MADE IN ESSEX

by Laura Ziepe

  Lisa felt herself blush a little and nodded, still beaming from ear to ear.

  ‘Shut up! That’s so sweet,’ Nicola said in a high voice, taking a seat at the kitchen table. ‘Ben hasn’t had a girlfriend for a few years and I knew the minute we got in Switch he fancied you,’ Nicola informed her knowledgeably.

  Lisa sat opposite her. ‘So, what happened with you and Adam?’ she probed.

  Nicola fluttered her eyelashes. ‘He is so gorge,’ she swooned. ‘I’ve fancied him for years. He used to come round when I was younger after school some nights because he’s always been friends with Ben, and every time he spoke to me I went bright red. I told him I’ve always liked him in the taxi last night when I’d had a few drinks, and he kissed me goodbye,’ she said, smiling at the memory. ‘Such an amazing kisser and I really like him. Last night was hilare, I had such a good time!’

  Lisa agreed. Their night out had been planned last minute and Lisa didn’t even feel like she was looking her best; sometimes those nights seemed to turn out the best though. ‘Your brother has asked me out at the weekend,’ Lisa told her, wondering if Nicola was okay with the two of them dating.

  ‘Oh my God! Already? He’s keen. Just think, if you two get together properly and get married one day, we’d be sisters-in-law! Just think how cool that would be, honey.’

  Lisa laughed, relieved Nicola was fine with them seeing each other. ‘We haven’t even been on a date yet!’

  Nicola shrugged, ‘I’m just saying.’

  ‘I’d better get ready for work,’ Lisa said when she noticed the time. She jumped up and smiled as she saw the sun shining through the windows. This was the first day for a long while she was going to work with a spring in her step.

  *

  It was the day of the wedding and Adele was round at Donna’s house getting ready. Her eyebrows had recently been tattooed and she loved them; she was going to get semi-permanent eyeliner next, it was such a great way to save time! She was in the middle of curling her hair when Donna’s mum, Jackie, walked in the room looking for the hairdryer.

  ‘I can’t believe my baby girl is getting married,’ Jackie gushed. ‘Her dress had to be taken in again can you believe? I think she’s almost down to a size twelve now,’ she repeated for the umpteenth time, making Adele want to slap her one. Yes, they all knew Donna had lost weight and was looking much better nowadays, big deal. For the past two weeks she’d been going to a personal trainer with Aaron and cutting down on her food like she should have done years ago. She’ll still never be as slim as me, Adele smirked. Cake will find her again eventually.

  Donna’s sister, Emma, walked in the room, looking disconsolate.

  ‘Ooh Emma, that dress looks gorgeous on you!’ Jackie admired. ‘Such a stunning colour, it really is.’

  Emma rolled her eyes in exasperation. ‘I asked Donna one thing, and that was to make sure the dress had some kind of straps,’ she complained, ‘but she couldn’t do it, could she? Look how humungous my boobs look in this dress! I feel completely uncomfortable and unsupported.’

  Donna, who was on her way to the room where they were getting ready, overheard what she said and her face completely crumpled. ‘Emma, I’m so sorry! I honestly didn’t forget about that. Adele assured me that the dress should have straps that come with it, can’t you find them?’

  Adele froze when she heard her name. Why couldn’t Emma just shut up? she wondered. Her eyes flicked to Emma’s bust and she was right, it was huge and the dress gave her no support whatsoever. Goodness, what size were those bad boys? Adele wondered, completely mesmerised; as a guess, they looked about a size 38G!

  ‘Look,’ Emma turned to Donna, who was only half ready, ‘obviously it’s your day and I don’t want to make you stressed out or anything, but I seriously look ridiculous in strapless dresses, as you can see; it’s the only thing I requested. There aren’t any straps that you can attach. The dresses are meant to be strapless.’

  Adele turned back round, unable to look Donna in the eye.

  ‘I’m so sorry, the dresses only arrived two days ago and I haven’t had time to check them or I would have changed them if I’d known. Adele, you said the dresses had straps you could attach? I told you it was important,’ Donna said sharply.

  Adele looked at Donna and made a face as she gave a casual shrug. ‘Sorry, hun. I thought they did have straps. Oops.’

  Donna exhaled, momentarily closing her eyes. ‘Emma, I swear I thought they had straps. I never would have picked them otherwise.’

  ‘It’s fine,’ Emma replied tightly, as she tried to hoist the material upwards to cover her heaving bosom. ‘I’ll just have to make do.’

  Adele smiled to herself. Thank God that was over and done with. She stood in the mirror and twirled around, secretly comparing how good she looked in comparison to Emma standing behind her. What footballer will be able to resist this tonight? she thought, arrogantly.

  Donna felt terrible for poor Emma as she walked into the other room sulkily to continue getting ready. She knew full well that Adele had known those dresses didn’t have straps when she tried it on that day, and cursed herself for not checking before she purchased them or when they arrived two days ago. Why did she believe anything Adele ever said? Adele could sure as hell be selfish at times, though Donna couldn’t complain about the amount of help she’d received from her the past few weeks. Yes, Adele was opinionated and manipulative at times, but she’d been willing to help with getting a great photographer, organising the caterers and even the deluxe transport that was taking them to Orsett Hall. Adele had insisted on a top class Bentley and Donna didn’t have the time to even question it or consider an alternative, she was just grateful that it was another tick off her everlasting list. Adele must care to help out, Donna assured herself, even if at times she had a very funny way of showing it.

  The doorbell rang and Donna knew it would be Kelly turning up to do her hair and make-up. In the end she’d decided on a pretty, sophisticated chignon instead of the half up-half down style and very natural make-up, though she guessed Kelly would suggest applying some individual eyelashes, as she had seemed horrified when Donna had told her at the practice run she was planning to just wear a light layer of mascara.

  ‘Hi, babe,’ Kelly said cheerily when Donna let her in.

  Donna kissed her cheek. ‘Hi Kel, come in. Want a glass of champagne? My mum will get you one.’

  ‘Wouldn’t turn down a glass of champers,’ Kelly giggled cheekily. ‘Thank you.’

  After introducing Kelly to her mum and sister, Donna noticed Adele look up from the mirror she was getting ready in and stare at Kelly icily. Why did she have such a problem with her? Donna wondered, as she took Kelly into the other room, away from Adele.

  ‘So are you nervous, hun?’ Kelly asked as she got out her hairdryer, brushes and kirby grips.

  Donna thought about it. She was a little nervous about walking in front of everyone and saying her vows, but no, she actually couldn’t wait to marry Aaron. She couldn’t believe that after tomorrow, she would have a husband! It sounded so grown up and surreal. ‘Not really, no,’ she said taking a sip of champagne.

  ‘It’s going to be an amazing day, babe; I’m going to make you look more sensational than ever,’ Kelly grinned. ‘Where’s the dress?’ Kelly looked round and spotted the stunning gown Donna had chosen hanging up. ‘Oh my God, shut up! Is that your dress? Babe, that is unreal! Where’s it from?’

  ‘Vera Wang,’ Donna gushed.

  Kelly couldn’t believe her eyes and her hand flew up to her open mouth. ‘Oh my God,’ she whispered walking over to the dress in awe. ‘It’s a Vera,’ she said, eyes wide open as she touched the material softly, as if it might break. ‘It’s unbelievable, babe. I bet you look amazing in it.’

  Donna flushed. ‘I don’t know about that, but it is pretty.’

  ‘You’ll look gorgeous, Don,’ Kelly complimented her. ‘The tan I put on yesterday has come out lovely too,’ she told her, lookin
g pleased with her work.

  Donna nodded. ‘Yeah, it’s perfect. Thanks. So are you coming to the wedding with Billy?’

  Kelly swallowed. ‘Unfortunately he can’t make it, hun. I’m so sorry I haven’t told you sooner, but something really important has come up. Business,’ she said, raising her eyebrows.

  ‘That’s a shame,’ Donna replied earnestly, knowing Kelly didn’t know that many other people going to the wedding. ‘Why don’t you bring a friend to keep you company instead as your plus one? The dinner has been paid for after all. What about your friend I met last time when I came to yours for an eyebrow wax?’

  ‘Jade?’ Kelly asked brightly.

  ‘Yes, Jade, that was it. Bring Jade,’ Donna answered, remembering her to be nice and friendly.

  ‘You’re sure you don’t mind?’ Kelly asked timidly.

  ‘Course not!’ Donna replied as Kelly started brushing her hair.

  ‘Okay, thanks hun. That’ll be great,’ she smiled.

  Donna chatted to Kelly and felt herself starting to relax even more. Why did she have a niggling feeling that something bad was going to happen today? She had been telling herself all day to stop being silly and thinking that way, but the dreaded feeling she woke up with just wouldn’t shift, no matter how hard she tried.

  CHAPTER 20

  Jade was sitting with Lisa in Belgique in Loughton, eating breakfast.

  ‘I’m so glad you and Sam are back together and happy again. I can’t believe Kelly’s scheming worked and uncovered the truth. She should be a spy!’ Lisa chuckled as she stirred her cappuccino.

  ‘I know! We should call her Inspector Kelly. I’ll never doubt her instincts again,’ Jade smiled with a little laugh. ‘Things with Sam are going great. I hope we never split up. He’s actually asked me to move in with him and I said yes.’

  ‘Oh my God, Jade, that’s fantastic news!’ Lisa reassured her. ‘You two are made for each other.’

  Jade smiled warmly as she swallowed a mouthful of blueberry muffin. She looked up and stared at Lisa seriously. ‘So, tell me everything about Nicola’s brother. I told you you’d find someone when you least expected it!’

  Lisa glowed with happiness. ‘It’s early days yet, but we’ve been on three dates so far and all I can say is I really like him. He’s even invited me to a wedding today! I’d normally think that was a bit full on, but with him it feels right. He had a plus one, and was going to go alone until he met me. I’m really nervous as I won’t know anyone. I’m going to get a new dress after here and my hair blow dried.’

  Jade grinned. ‘That’s so exciting! I look forward to meeting him. I’m sure Kelly is going to a wedding today as well. It’s a girl called Donna’s. Maybe it’s the same one?’

  Lisa stared into space thoughtfully. ‘You know what, the name Donna actually rings a bell. What a small world, if it’s the same one? That will be amazing if Kelly is there too.’

  Jade rummaged around for her mobile, which had started ringing in the new Marc Jacobs bag she’d recently treated herself to.

  ‘Hi Kelly,’ she answered cheerily.

  ‘Hi, babe.’

  ‘What’s up? We’re still in Loughton if you’re finished and want to meet up?’

  ‘Ah thanks, hun, but I’m just about to start Donna’s make-up. Listen, I’m just calling you to invite you to the wedding. Billy can’t make it and Donna has kindly suggested I invite you instead as my plus one for company. Are you free?’

  Jade was stunned. She’d only met Donna once and even though they’d got on really well she’d never expected to be attending her wedding! ‘Oh wow, really? Okay, I’d love to come. What time is it?’

  As Kelly reeled off the details, Jade decided she was going to go shopping with Lisa afterwards to buy a new dress. Kelly explained she would pick her up in a taxi later on that day and Jade said goodbye and put the phone down. As she looked up at Lisa, she was texting with a smile on her face.

  ‘Ben?’

  Lisa nodded. ‘I just asked him whose wedding it was and it’s Donna and Aaron’s.’

  ‘See you there then!’ Jade beamed as she filled Lisa in on the conversation she’d just had with Kelly. ‘I only have a few hours and Kelly is picking me up in a taxi.’

  Lisa downed the rest of her drink. ‘Let’s go then. It sounds like it’s going to be a good wedding and I desperately need something nice to wear!’

  ‘Me too!’ Jade said as she finished her latte. ‘It’s a lovely day for a wedding,’ she added, as they made their way out into the sunshine. It wasn’t too hot either, there was a breeze, which made it just perfect. Jade had woken up thinking she had a boring day doing nothing as Kelly and Lisa were busy all day, and Sam was away for the weekend with his friends. She was amazed how her plans had changed in a matter of minutes. She linked arms with Lisa as they made their way to their favourite boutique on Loughton high street. There was a beautiful turquoise dress in the window, which Jade thought would be perfect.

  *

  Adele was happy when she heard the front door close, meaning Kelly had finally left Donna’s house. She marched into Donna’s room and eyed her up and down in a supercilious way. She wrinkled her nose disparagingly. ‘Is that how Kelly did your make-up? You’re actually going to have it like that for your wedding?’ she sneered. If Adele was honest, she thought Donna looked beautiful, but she hated Kelly and wasn’t for a minute going to admit to her friend that she’d done a great job.

  Donna’s face fell and she looked wounded as she replied. ‘Thanks a lot, Adele,’ she huffed sarcastically. ‘You really know how to make me feel good about myself.’

  Adele felt an unexpected wave of guilt wash over her. ‘Sorry, you look amazing. I just thought, you know, I just don’t rate Kelly’s make-up skills.’ She drew nearer to Donna. ‘It looks really nice up close though and I do like the hair.’

  Donna didn’t look impressed and she walked out of the room to her mum who was calling her.

  Adele sighed. She’d had a couple of glasses of champagne and perhaps she’d gone too far saying Donna’s make-up wasn’t nice. It was her wedding day, after all. Oh well, she thought, I’m sure she’ll soon get over it. Adele couldn’t wait for the Bentley to turn up. She’d made sure Donna had booked the most luxurious transport she could find; there was no way Adele wasn’t travelling to the wedding in style. Adele had also suggested the caterers and persuaded Donna to choose the menu that she liked; it was the most expensive by a mile, but so what? Aaron could afford it. Donna had been so thankful when Adele had found the photographer too. Little did Donna know that Adele had only been concerned about how she was going to look in the images.

  Adele had heard that Neil, Aaron’s friend who she’d snogged that night in Funky Mojoe, was going to be best man. She had absolutely no interest in talking to him throughout the day and hoped he wasn’t going to bother trying.

  Donna came back in the room. ‘Adele, I hope you don’t mind, but my brother is going to take you to the wedding in his car. There isn’t enough room in the Bentley for everyone.’

  Adele couldn’t hide her vexation. ‘What?’

  Donna took a deep breath and temporarily closed her eyes as though she was building the courage to speak. ‘There isn’t enough room. I have my sister and her children, Aaron’s sister and my dad. My brother, James, has offered to take you. Please don’t cause a fuss, I have enough on my plate.’

  ‘Fine!’ Adele snapped, absolutely seething. ‘Don’t worry about me, the person who booked it for you, I’ll just get there in your brother’s tin can!’

  Donna exhaled sharply. ‘Don’t be so dramatic, he has a BMW. Now I need to get in my dress, we don’t have long until we have to leave.’

  Adele was fuming. After everything she’d done for Donna she had excluded her from the beautiful Bentley. Why didn’t she tell her boring sister and her spoilt snotty nosed kids to go with James! She just couldn’t believe the audacity of Donna and wanted to scream with frustration. This was an abso
lute joke! James was in his mid-thirties and about as exciting as a physics lecture in her opinion; what was she going to talk to him about on the journey for Christ’s sake? It was a forty-minute drive to Orsett Hall and Adele was dreading it. She made her way to the kitchen, ignoring Donna’s family as she stomped through the hallway. Downing another glass of champagne, she promised herself yet again that she would accomplish her mission of finding a rich footballer; it was the only thought cheering her up at this moment in time.

  *

  Neil had been overjoyed when Aaron had asked him to be best man and couldn’t believe the wedding day was already here. He had spent the previous night perfecting his best man speech and felt satisfied it had the perfect mixture of humour and sincerity. He was in a pub near to where the ceremony was taking place with Aaron and the ushers and realised suddenly he was beginning to feel a bit tipsy. He’d been filming Aaron getting ready all morning and downing shots in the pub to play during his speech via a projector. He also had edited clips from his stag party and they were hysterical. Neil had been to a wedding recently and the best man speech had gone down like a lead balloon; it had been seriously dull and depressing. He’d promised himself then and there that if he ever got asked to be best man he would make sure the guests would be laughing. He had his video clips to play as well as hilarious photos of Aaron growing up; it was certainly going to keep everyone entertained. It had just so happened that he got asked to be best man a lot quicker than he’d ever anticipated, but he thought Aaron was making the right decision as Donna seemed like a lovely girl and he hadn’t seen his friend smile so much until recently. She was nothing like her awful, shallow friend Adele, Neil thought, as he took another swig of his pint. When he’d first met Adele that night in Funky Mojoe, he couldn’t believe his luck. She’d been all over him like a rash and her tongue had been down his throat the majority of the night. But then, when he’d tried to contact her she’d been completely off with him and had even ignored his calls. He hadn’t admitted it, but he’d been a bit gutted.