all,’ Florrie said, adjusting her tiara which was catching on the arms of her glasses.
‘You’re looking very eye-catching there, petal,’ said Maggie,as Florrie pressed the button on her badge so it flashed along with her earrings.
‘Hey, never let anyone tell you we’re not classy birds with discerning taste in gifts for our friends.’ Jasmine gave one of her cheeky grins. ‘Oh, and you’ve got to wear them on our next hen event, which is on Sunday.’
‘Oh, right.’ Florrie had just started to ponder what that event might be when Casey arrived with their hot chocolates.
‘Here you are, lasses.’ She was greeted with sounds of approval as she proceeded to hand out five generous-sized mugs spilling over with whipped cream and marshmallows finished with grated chocolate and a flake. ‘Enjoy,’ she said as she left them to dive in.
‘Not sure how I’m going to tackle this,’ said Lark as she eyed the generous mountain of whipped cream that sat on top of her drink.
‘You’re going to have to dig your way in with one of these,’ said Maggie, waving a teaspoon at her.
‘Good plan.’ Lark scooped up her spoon.
‘Right then, Florrie, you, Jazz and Stells need to choose an item to paint. They’re on the shelves over there,’ said Maggie. ‘Once you’ve done that, Pippa said she’d come over and tell us what we need to do and share some tips.’
‘Ah, right, okay. Come on, you two, let’s go and choose something.’
‘Good plan. Mind, I don’t need to warn you in advance, lasses, since you already know my artistic skills are pretty limited, verging on zero – so don’t forget to keep your expectations suitably low.’
‘There’s no of fear of that, don’t forget we were at school with you, Stells. We haven’t forgotten your shameful efforts in art class. That time we had to do portraits of the person opposite is etched on my mind forever, with me being the unfortunate soul sitting at the other side of the table from you. My self-confidence still hasn’t fully recovered since you drew me looking like Mr Potato Head,’ said Jasmine dryly, making them all howl with laughter, yet somehow managing to keep a straight face herself. ‘Who knew mynose was somewhere round by my right lug ’ole? And as for my mouth, it was like some sort of squidged banana-shaped thing; I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. You’d never think it was one of my besties who’d drawn me, more like my arch enemy.’ She shot Stella a look of mock offence.
‘Please stop, Jazz!’ Stella pleaded. ‘I’m not sure my bladder can hold up for much longer.’ But Jasmine appeared not to have heard.
‘You have no idea how lucky you are to have escaped such horrors, Mags. Honest, she had me looking like some giant troll with an oversized head, the sort that gives kids nightmares for the rest of their lives.’
‘I still struggle to sleep for it now,’ said Florrie, giggling.
‘Harsh,’ said Stella, though she appeared unable to stop herself from laughing.
‘But fair,’ added Jasmine.
‘Oh, poor Stells,’ said Lark, giggling.
‘And what made you think I had three eyes?’ Jasmine asked, feigning outrage. ‘I’m not some creature from Greek mythology, you know.’ That had them all cackling loudly.
