‘What have I been missing?’ came Jasmine’s chirpy voice as she opened the gate, making Ed pause. Her friend was bundled up well against the cold, a bobble hat covering herred pixie crop.
‘What doyouwant?’ Dawn scowled as Jasmine walked past her.
‘I’m here to see my friend – she’s expecting me.’ Jasmine shot her a look to match.
‘Hi, Jazz,’ said Florrie, her insides churning with emotions, relief at seeing her friend amongst them.
‘Come in, Jazz. My mother was just leaving,’ said Ed.
Jasmine stepped inside and he firmly closed the door, sliding the bolt across.
THIRTY-ONE
‘That woman has some bloomin’ brass neck,’ said Jasmine, her top lip curling in disgust when Florrie had finished relaying what had happened with Dawn. The two friends were striding purposefully along the top prom, and though the sun was shining and the sky was clear, there was a chilly wind whipping off the sea, making Florrie glad she’d wrapped up well. She hadn’t a clue where they were heading or what they were doing that day; she was still reeling from her encounter with Ed’s mother and it hadn’t crossed her mind to ask.
‘Tell me about it. I was just relieved she’d gone by the time we left. I was half expecting her to still be on the doorstep or parked outside when we opened the door.’ Florrie hadn’t noticed the vice-like grip of a headache that her altercation with Dawn had triggered until Ed had closed the door. And now her head was pounding.
‘Let’s hope she’s got the message. I mean, it sounds as though Ed’s been standing up to the pair of them this time.’
‘Aye, let’s hope so.’ Florrie gave a wistful sigh, hoping the fresh air would help chase her headache away. The two friends walked on, stepping aside to avoid colliding with a couple and their two dogs on their morning run.
‘Anyroad, that’s enough about that old dragon and Lucifer for now.’ Jasmine gave Florrie a playful nudge, catching her eye, the pair of them giggling.
‘You’re right. So, any chance you’re going to tell me what you’ve got planned today?’ She’d spotted Jasmine was wearing her backpack but hadn’t been told to bring anything herself.
‘Well, I can promise you it’s got nowt to do with pigs, Ando Taylor or Lobster Harry, so you can rest easy on that score.’
‘Phew!’ Florrie mimed wiping sweat from her brow, making them laugh some more.
‘I’ll give you more info when we reach our destination,’ Jasmine said, adopting a mysterious tone.
‘Okay.’
Taking the turn onto Skitey Bank, the salty sea breeze hit them full on, though the warmth of the spring sunshine took the edge off the cold. Thorncliffe loomed over on the right, the red pantiles of Old Micklewick glowing under the sun’s rays. She spotted the bathing suit-clad Goosebump Gals rushing towards the sea for a chilly frolic amongst the waves – it briefly crossed Florrie’s mind that they must have added an extra day to their sea swimming routine. She listened as Jasmine updated her on what she and the kids had been up to, their plans to move in with Max. She knew it wouldn’t be a decision Jazz would make lightly, but all the same, it had filled Florrie’s heart with joy hearing her friend chatter away so happily. If anyone deserved a happy ending, to Florrie’s mind it was Jasmine. Not so very long ago she’d been run ragged, trying to make ends meet, being both mum and dad to her children after Bart had passed away in a tragic accident. Not to mention the grief his parents had given her afterwards. It gladdened Florrie’s heart to see her friend settled and content.
‘Does this mean we might be hearing wedding bells for you and Max soon?’ Florrie gave her friend a knowing look. The blush that tinged Jasmine’s cheeks was all the answer she needed.
‘Just keep it to yourself for now though. We were going to waittill after you and Ed got married, didn’t want you to think we were trying to steal your thunder.’ Jasmine cast her a bashful look.
Florrie gave a squeal and threw her arms around her friend. ‘Oh, Jazz! This is fantastic news. I’m so happy for you! And we’d never think you were trying to steal our thunder. Ed’ll be as over the moon as I am when I tell him.’ She pressed a noisy kiss to her friend’s cheek before releasing her, clutching onto her shoulders. ‘I don’t want you to keep it secret on my account. It’s such fabulous, happy news, I think you should shout it from the rooftops.’ Both women laughed at that.
‘Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?’ Jasmine was glowing with happiness.
‘’Course not. I hope I haven’t been giving you all the impression that I’m some sort of bridezilla diva.’
‘Anything but, you’re mega low-key, which is why we haven’t wanted to wade in with our news and look like we’re trying to hog the limelight.’
‘Neither of you are like that, Jazz. Please don’t give it another thought. Like I said, share it with the world.’ Florrie beamed at her.
‘Okay. We haven’t mentioned anything to the kids yet, but just as soon as we do, we’ll tell everyone else.’
‘Can’t wait! I’m so happy for you, Jazz. Max, too. You can tell by the way he looks at you that he adores you, his eyes go all warm and soft.’
‘Right, that’s it! Give over with the mush!’ Jasmine said, her face burning as she gave an affectionate roll of her eyes, making Florrie hoot with laughter.
Soon they reached the bottom prom where Lark, Jean, Maggie and Leah were waiting by the boarded-up café at the entrance to the pier. They were all wrapped up well and wearing wide smiles as they greeted them.
‘We’re just waiting for Stella, Jenna and Louisa. Hayley sends her apologies, she’s had to head back to university,’ said Jean.
