And I’m left with yet another impossible job. And a bruise on my leg where I’ve been kicking myself for even imagining he’s looking at me. But most of all, I’m kicking myself for not holding on tightly enough to my heart. Me growing to like Nic so much? Of all my blunders so far, that has to be the worst. It’s just a good thing no one will ever find out about it. And hopefully, once I don’t have to see him every day, I’ll have time to come to my senses.
Chapter 31
Monday, three weeks later.
The White Room at Brides by the Sea.
Old and new.
‘So it’s between the diamanté strappy and the suede with feather tassels.’
It’s three weeks later, the white-painted wood plank floor of the White Room at Brides by the Sea is covered in open boxes, and Pixie is holding a shoe in each hand, frowning with the effort of deciding.
Pixie was as good as her word; with three days to go to the wedding we’re her first call after touching down from Glasgow. And as Monday’s a quiet day, I booked out the entire shop for the whole afternoon so the two of us could have a long, girly chat over the Jimmy Choos, totally undisturbed. Between us, that bit could have gone better.
‘Have another macaroon while you’re mulling it over.’ Poppy whooshes over with the biscuits, each topped with a butter-toasted almond. From the size of the platter and the six different pastel colours it’s no last-minute ambush; this one’s backed by Poppy’s usual flawless logistics and impeccable long-term strategic planning.
Jess follows her with a tray of Hendricks, ice, mini bottles of tonic and lemonade, and lime and lemon slices. ‘And I’ll top up everyone’s G&T’s.’ There are leaf sprigs too which is telling – if Jess reaches for the mint, it’s a serious occasion.
Sera’s sitting on the bottom step of the spiral staircase that leads up to the studio fiddling with the holes in her threadbare denim shorts. As she pushes back her mass of streaky blonde curls there’s a dreamy look in her eye. ‘It’s like me when I’m trying to decide between an exquisite tiny sequin, or a seed pearl. Sometimes it’s impossible.’
I mean, Sera? Sera always hides in her studio. Yet here she is, hanging out with a bride. Which is a measure of how special Pixie is and how much everyone wants to chip in with this. This last week I’ve talked to all of them individually, getting their take on how I might tackle this. And this is why I love it here. Because in St Aidan generally, and in Brides by the Sea in particular, every difficulty is faced together. So me suggesting Pixie might change her mind about her dress has become everyone’s challenge, not just mine. Which is why they’ve all turned out in force to support me now.
As for how Pixie looks in real life – beautiful and amazing don’t begin to cover it. She spun in here in her wheelchair, tossed back her nut-brown waves, and lit up the room with her wide, warm smile, the sparkle in her dark brown eyes, and her energy. Not that I’m an expert, but her chair’s not like any other wheelchair I’ve seen. This one has a tilt to the wheels, sparkly rims, apparently no sides and a tiny Gucci backpack hanging off the back. And even though you’d expect her to get her fingers caught in the wheel spokes, her polished nails put mine to shame.
Immie chomps on a macaroon and holds her tumbler out to Jess for a refill. ‘When I’m at the bar trying to decide between Rolling Wave or Half Pipe, quite often I have to have a pint of each.’
I mean, Immie doesn’t even work here. But she’s been such a force willing the wedding plans along, and as she’s in charge of the housekeeping team at the castle, there was no keeping her away.
I’m hoping Pixie’s not feeling overwhelmed with so much unexpected bustle. ‘I’m sorry there’s such a crowd of us, but everyone’s been so committed to putting your day together, they all wanted to come and wish you luck.’
Jess is smiling the beatific smile she saves for her proudest moments. ‘Under normal circumstances we’d have been working with you hand in hand all the way, not meeting you just before.’ Jess has carefully avoided the bridal words Pixie’s so wary of. And at least people have arrived one by one to introduce themselves.
Possibly because she’s sitting in a sea of gorgeous stilettos, Pixie looks completely at ease as she smiles around the room. ‘Even though Nic’s kept the details a secret he’s told me how much you’ve all done. It’s lovely to see you so I can thank you in person.’ She turns to me. ‘As for you, Milla, you’re a total star. If there’s anything I can ever do for you in return, you’ll have to let me know.’
I’m swallowing back the lump in my throat, fanning my face with my fingers like a teenager in an American High School movie. I manage to mumble. ‘Our pleasure … you’re very welcome … any time.’ And then it hits me. ‘Actually …’
‘Yes …?’ Pixie’s smiling at her over the glint of the strappy sandals, gently stroking a feather with her finger.
‘I’m hoping it’s not too much to ask, but I’d love to feature you on my Brides Go Wild blog.’
‘Really?’ Pixie tilts her head.
I’m rushing on while I can. ‘One of the most popular blog features is Six of the Best where different, interesting women try on half a dozen dresses and give their reactions. Sometimes we focus on dresses for a certain kind of venue, or a certain budget or, or by a featured designer.’
Jess is picking up the baton. ‘It would be brilliant to feature you trying dresses from the shop, Pixie.’
I’m grinning at Pixie. ‘We’ve never had a basketball player before.’
Pixie shrugs. ‘You want me to try on dresses from here?’
Holly’s clasping her hands. ‘If I took some quick pictures of you wearing them, it would help you to relax in front of the camera too.’
When Pixie wrinkles her nose she looks even more adorable. ‘I never considered trying on proper wedding dresses.’
Jess smiles at her. ‘It must all look very over the top to you on a first visit.’
Immie puts her hand on Pixie’s. ‘I know how you’re feeling, Pix. It took me a year and seven visits before I dared to try one. In the end they ambushed me with a blindfold, but I was so glad they did.’ Immie’s eyes are shining with tears. ‘The trouble was, I didn’t believe I could ever look beautiful. Not that you’d ever have that problem – but even if you aren’t wanting one, Sera’s dresses are so special they’re worth trying once in your life.’
