Ghosted: Wicked Wedding Planners Series

by Alyssa Parsons

  ‘I must get going,’ she picks up her phone which is on the dressing table.

  ‘Yes of course. Oh did you manage to sort out the seating for the new guests?’ I ask casually.

  ‘Oh yes we did, thank you.’

  ‘Are they close friends of yours?’ I ask innocently.

  ‘The Danes? Yes, Phil used to play golf with my husband for years. They moved up to the Lake District but I heard they were down for the weekend so I insisted they come to the wedding.’

  ‘What lovely timing.’

  ‘Yes, I’m so pleased to see them.’ She agrees.

  ‘Did you manage to put them on a good table?’ I try digging for some more information.

  ‘Yes, it wasn’t too tricky. They know the Turners so I shuffled a few people around put them on their table.’

  ‘That’s great. I just wanted to check you were happy with the seating plan now.’

  ‘Yes thank you for asking. I’ll see you later.’

  Well, that explains why he is here. I go back downstairs. The photographer is taking pictures of Honey and Steve. It will soon be time for the family and friends pictures and then the wedding breakfast will start. I have to find Jodie and fill her in on what is going on. I need her to stay on a bit longer to direct the guests to the reception as I can’t face dealing with Caspar’s family and Alice.

  I look for her in the kitchen, study and reception room. I can’t see any sign of her. I decide to try the Orangerie. I bump into Caspar almost the minute I get in there. He is on his way to the bar. I might as well take the bull by the horns. I can’t spend the rest of the evening hiding from him.

  ‘Caspar, hi,’ I approach him.

  ‘Oh Sammi, hi ……what are you doing here?’ Caspar looks just a tad uncomfortable.

  ‘I’m the wedding planner,’ I say with a touch of sarcasm.

  ‘Oh god yes of course, pineapples! I didn’t even click you were organising this one.’

  ‘I guess you didn’t or you might have told me you were one of the guests,’ I challenge him.

  ‘It was pretty last minute, we only got the invite a couple of days ago,’ he explains.

  ‘I see,’ I say a bit coolly.

  ‘I didn’t get a chance to tell you as you’ve been so busy this week. I can see why now. This place is awesome,’ he smiles and puts his arm around me.

  ‘Thanks, you guys will really enjoy it. It’s going to be a fantastic day,’ I try to pull away from him.

  ‘Yeah, they’ve really gone all out. This pineapple theme is actually pretty amazing.’

  ‘It’s pretty awesome.’ I look around at my handiwork.

  ‘And you did all this. You really are good at your job,’ he reaches in to kiss me.

  ‘Oi Caspar, are you coming for a drink or what?’ shout out a couple of lads standing by the bar.

  ‘Look I better go but I will see you around,’ he gives me bum a playful squeeze and goes off to the bar.

  I stand there, incredulous at what just took place. I have to give it to him. He is one cool character. I suddenly get that feeling you get when someone is watching you. I look around and see Alice in her green dress standing outside on the patio, staring at me.

  To say she does not look happy is an understatement. I’m not that happy either Alice. That cow has always been at the centre of ruining things between Caspar and I.

  I haven’t got time for this staring stand-off. Finally I see Jodie walking past the Orangerie. I rush out to catch up with her.

  ‘You ok Sammi?’ she asks me.

  ‘No not really,’ I pull her into the study and tell her about Caspar being here with Alice.

  ‘No frickin’ way,’ her eyes widen.

  ‘Yes I am afraid so, I don’t know how I am going to get through this wedding,’ I slump down into an armchair.

  ‘You will,’ she says, ‘Did he not mention anything about Alice being here?’

  ‘Nothing and she was giving me evils earlier.’

  ‘Oh god, not what you need right now.’

  ‘Do you think he could be cheating on me with her?’ I ask her aware that I am sounding paranoid.

  ‘I doubt it, after all they are family friends. They are most likely just all hanging out.’

  ‘I bloody well hope you’re right.’

  I go out to make sure the photographer is running on time as we have to be in the reception room by 3:30 pm. The speeches are going to be done first and the food is coming out at 4:30 pm.

  Once Jodie has all the guests seated, I discreetly check to see if Caspar is sat next to Alice. I am pleased when I see he isn’t. I stay out of the way during the food and speeches. Finally the food has been served, the cake has been cut and first dance is done. Honey is having a great day. She is absolutely radiating with joy.

  ‘Are you enjoying everything so far?’ I ask her late when I get a chance to catch up with her.

  ‘Oh Sammi it’s better than I ever thought it could be’, she hugs me. ‘Everything has been perfect. The food and cocktails are divine.

  I smile, happy that everything has turned out as she imagined.

  ‘And the cake ….spectacular. Everyone is raving about it. What a shame to cut it up though,’ she says.

  ‘I know it turned out to be a work of art.’

  ‘And everyone loved the pineapple themed menu, I told you so,’ Honey smiles triumphantly.

  ‘Yes, I have to give you that,’ I smile back.

  A guest comes to chat to Honey so I leave her to it. I would have loved to have asked her how well she knew Caspar and Alice but this is certainly not the right time or place. It wouldn’t be right to interrogate her on her wedding day.

  I am looking forward to going home. I just have to check that the evening buffet is ready. I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to Caspar since the afternoon. He has sent me a text telling me I look beautiful and he can’t wait for our date tomorrow.

  I am relieved to get the text but I still can’t say I am happy about him attending a wedding with the Turners. I look for Jodie and when I find her I tell her she can go home.

  ‘Hope everything is ok,’ she hugs me goodbye

  ‘Yes I’m sure it is,’ I tell her. ‘Caspar and Alice’s families are good friends that go way back and it appears that they are also close to Honey’s family.’

  I go and check that everything is on track with the evening food. The caterers are putting the last touches to the buffet food. It looks and smells delicious. I can’t resist pinching one of the honey glazed mini sausages. They come with a dip. Pineapple relish of course.

  The evening guests are starting to arrive now. My part is done and I can go home. I am just collecting my purse from the study when I turn round to see Alice standing there. Totally awkward.

  ‘Sammi isn’t it?’ she spits my name out.

  ‘Yes, can I help you?’ I ask her politely.

  ‘I know who you are,’ she says coldly as she glares at me.

  ‘Right,’ I wait for her to continue.

  ‘I suppose you feel smug with yourself now that you are going out with him.’

  ‘Sorry but how is this any of your business?’ I ask her.

  ‘Caspar and I have known each other practically forever.’

  ‘Okay, I still don’t see what has to do with anything.’ I look at her, feeling slightly confused.

  ‘We have a bond, a deep bond actually,’ she gives me a smug look.

  ‘Look, I don’t know what you want from me’, I am getting fed up with this ridiculous conversation.

  ‘I suppose he told you all about my daughter.’

  ‘Umm yes,’ I am not sure what she is trying to get at.

  ‘And you believed that little story about Ellie being his cousin’s daughter,’ she twists her mouth into an evil little smile.

  ‘Why shouldn’t I?’ I ask her.

  ‘Because he is lying so he can worm his way back to you,’ she says gleefully.

  ‘What?’ I can’t believe what I a
m hearing.

  ‘You think I don’t know who the father of my own daughter is?’ she lets out a little sarcastic laugh.

  ‘Well no, but I why would Caspar lie about something like that?’

  ‘Because it would mean that he did actually cheat on the both of us. I can always show you the birth certificate if you need proof.’

  I feel faint and all I want to do is remove myself from this horrible situation. I don’t know what to say and I can see Alice is enjoying every minute of this situation.

  I breathe in deeply a few times to steady myself.

  ‘Well thank you for bringing this information to my attention Alice,’ I regain my calm. ‘I suppose Caspar and I need to have a chat.’

  ‘You certainly do,’ she turns to leave just as Caspar appears at the door.

  ‘I’m just off to the dancefloor,’ she puts her hand on Caspar’s arm. ‘See you there?’

  I am not a violent person but I really want to smack her stupid smug face. Caspar walks over to me.

  ‘I’ve been trying to find a moment to get you alone all day,’ he grins at me.

  I return his smile with a stony glare.

  ‘What’s up Sammi, are you tired?’

  ‘No that’s not what’s wrong,’ I snap back at him.

  ‘Has Alice said anything to you?’ he asks me. He looks a bit concerned.

  ‘You could say that,’ I try to keep my voice quiet which is hard as I am so emotional.

  ‘What did she say, Sammi?’

  ‘She told me the truth about Ellie. That you lied about Aaron being her dad so you could get back with me.’

  ‘What the….,’ he starts to say.

  But I don’t let him finish his sentence. I run out of the study and out the door to my car. I can hear Caspar running behind me.

  ‘Sammi, don’t do this, let me talk to you.’

  ‘Caspar, just leave me alone, please.’

  I get to my car and fumble with the keys. I am shaking and trembling so much that I struggle to unlock the door.

  ‘Please Sammi, listen to me. I have no idea why she would say this.’

  ‘Maybe because it’s the truth,’ I finally get my car door open.

  Caspar grabs my arm as I try to get in.

  ‘Let go of me,’ I try to wrench my arm out of his grip. ‘Please I can’t do this right now.’

  ‘Sammi, let me come back with you. You are too emotional right now and you’re not thinking straight.’

  ‘I don’t want you anywhere near me,’ I shake his hand off my arm.

  ‘Sammi, you are to wound up to drive safely right now. Please calm down.’

  ‘All I want is some space right now, please respect that.’

  Caspar steps away and drops his arms by his side.

  ‘Fine Sammi, but you are making a mistake. We need to talk. Hopefully you will see sense soon and we can discuss this properly.’

  I drive back home with tears steaming in my face. It is the longest half an hour of my life.

  Caspar has lied to me again. I’m sure there’s unfinished business with him and Alice. Why did I ever agree to trust him? Leanna and Auntie Jo were right. I’ve been a fool jumping back into a relationship so quickly with him.

  I can’t go back home. Caspar will probably try to come by there and I don’t want to see him. I feel totally humiliated by that exchange with Alice. God she is a spiteful bitch.

  I phone Leanna and thank goodness she picks up her phone. I feel like bursting into tears but I manage to hold them back.

  ‘Sammi, what’s up?’

  ‘I don’t want to go into it now but I need to ask you a massive favour,’ I tell her.

  ‘Sure, what do you need?’

  ‘Can I stay at yours tonight?’

  Leanna doesn’t say anything straight away. ‘Oh sweetie, I’m at Matt’s tonight and we’ve had a few drinks so I can’t really drive back over to my place.’

  ‘Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt your evening,’ I feel bad for disrupting her evening.

  ‘No it’s fine, are you okay? I can always get a taxi back if you really need a place to stay.’

  ‘No it’s not that urgent, I’ll be fine,’ I compose myself.

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Yes it’s nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow.’

  ‘Promise?’

  ‘Yes, I‘m just a bit tired after the big wedding, I really just need to get some sleep.’

  ‘If you’re sure sweetie.’

  ‘Yes totally, enjoy the rest of your night,’ I tell her.

  ‘Thanks, call me tomorrow.’

  ‘Will do,’ I hang up the phone.

  Chapter 28

  D amn, going back to mine is not an option. I am going to have to bite the bullet and ring Auntie Jo. I am dreading her reaction when I tell her what has happened. She did warn me not to get back with him straight away. She has been proved right.

  I ring her and she tells me to come over so I quickly head home to pack a small bag with some clothes and makeup.

  ‘So what do I owe the pleasure of your company,’ she greets me with a hug.

  She sees my face and clocks on that something bad has happened. ‘Hang on. I’ll get us some wine. That’s always a good place to start’.

  I wait for her to pour a couple of glasses of chilled Sauvignon Blanc. I take a sip, enjoying the cold crisp liquid.

  ‘So tell me what’s been going on?’ she curls up her legs on the sofa.

  ‘It’s Caspar.’

  ‘I gathered that,’ she says.

  So I tell her that everything. How I saw him at the wedding and the horrible encounter with Alice in the study.

  Auntie Jo doesn’t say anything while I talk. She just lets me get everything out. I finally finish my story and wait for her reaction.

  ‘Well, that’s crazy, Sammi.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘I have to say, I am not totally surprised. I do think you got back with him way too quickly.’

  ‘I should have listened but he was so convincing. I am a total idiot for ….,’

  Auntie Jo interrupts me. ‘Stop blaming yourself. There’s no reason for anyone to think he was lying. What he’s done is just unthinkable and hurtful.’

  ‘I know,’ I can feel tears start to well up in my eyes.

  ‘Oh don’t cry Sammi. I know it feels like your whole world has come crashing down but you have me and all your friends. Just remember, a couple of months ago Caspar wasn’t in your life and you were just fine.’

  ‘But I’m not now, I fell in love with him again and he’s hurt me even more,’ I can feel my tears pouring down my face.

  ‘I am just astounded at the nerve of that guy.’

  We talk a bit more and I eventually go to bed in Auntie Jo’s spare room. It has a massive king size bed which is the most comfortable bed ever. I sink into it and check my phone. I have 7 missed calls from Caspar and a few texts.

  Sammi, please call me.

  We need to talk xx

  Please Sammi, just let me

  know that you are ok? xx

  Sammi, I am really worried about you.

  I just went round to your house

  and you’re not there. Are u ok?

  I love you, please call me Cxx

  I feel numb. Emotionally I am drained and empty. I can’t do this anymore. I block Caspar’s number so he can’t contact me.

  Leanna has also sent a text.

  Sorry I wasn’t in tonight.

  You know I love a sleepover

  with you but I didn’t want to

  break my plans with Matt.

  He put so much effort into

  our date. I hope you are okay.

  Speak soon xxx

  At least I do have my family and friends. Auntie Jo is right, I was fine a couple of months ago before Caspar ever came back to Roseford. I just need to get back to that place and everything will be good again.

  Who am I kidding?

  I know it wil
l be bloody difficult to get over him again. But I have no choice.

  I have a pretty sleepless night, tossing and turning. My head keeps going over Alice’s conversation. My heart is breaking again at losing Caspar for a second time.

  Morning finally comes and I can hear Auntie Jo and Dan in the kitchen so I get up and join them.

  ‘Morning,’ Dan smiles at me. He is cooking breakfast.

  ‘Do you want some eggs?’ he waves his spatula at me.

  ‘No thank you, I’m not that hungry.’

  ‘You need to eat something.’ Auntie Jo insists.

  ‘I will but not now, could I just have a cup of tea please?’

  I read through the Sunday papers and spend a couple of hours chilling. Leanna calls and I make plans to meet her at her flat. I can’t face being out in public in case I start crying again. I tell Auntie Jo that I am going out for a few hours.

  ‘We are going to do a roast dinner later, probably for about 5pm,’ she tells me.

  ‘Great, thanks for looking after me,’ I hug her and smile at Dan.

  We decided that I am going to temporarily move in with Auntie Jo and Dan for a while. Just until things blow over with Caspar.

  ‘So what’s up with you?’ Leanna greets me at the door when I get to her flat.

  ‘You won’t even believe it,’ I say dramatically.

  ‘Try me,’ she says.

  ‘You know I was working that big wedding yesterday?’

  ‘Oh yeah, the pineapple one,’ she sniggers at the thought of it.

  ‘It was really beautiful, a really great wedding,’ I defend Honey’s big day.

  ‘Good to know,’

  ‘Caspar and his parents were part of the guests.’

  ‘Really, did you not know? You are the wedding planner,’ she says in jest.

  ‘No that’s just it. They were invited last minute invite by Honey’s parents. They found out that Phil and Bethany were down. They had some other guests cancel so they asked them to come instead. I didn’t know until I saw them at the ceremony.’

  ‘I bet you were well chuffed seeing lover boy at the wedding, hope it didn’t distract you too much,’ Leanna teases me.

  ‘He was there with Alice,’ I say seriously.

  ‘What?’ Leanna looks at me in disbelief.

  ‘Yup, he was sitting next to Alice at the ceremony.’