‘I love it when someone from Castle Street gets married and supports the traders rather than ordering everything online,’ Ginny said. ‘It’s such a special thing.’
Ginny had kept The Wedding Emporium open for us one evening as Carly had hoped. It had been just Carly, Bethany, their mum and me although Liam’s sister, Kim, was connected on FaceTime. Several colours were discussed before we landed on a beautiful dusky blue for the bridesmaid dresses which would suit us all and felt perfect for a spring wedding. It had been a privilege to see Carly choosing her wedding gown and I couldn’t wait to see Liam’s face when he saw her wearing it on their big day.
Michael Heslington – a talented professional photographer who specialised in landscapes – arrived and greeted us as he passed. He travelled the world with his work so didn’t make it to many Bay Trade meetings but I loved hearing about his travels when he did so I’d make sure I caught up with him later.
‘That reminds me,’ Carly said, ‘I need toconfirm the photographer. Michael gave me a recommendation and we love the guy’s work so we’re hoping he isn’t booked already.’
Jed was still talking to Skye and, when Michael approached, they both looked surprised to see each other before smiling and shaking hands in a way that suggested to me they weren’t meeting for the first time.
‘Does Jed know Michael?’ Ginny asked.
‘Looks that way, doesn’t it?’
Nick called for hush so Jed and Michael parked themselves at the nearest table. Jed was welcomed as a newbie, news was invited from other members and then we were asked if anyone had anything they wanted to discuss. Sometimes a member had a problem they wanted the group’s help on but, as nobody had anything to share, the formalities were short.
I glanced across the room at Jed and Michael, smiling at the sight of them deep in conversation with their phones out, presumably showing each other their work. I liked Michael and could imagine him and Jed having a lot in common given that Jed’s artwork came from studying landscapes as well as animals. I left them to chat for a while then wandered over, curious as to how they knew each other.
‘We met when I was at catering college,’ Jed said.
Michael nodded. ‘I was in my final year at secondary school and experimenting with still-life photography. I contacted the college to ask whether I could photograph any of their dishes free of charge to give me some practice. They were really good to me and, after they saw my work, they gave me a budget to produce some brochures and posters of the students’ best work.’
‘I’ve still got that brochure somewhere,’ Jed said. ‘Michael was great at photography back then but he’s been showing me some of his more recent photos and they’re exceptional.’
‘And so’s your art,’ Michael responded and I smiled at the clear respect they had for each other.
‘You’ve never mentioned still life,’ I said. ‘You obviously moved away from that.’
‘I did, but funnily enough, I’ve returned to it recently. Travelling round the world with my camera was incredible when I was single but not so much now that I’m married with a baby. Kayla’s ten months old now and we’d like a brother or sister for her, maybe next year. My wife, Nia, has been brilliant. She’s never once asked me to slow down or spend more time at home but I want to be with her and our kids so I’m doing more UK-based work including still life for brochures and catalogues. It’s different but I’m enjoying it and the main thing is getting to be with my family.’
‘Sounds like an ideal compromise. I’ll leave you two to catch up.’
As I returned to my friends, guilt prodded at me. How did I not know that Michael was married with a baby? I’d had stacks of conversations with him about his overseas travels but I’d never once asked him about his personal life. I’d made a huge assumption that he was single simply because of how much time he spent abroad. I could have asked but, until last year, I’d avoided quizzing anyone about their personal lives because I hadn’t wanted to open up about mine. I wondered now whether there’d been another reason – a protective mechanism to avoid hearing about the type of life I wanted but which I couldn’t imagine ever having.
Carly had asked if she could come back to The Chocolate Pot for a hot chocolate after Bay Trade because therewas something she wanted to talk to me about so I suggested to Jed that he and Michael stay for another drink.
In the café, I made our drinks and we took them up to the flat where Hercules was waiting by the door for some attention.
‘I’ve missed you,’ Carly said, scooping him up and showering him with kisses. ‘You’re so snuggly.’
She carried him through to the lounge and he draped himself across her knee while I put our mugs down on the coffee table.
‘So, what did you want to discuss?’ I asked.
‘As if we don’t already have enough on with organising the wedding, Liam and I have decided to throw house hunting into the mix.’
‘You’re moving out of the flat?’ My voice came out unnecessarily high.
‘We want to start a family in a couple of years’ time and the flat’s fine for the two of us but there’s no way we can squeeze kids in there too.’
While delighted for Carly and Liam that they had clear plans for the future, I felt like the wind had just been knocked out of my sails. I loved having Carly next door to me. We weren’t in and out of each other’s homes all the time but it was reassuring to know she was so close.
‘Are you okay?’ Carly asked, looking at me with concern.
I realised I hadn’t responded and flashed her what I hoped looked like a genuine smile. ‘I don’t know why that’s taken me by surprise. Sorry. It’s fantastic news.’
‘We’re excited, but I’m going to miss having you next door. And I’m conscious that, with Ginny’s flat being empty, you won’t have anyone living either side of you.’
‘Oh! I’ll be fine. I’ve got Hercules for company and I’m sure it won’t be long before Jed stays over.’
