I’m thinking back to how much Poppy’s helped me over the last year. How she’s messaged me every day. Agonised and sympathised. When she let me borrow her flat, it was purely to help me through Christmas. If this is how things are accidentally working out, given there really isn’t anyone else, maybe I need to dig deep. I give a huge sigh. ‘Maybe I can try.’ My main reason for helping out Nate and Becky was because I was desperate to grab a last lifeline to Luc. And get myself out of my rut. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t even be here at all.
Poppy pulls in a breath. ‘Jess thinks you’re going to surprise yourself. And I think she’s right.’
Talking of which, it’s no surprise that Immie’s joining in. ‘We’ll all be here to help you. With the Daisy Hill team behind you, you can do this, Hols.’
‘So that’s all settled.’ Poppy’s grinning at me. ‘Brides by the Sea just got a shiny new stand in wedding photographer. Complete with back-up team.’
‘Great.’ It comes out as a whisper. Except it’s really not. As for Rory Sanderson havinganypart of this, that is nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen.
Chapter 12
Friday 8th December
At Brides by the Sea: Ready and unwilling
‘Opening up at nine?’ As I lug my camera stuff down four flights of stairs and into the shop next morning, Poppy’s already behind the desk. ‘I thought you were supposed to be taking it easy?’
She looks up from checking through a stack of parcels. ‘With some clients it’s worth going the extra mile.’ The corners of her mouth droop. ‘It’s damage limitation. Stave off the problems before they happen and everything will be fine.’
I’m getting the message. ‘So you’re expecting a difficult customer?’
Her grin is rueful. ‘Let’s just say, if Marilyn had told me to be here at dawn, I wouldn’t have argued.’ She laughs. ‘But at least coming in early meant I was here at eight to talk Jess down.’
‘What did Jess want at that time?’ Usually she waits until the shop opens at ten.
Poppy raises her eyebrows. ‘Last night Bart took her on a moonlight ride in a pony and trap, followed by a five star fondue on a private balcony at the smartest local restaurant.’
I’m impressed. ‘He’s not stinting on the romance, is he?’
‘Poor Jess spent all evening convinced she was about to dip into the melted cheese and pull a ring out. So much Gruyère and nothing at the end of it. Reading between the pauses, I think she was devastated.’
Oh my. ‘I wish I’d never mentioned proposals.’ I’m feeling very guilty for raising her expectations.
Poppy shakes her head. ‘Engagement must have been on her mind or she wouldn’t have cornered you. And I’m sure she’ll be back with a diamond on her left hand. I just wish he’d get on with it and then we canallrelax and enjoy their holiday.’ She peers at me more closely. ‘Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You’re very pale this morning.’
Result! As I put my fingers to my cheek, despite the cakey feel, I’m mentally punching the air. ‘Probably just my late night. It’s hard to stop watchingFriendsonce you start.’ It’s too embarrassing to admit I’ve splashed out on some Red Alert blush hider. At forty quid for a teensy tube, I’m pleased she’s noticed because, to be honest, miracles come cheaper.
‘You aren’t going to puke again are you?’ Her frown deepens. ‘It’s just you look a bit crusty.’
I hadn’t anticipated an inquisition. ‘Really, I’m all good.’ Which is a complete lie, seeing what’s ahead. But as it might stretch to an entire morning with Rory, I went for four layers. Then just to be doubly sure, I added a layer or two of talc I found in the bathroom cabinet. Crusts are a minor drawback, if it means I stay pale.
She glances at her phone. ‘Is Rory late?’
Me hopping from one foot to the other is probably the giveaway. I’m twitching the chiffon layers of the wedding dress in the window display so I can get a better view down the mews. Although it’s only to be expected. He doesn’t exactly come across as Mr Reliable. ‘He’s probably still struggling to get the kids up and dressed. Although there’s someone coming now. She’s blonde, powering down the street like she’s going into battle.’
Poppy pulls a face. ‘Damn. Our nine o’clock must be early.’
From the sheer confidence in her stride, she’s already making me want to find a corner to hide in. ‘I’ll stay out of your way. Unless you need me to help, that is.’ I dive and perch on the end of the bridesmaids’ chaise longue furthest away from the desk.
‘Marilyn! How are we doing with the spreadsheet?’ Poppy’s welcome couldn’t sound warmer, considering Marilyn’s arriving in the White Room like a force-ten gale, cape flying. If her hair was less mayonnaisey she could stand in as a body double for Theresa May. As she storms to the desk it’s obvious from her jingling wrist chains she’s got a serious Tiffany habit.
‘I’m here to talk cakes, Poppy.’ Hands on hips, and she’s not holding back. ‘I know Seth and Katie asked you to make theirs. But honestly, chocolate sponge at a wedding?’
Poppy purses her lips. ‘They took a long time to decide. And they did take your wishes into account and hold back on the complete alpine scene. But they loved the idea of the white drip icing looking like snow on top of a chocolate mountain.’
Marilyn makes a choking noise. ‘That doesn’t count as a wedding cake in my book. Which is why I’ve had to overrule them and make my own. Square, dark fruit, glycerin icing, five tiers. All I need now is a miniature bride and groom to top it off. Preferably with a blond haired groom, as I said on the phone.’
‘We’ve got three here.’ Poppy widens her eyes as she fiddles to open the boxes. ‘Although Katie did want winter berries and skis to top er – whichever cake she’d chosen. To go with the bouquets?’ This is Poppy treading super carefully.
