At first glance, Bradley Godfrey was a handsome young man, well-spoken and confident and with a solid career on the go. Carole understood why her mother might take him at face value and imagine him to be the perfect man for her daughter to have as a plus-one at a family wedding.
But during the short time she’d spent with him, she’d realised he was the sort of man who liked to talkatpeople, rather than have two-way conversations with them. Whenever Carole had managed to get a word in edgewise, Bradley had barely registered any interest in what she’d had to say, and instead had simply waited until he could butt in and talk about himself again.
She’d been relieved to escape from the man to join Jane to deliver the anniversary toast they’d written together. The lastthing she wanted now was to allow her mother to pair her off with the boring Bradley for a full day spent at a family wedding.
Knowing her mother as she did, Carole understood that the key to stopping her scheming in its tracks was to be absolutely and mercilessly firm.
“Yes, I’ve met Bradley Godfrey,” Carole confirmed. “He’s a narcissistic bore and if you think I’d let him be my plus-one at a wedding, then you’ve lost your mind, Mother.”
Nina gaped in shock, while Carole’s father muffled a bark of surprised laughter and gave her an approving wink.
“Bradley is certainly no bore!” Nina exclaimed.
“Then you go with him to the wedding, and I’ll take Dad as my one-plus instead.”
Her father laughed so hard he began to cough and choke, earning him a hard stare from Nina.
“There’s no need for cheeky remarks,” her mother said. “I was simply trying to be helpful. And I think you’ve horribly misjudged Bradley.”
I haven’t, Carole thought but didn’t say.
“Listen, I appreciate you thinking of me, Mum,” she said instead. “But I don’t need you to pair me off with someone. I’m completely happy going to the wedding by myself.”
Nina didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure?”
“Mum, this isn’t Victorian times. It is allowed for women to go to social functions alone.”
Nina tutted. “Yes, I know that, thank you very much. I just assumed that you’d have more fun with a guest on your arm.”
I might, but not if the guest is Bradley Godfrey.Once more, Carole kept the thought to herself.
“You’re worrying about nothing,” she said.
“Perhaps if I rustled up another man for you?” Nina suggested, looking hopeful.
Both Carole and her father groaned simultaneously.
“Would you leave the girl alone?” Frederick said. “She’s clearly not interested.”
“She might be, if the right man was dangled in front of her.”
“Jeez, Mother.”
“What about Kevin Evans?” Nina said, brightening once more. “He’s the stepson of one of my close colleagues at work. You might like him.”
“Look, I’m not interested in being paired off!” Carole said, feeling annoyed now. “Why are you obsessing over this?”
Nina opened her mouth to respond, but stayed silent, clearly struggling with something.
“What’s going on, Nina?” Frederick asked with a frown, picking up on the same vibes as Carole.
Nina looked uncomfortable for another long moment before she spoke.
“Okay, I was hoping I wouldn’t have to tell you this until closer to the wedding,” Nina said. “But the thing is, I found out the other day from your Auntie Joanna that…”
“Found out what?” Carole said, when her mother fell silent again.
Nina looked more uncomfortable than ever as she held Carole’s gaze. At last, she sucked in a long breath and spoke again.
