I’m sure she blamed it on a hangover at the time, but I’m here to reassure her, not judge. ‘Poppy doesn’t just make fabulous cakes; she also knows every trick in the book for reviving brides.’ I head towards the stacks of shoe boxes in the next room along. ‘You’re a size six, aren’t you?’
She nods, and I hurry away, knowing this is going to go at breakneck speed. Half an hour later we’re putting the lids on the boxes for flat leather sandals, some exquisite ivory suede stiletto mules with a row of pearls across the foot strap, a beautiful pair of pale blue suede courts with ankle bows, and two pairs of fabulous silver sandals with block heels for dancing.
Athena slips her loafers back on and reaches for her bag. ‘When you’ve worked out how much I owe you, ring me, and I’ll pick up the shoes when I come for the dresses.’
‘Would you like a drink before you go?’ I offer.
She re-ties her hair in a scrunchie. ‘Some still water would be great, please.’
I career across the hall to the fridge, grab a bottle, and I’m dashing back across when I almost crash into Lando. I skid to a halt; he reaches out to steady me, and we end up in anotherStrictlylunge.
As he helps me back to vertical, I’m aware I’m in full view of our most VIP customer, looking completely unprofessional for a second time this morning.
I hiss at Lando, ‘We have a very important bride in the Seraphina East room.’
Lando laughs. ‘I know– my sister, Fifi.’ He frowns. ‘She is still here?’
I’m holding my ground. ‘I’m sorry to disappoint you. Our customer’s name is Athena.’
He rolls his eyes. ‘Fifi only became Athena when she went to uni.’ He takes in my bewildered stare. ‘As a toddler she called herself Afena, which was naturally shortened to Fifi. She was all set to get married at Yeovil registry office, then I told her about your beach hut and she changed her plans. I came to see her last time she was in so I could introduce you, but she’d already left.’
I’m trying to get my head round this when there’s a shout from next door. ‘We’re in here, Lando, I’m just about to leave.’
Lando tosses his head. ‘What did I tell you? She’s in perpetual motion!’
I follow Lando in, hand Athena her bottle of water, and he dangles a packet in front of her. ‘Sorry to barge in, Fi. You left your tea on my kitchen island.’
She catches his throw, and slips it into her bag. ‘Thanks for bringing it, we generation Z’s need our ginger.’
Lando grins at her. ‘You’re years too old to be one of those, Fi.’ He looks around at us. ‘Apologies for how late this is, but Tia and Maeve, meet my sister Fifi. She’s the one who shops for England, but if that’s her shoe box pile you already know that.’
Athena laughs. ‘Maeve and Tia make it very easy.’
Lando holds up his finger. ‘I won’t disturb you any longer. Now I’ve reunited you with your infusions, my only other job is to tell Maeve we’ll be leaving the harbour at five-thirty sharp on Sunday morning.’
I tilt my head. ‘Who’s we?’
‘You, me and the kids. We’re going on our second date.’
I’m startled but firm. ‘The dates are over, Lando.’
He raises a finger. ‘You had your turn. It’s only fair I get mine.’ His eyebrows go up. ‘This was the kids’ idea, and it’s happening whether you like it or not.’
Tia cuts in. ‘A dress code would be helpful?’
I give a snort. ‘I’m not wearing neon tulle again.’
Lando makes a zip gesture across his mouth. ‘I’m afraid I’m sworn to secrecy.’
‘At least give us some clues.’ Tia’s not giving up. ‘Is it a spa experience?’
I burst out. ‘Nothing where I have to strip off.’
Lando rubs his thumb along his jaw. ‘It’s not that. It’s tidal, which is why we need the early start, and it’s very exclusive.’
Tia pounces. ‘A champagne breakfast on the beach!’
‘It sounds like those Jack Vettriano pictures Mum used to like. What the hell am I going to wear for that?’
