by S J Crabb
He picks me up and throws me over his shoulder.
‘You're not getting away with leaving me for the vultures. In you go woman and make yourself presentable. You are staying with me all day. A deal's a deal after all.’
Rather than struggle, I just take the opportunity to grab two seconds more sleep. Then he deposits me unceremoniously in the bathroom before leaving me to freshen up.
Freshen up? More like a complete overhaul. Panda eyes are so unattractive, not to mention black circles under them and tangled hair. Ten minutes to work a miracle—I think not!
Half an hour later we once again head downstairs. Somehow, I have managed to look semi-presentable and glare at Liam who appears to bear no scars from the night before.
He laughs as I frown at him. ‘What's got you so angry?’
I huff. ‘You and your ability to look as if you had 12 hours sleep followed by a spa. Meanwhile, I look like one of the Witches of Eastwick and have aged ten years in one night. If you so much as hint at getting me a brandy anytime soon, I'll call the Police and report you for dealing in hard drugs.’
He laughs and then tickles me relentlessly until I gasp for air.
It's this sight that greets his parents as they observe us when the lift doors open.
I don't miss the icy glare in his mother's eyes as she looks at her watch and sniffs.
‘About time. We were just coming to find you. Please remember you have a duty to carry out and stop treating this as just an excuse for a dirty weekend.’
I almost can't look at Liam and try to look remorseful. Liam just shrugs and pulls me behind him as we go in search of the happy couple.
The wedding breakfast is amazing. The hotel has pulled out all the stops and there is every known breakfast item on the planet in the room.
The fellow guests are standing around, talking and sipping glasses of Buck's Fizz made with real champagne. Not the usual pre-made stuff that we buy from Tesco's either.
I grab a water instead. No alcohol for me today. Last night has taught me that it's not my friend.
Liam starts snapping away and I enjoy watching him work. The bride and groom look completely happy and in love. I am starting to wonder if Liam is a good judge of character because Eric appears a model boyfriend/ husband to be.
Liam's parents appear to be enjoying themselves chatting to the other guests and I just tuck myself away in the corner and sneak a croissant to help soak up the alcohol. This is where Kim finds me.
She laughs as she approaches and raises her eyes. ‘Good night, darling?’
I shudder. ‘I think so. I can't actually remember if I'm honest.’
She grins. ‘Oh, to be young again.’
She stands next to me and looks around the room. ‘Hopefully, we can ditch this charade and start eating soon. I'm famished and need to start getting ready early. I'm booked into the hotel hair salon in thirty minutes.’
I look interested. ‘Wow, their own salon. I could so use a professional hairdresser right now.’
Kim laughs. ‘Then come with me. The amount we're all paying I'm sure they'll be able to fit you in. I'm going with Grace and Lucy, the Bride's mother. One more won't hurt.’
I look at her with horror. The thought of being in a confined space with Grace is terrifying.
‘Oh, it's ok. Liam won't let me out of his sight it seems, so I'll just trust in my own skills and put it up or something.’
Kim looks annoyed. ‘One word of advice, Annie. Don't let a man control you. If they think they have you just where they want you, they lose interest. Keep him guessing and don't succumb to his every wish.’
I almost want to laugh. If only she knew.
We are soon called to eat and I almost fall on the delicious pastries with my mouth open, ready to consume the delights that are attractively laid out in rustic, artisan style, baskets.
Liam joins me and piles his plate high with almost everything. Once again, I note his mother's disapproval.
We sit at a large table and tuck in. I need as much food as possible to soak up that brandy.
After my full cooked breakfast, cereal, croissant, Danish pastry and toast and Jam, I notice that most of the other women have only eaten a bowl of fruit salad and some muesli.
Once again, I see their looks of astonishment, as I crumple up my napkin and sink back in my chair.
Liam joins me and we sit like two beached, basking, whales after a blowout.
Liam smiles at me and winks. ‘Thank god you actually eat, Annie. There's nothing worse than eating with someone who just sniffs at a piece of grapefruit, while downing more water than the human body can stand. It's quite lonely eating on your own.’
I laugh softly. ‘Well, it must take quite a lot of work and effort to be so perfect. I should really take some lessons you know.’
Liam frowns and looks at me with those piercing blue eyes.
‘You are perfect the way you are and don't let anyone tell you differently. At least you have a great personality and know how to have a good time. Life with you is certainly entertaining.’
I smile but inside his words sting. Yes, that's me, good old Annie. The reliable, good for a laugh girl, that's everybody's friend and nobody's desire. Even my supposed boyfriend forgot about me when I was out of sight. And as for being entertaining—he may not think so after he's met my family. I have a feeling his opinion will change quite drastically then.
Once breakfast is out of the way we all head outside to the grounds. Once again, we must endure near arctic temperatures while Liam takes photos with frozen berries and tastefully decorated Christmas trees.
I am not required in any of the photographs which suits me fine. Instead, I jump up and down on the spot to keep from getting frostbite.
Then we all head back inside for warming hot chocolates and to thaw out by the fire.
After more polite chatter we all head off to primp and preen ourselves into the glamorous guests that this wedding demands.
Chapter Eleven
As I look at myself in the mirror, I'm quite pleased with my reflection. My Christmas dress looks good enough to pass any wedding guest test. It is appropriately red and hugs my curves in all the right places.
I have made up my face as professionally as I can and curled my hair so that it hangs down my back with some bounce and volume. Finally, I feel more like myself and can try to forget the lush that I have appeared to have turned into since yesterday.
I head outside to the sitting room to look for Liam. He is sitting on the settee sorting his camera out and he looks up as I approach.
He appears quite astonished if I'm honest and seems lost for words. After a minute, he shakes his head and smiles.
‘You look amazing, Annie. That colour really suits you.’
I laugh happily. ‘Flattery will get you everywhere, boyfriend. You don't look so bad yourself.’
My words don't convey just what a hot dish this guy really is. He has scrubbed up better than I ever thought he could. His suit looks well cut and expensive and his freshly showered hair is just begging for my attention. I can't believe how much better he gets every time I see him and I swallow hard as I inwardly pant at the sight of him. Wow! If only he really was my boyfriend.
He grins ruefully. ‘Well, let the ordeal commence. Please accept my apologies in advance for the gruelling nightmare that is about to unfold.’
I laugh. ‘Believe me. Nothing that happens today will prepare you for the days ahead. Just enjoy a little bit of normal for as long as you can, because what lies in store for you will make this all seem very tame in comparison.’
He looks at me questioningly. ‘Then I will look forward to seeing what you have in store for me.’
He holds out his arm and winks.
‘Come on, my gorgeous girl. Let's show them what we've got.’
We head downstairs and into the bar area. I see that our numbers have grown as more wedding guests have arrived; all looking amazing in their wedding finery.
‘Here, drink up, Annie. This will help get you through.’
I roll my eyes. ‘Are you trying to get me drunk again?’
He laughs and then we hear a loud voice shout,
‘Liam, you scoundrel. I've been looking for you everywhere.’
Swinging around, we see a large group of guys, with what appears to be their girlfriends in attendance. They look about our age - early twenties and it would appear they are Liam's friends.
He laughs and pulls me over to join them. ‘Hi Tom, everyone. Meet Annie, my girlfriend.’
I smile nervously and once again note the surprise in their eyes. The girls look astonished and the guys grin and look me up and down. Tom smiles and holds out his hand.
‘Charmed to meet you, Annie. My god, Liam, you don't hang around. How do you manage to grab such gorgeous girls being the complete nerd that you are?’
Liam laughs, while the girls roll their eyes. Obviously wishful thinking on Tom's part because Liam is no nerd, given the reaction of the girls in the group.
One of them smiles at me and far from judging me she appears warm and friendly.
‘Hi Annie, I'm Cindy and this is Ellen, Jenny and Melissa. For our sins, these are our guys. We've been trying to ditch them for years, but they just won't take the hint.’
One of the guys laughs and puts his arm around her shoulders.
‘Take no notice of her, Annie. These girls know they're onto a good thing and that's us. Why do you think they stick around? They know they wouldn't find anyone better than us if they spent the rest of their lives looking.’
The others laugh and I finally relax. At last, some people who seem like good fun and don't appear to judge me.
The guys all start talking about sport and the girls draw me into their group. Melissa smiles and nods towards Liam.
‘Lucky you, Annie. You've met a great guy in Liam. We're glad he's found someone nice. I must say, you're just what he needed after what he went through with that bitch April.’
The others nod in agreement.
I look interested. ‘How long were they together for?’
Melissa looks thoughtful. ‘I think it was about six months. At first, they were the golden couple. The media loved them and Liam seemed happy. The trouble is, she's high maintenance and didn't ever really fit in with the group. After a while they drifted away from us and we saw less of them. The last we knew, Liam had ended it and wouldn't say why. Word is, she cheated on him and he is unable to forgive such a betrayal. Despite everything, he's a loyal soul and doesn't give his heart away lightly.’
Jenny nods. ‘I heard she regrets it enormously. Apparently, she wants him back and will stop at nothing. Despite the fact he is so gorgeous, he is also the best photographer around. He can make anyone look a million dollars and she needs him to make her look good in every sense of the word. Watch out Annie, if April Loveday wants something, she usually gets it.’
I just shrug and smile. ‘It's fine. I trust Liam and if he wanted to get back with her, then it wasn't meant to be. I'm not going to let it affect me.’
I register the admiration in the girl's eyes. They obviously think I'm some sort of super-cool girl. If Liam really was my guy I would be a seething mass of anxiety after hearing that. There wouldn't be a brandy bottle safe in this whole hotel if it really was the case.
I notice Liam on his phone and his eyes meet mine, shrouded in exasperation.
Coming over he looks annoyed. ‘Sorry, Annie, duty calls. I'm needed to photograph the bridal party. We can catch up with these guys later.’
Cindy interrupts. ‘Leave Annie with us, Liam. The last thing she wants is to follow you around.’
Liam shakes his head. ‘Sorry, she is coming with me. I don't want her out of my sight for a second, especially with you lot telling her stories about me.’
I smile and follow him, noticing their incredulous expressions. Oh well, a deal is a deal, after all.
Chapter Twelve
I follow Liam to the bridal suite. If I thought our room was nice this is Buckingham Palace in comparison.
It's like a small apartment and the interior is worthy of inclusion in the smartest of Interiors magazines. The windows are draped in ivory silk and the cream carpet is so deep it could swallow you up like quicksand. Tasteful furniture is placed at intervals around the room, holding beautiful flower arrangements that fill the air with their intoxicating scent.
Mirrors line the walls making everything seem even bigger and there are beautiful paintings on neutral paintwork. My goodness, how the other half live.
The room is filled with beautiful girls, obviously Charlotte's bridesmaids. They are dressed in a deep red satin and have little white fur bolero jackets slung around their shoulders. There is great excitement in the room and the noise is tremendous.
As they see Liam the excitement in the air increases. They openly gaze at him in adoration, which turns to astonishment when they notice me. This is not turning out to be a great trip down the road of self-esteem for me. I never thought I was that bad, but the way these people have all looked at me this weekend, I feel like Fiona from Shrek.
Our attention shifts as the double doors open and Grace enters the room with the bride's mother. Lucy is wiping a tear from her eye and then I see why.
Walking behind her and looking like Cinderella, is Charlotte.
We all gasp in admiration because a more beautiful bride I have never seen.
She looks stunning. Her dress is pure white silk. It hugs her body all the way to her waist and then falls around her in a cascade of ruffles and silk. Her hair is piled on top of her head and her blue eyes sparkle with beauty and excitement. Her jewellery vies with the rest of her to command attention and a long veil sits perched on her head, framing the beauty that wears it with so much style.
I watch Liam as he gazes at Charlotte in disbelief.
Crossing over to her, he kisses her cheek and whispers something in her ear.
She blushes and looks at him, her eyes shining brightly.
I almost want to cry myself. She looks amazing and I hope with all my heart that Liam is wrong about Eric. Nobody should hurt this beautiful creature before us. She is a Disney princess and should be forever adored.
I blend into the background as Liam sets to work.
He takes many photographs of Charlotte and the women in the room. The whole atmosphere is of happiness and excitement and it's catching. I feel happy to be a small part of this magical moment. Witnessing the love that Charlotte and her mother share takes my breath away.
Her friends appear a good bunch and there is lots of laughter. Liam captures it all and I can only imagine how amazing those photographs are going to be.
Nobody notices I am here. I am not part of this scene and have no business being here. I understand that and it doesn't matter. I just hope that one day this will be in my future. How I envy Charlotte at this moment.
Suddenly, there is a knock at the door and Grace opens it, revealing Charlotte's father waiting outside.
As soon as he sees his daughter tears come to his eyes and he looks at her with such an expression of love, that I don't even bother to stop the tears from running down my face.
He is the proudest man on the planet at this moment in time. This is a beautiful moment that will stay with me forever.
Liam snaps away and there is a hush in the room.
Then Grace starts ordering everyone out.
‘Come on everyone, places, places. We need to get going, the wedding will be starting soon.’
The bridesmaids start rushing around gathering their things and the room soon starts to empty.
I feel a little awkward as I don't know what to do. Grace sees me and I don't miss the irritation in her voice as she says, ‘Oh, Annie, you need to get to the ceremony. Follow me and I'll find you a place to sit.’
Liam looks up sharply. �
��She can follow me, I need her with me.’
His mother's eyes flash and she retorts, ‘She’ll follow me and you will carry on with your job. You'll have all the time in the world later on to be together.’
She pulls me from the room before he can answer and I flash him an apologetic smile as we go.
As I walk behind her, I feel the cold vibes emanating from her. We get to the lift and she looks at me and raises her eyes.
‘I'm sorry to be so harsh, Annie. You must understand this wedding has been in the planning for a long time now. We are used to seeing Liam with April and it has come as quite a shock to everyone. Then he turns up with you and we don't have a minute to adjust to the situation.’
I smile apologetically. ‘I'm sorry, Mrs. Goodwin. I can see how rude we’ve been. Please accept my apologies, I would never have come if I had thought it would make things difficult.’
Just for a moment her expression softens. ‘No, I'm sorry, Annie. You seem like a lovely girl and none of this is your fault. In different circumstances, I would have very much enjoyed meeting you. The trouble is, Liam is such as secretive soul. He hides his emotions and feelings from us all and we know that the breakup affected him deeply. I was just worried that you were a re-bound from April. I would hate to think that he was using you to displace her from his heart. Just a word of advice, don't hold out too much hope for a future with Liam. He moves in powerful circles and you may struggle to keep up. His world is very different from the rest of ours and he needs to be with people like him. Enjoy the moment dear because that is all it will turn out to be.’
The lift comes and we travel downstairs in silence. I am really annoyed and a little hurt at her words. In other words I am no good for Liam and he is using me until someone better comes along. Well thank goodness that really is the case, because if I really had been Liam's girlfriend, that woman would have destroyed me in seconds.
Now where is that brandy?
Chapter Thirteen
Grace pushes me into a seat at the back of the room and then heads off to the front. I look around me in awe at the amazing scene before me.
