‘Who was that?’ she asks, her normally barely tameable blonde curls pulled back into a loose ponytail.
‘Alex,’ I reply.
She meets my eyes, agog.
‘It’s nothing. I’m just catching up with him while I’m here. He’s coming back for me later. We’re just friends. I might crash at his. He has a spare room.’
‘You don’t have to explain yourself to me,’ she says laughingly as I dither about on her doorstep. ‘Come in. Can I get you a glass of wine?’
‘Better not. I think I need to keep my head tonight.’
She looks amused.
The photographs of Bridget and Charlie’s wedding are out of this world. Their picnic reception took place on a pebble-and-shingle beach called Lansallos. The cove is horseshoe shaped, flanked by stunning greeny-grey rocky cliffs, and the aquamarine water makes the most stunning backdrop to the photos.
‘You’ve still got it,’ Rachel says with admiration, staring at the picture of Charlie with shining eyes as he waits for Bridget at the altar. She clicks on her mouse and moves her corresponding shot of Bridget so they’re side by side. My friend’s eyes sparkle with love and emotion.
‘These are so beautiful,’ I murmur.
‘I don’t need to ask you if you enjoyed yourself, because it’s obvious that you did,’ Rachel says.
‘I loved it.’ I’m blown away looking at the work we produced.
‘Honestly, I wish you lived here,’ Rachel says wistfully. ‘I could put so much work your way. The number of weddings I’m having to turn down because I’m too busy is unbelievable.’
‘I’m so happy it’s all going so well for you,’ I say sincerely.
‘Thank you,’ she replies with a smile. ‘Now, there’sonewedding in December that I wouldloveto have your help with.’ The look on her face has me intrigued.
‘What’s that?’ I ask.
‘I’m sworn to secrecy.’ She grins and my curiosity is properly piqued. ‘But I need two assistants.’
‘A celebrity wedding?’ I ask with excitement.
She doesn’t deny it. ‘I’d give anything to tell you whose.’
‘Go on!’ I urge. ‘I won’t spill!’
‘You used to work atHebe,’ she says with a laugh.
‘I’m out of that world now,’ I reply. ‘Celebrity shelebrity.’ I wave my hand dismissively.
‘You. Would. Die.’
I crack up laughing. ‘You’re terrible!’ I gasp. ‘I can’t believe you’re stirring me up like this!’
‘I’m still so shocked I’ve got the job.’
‘So who have you got assisting?’ I ask with a grin.
‘Just Misha so far.’ That’s her regular assistant. ‘I haven’t lined anyone else up yet.’
We stare at each other.
‘It’s really well paid,’ she adds beguilingly. ‘It would easily cover your airfare back here…’
‘Are you serious?’ My insides begin to fizz with excitement, but then reality bites and the disappointment is crushing. ‘I’ve already used up all my holidays for this year.’ I sound thoroughly fed up.
