“Yeah, I mean it. Alfie has offices in New York anyway, maybe we can make it a work trip.”
“Thrilling,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I don’t think he’s going to be letting you out of his sight until all of this mess has blown over anyway.”
“I know. I’m just hoping none of it screws up Natalie’s big day.”
“Speaking of weddings,” she said, moving brusquely on before I started to spiral again, “I wanted to ask you something. I know you’ll say this isn’t the right time, too much going on, we’re supposed to be celebrating Natalie blah blah blah, but I need your opinion.”
“On what? I don’t think you’ve ever asked for my opinion on anything.”
“Your dress. Duh.” She pincered another piece of sushi and stuck it in her mouth. “I know what would look best on you but I have been reminded recently that I can be a bull in a china shopon occasion and I should try being considerate every once in a while.”
“Did this reminder come from Damien by any chance? I can’t imagine anyone else whose opinion you actually care about.”
“Who said I care about his opinion? Did he tell you that?” I bit back a laugh and she threw up a hand. “Ugh! Anyway, what style of dress do you want? I know what I want to make but I guess you should have some input too.”
“Why, thank you,” I said, not bothering to hide my sarcasm. “Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought.” I’d had other things on my mind over the last few months.
“Well, veil or no veil?” she asked. I paused, thinking about it. “Oh my god, are you wondering which one Moneybags would prefer? Lola, this isyourdress!”
“He’s the one that's got to look at me all day!” She rolled her eyes at me again. “I don’t know. Maybe no veil? I think it would look crazy with my hair.”
“I’m glad you said it so I didn’t have to. What about the colour? White, cream, ivory, beige? Or something else? You’ve said before that Alfie likes you in blue?”
“Um…” I grimaced. I really had no idea. “I think white? Maybe?”
“Okay, what about jewellery? I’m trying to figure out the aesthetic you’re going for so I don’t clash. Do you want bold or understated?”
“I mean, I have my necklace and my engagement ring. I don’t have any other special jewellery to wear.”
“Alfie’s never given you anything?” she mumbled around her food. “That surprises me. I’d have thought he’d shower you with stuff.”
“No. I mean, there’s a closet full of ‘stuff’ but the ring is the only piece he’s ever specifically given to me. Except for—” I paused, a smile spreading across my face at the return of amemory. “Oh, I just got an idea.” For the first time in days, I began to laugh.
“What? Tell me!”
Before I could there was a knock at the door and I called for the visitor to come in. Maia opened the door with a tentative wave. “I’m sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to tell you I’m going to bed. Security is at both exits as usual.”
“Okay, thanks Maia.”
“Maia?” Keira said. “Maia’s there?”
I looked between the screen and my bodyguard/former roommate. They hadn’t seen each other since Maia moved out.
“Hello Keira. Congratulations on your success in New York, I hear you're doing well.”
“Very formal. They teach you that in spy school?” I winced and gave Keira a look. I watched my best friend snort and sigh like I’d seen her do a thousand times. “Fuck it. Why don’t you join us?”
Maia hesitated.
“Seriously. Lola, pour her a glass. She must need it after working for Alfie’s psycho self.”
I ignored her jibe. Asking Keira to accept Alfie back into our lives was a tall order after everything that he’d done, letting her roast him every once in a while was a fair deal if it meant I got to keep both of them.
“Maia, do you wanna join us?”
She looked like a deer in headlights but after a moment she nodded. “Okay.”
I got up and grabbed her a soft drink from the mini fridge as I knew she wouldn’t touch the alcohol.
