by Jill Mansell
Bea’s expression softened; she understood. ‘Better than nice. You look stunningly beautiful.’
Also, normal. Well, if you took away the oxygen tubing. And the wheelchair.
‘OK, let’s go.’ Tapping her watch and reverting to bossy-boots mode, Bea grabbed the handles of the wheelchair. ‘Get in.’
As if she were a harassed mum ordering her naughty toddler into a buggy.
Hallie sprayed herself with scent and did as she was told, disconnecting the tubing from the in-house supply and plugging it into the portable oxygen tank that would be accompanying them to the party. As they left the house, she twisted round in the chair and looked up at Bea. ‘Is this really about not missing out on the Scotch eggs, or is something else going on?’
‘Ha, can’t get anything past you, can we, Sherlock? Anyway, don’t bother asking any more questions, because I’m not giving anything away.’ Pushing her out on to the pavement and closing the front door behind them, Bea added gleefully, ‘It’s a surprise!’
The celebrations were already in full swing when they arrived. Marilyn was up on stage with the band, looking like Tina Turner in a fringed silver dress and six-inch heels. Practically everyone in Carranford was there, filling the pub and spilling out into both the connected marquee and the long garden beyond. The noise level was high, the atmosphere buzzing and there were strings of fairy lights everywhere.
Surreally, too, the party was full of Marilyns – dozens of people were wearing masks featuring her face as they chatted, milled about and strutted their stuff on the dance floor.
Hallie spotted Luke at the other side of the bar and felt her heart do its foolish little flip of excitement, the one it always did when she saw him, the one nobody else knew about. Oh, but he was looking extra nice tonight, with his hair slicked back like that. He was wearing a dark blue linen jacket, a cream shirt and jeans. Best of all, he wasn’t wearing a Marilyn mask, so she was able to see when he noticed her and broke into a warm smile. Raising a hand in greeting, he made his way over.
‘Evening! How are you doing? You look great.’
‘So do I,’ said Bea before Hallie could open her mouth. ‘I’m looking amazing too!’
Luke grinned at her. ‘Absolutely. Goes without saying. You both look fantastic. Can I get you a drink?’
‘White wine, please,’ said Hallie. ‘Frascati.’
‘Make it two. Ooh . . .’ Bea pulled out her phone and read the text that had just arrived. Evidently pleased, she rapidly replied, then watched as Luke threaded his way between a group of cricketers on his way to the bar. She touched Hallie’s shoulder. ‘Going to be fun tonight.’
‘I wish you’d tell me what’s happening.’
‘I wish you’d stop being so nosy. Just have a bit of patience. It’ll be worth it, I promise.’
Hallie knew how Bea’s mind worked; she adored springing surprises. Last year she’d organised a reunion of her father’s school friends for his sixtieth birthday. From the way she was looking and behaving now, Hallie guessed that she had secretly arranged for some of their old friends to turn up tonight. Which would be brilliant, so long as she hadn’t invited Martin Ormerod, who had made such merciless fun of Hallie’s coughing fits and had called her Fag-Ash Lil all the way through school. For him, the joke had never stopped being hilarious.
Basically, because he was a dick.
Twenty minutes later, Hallie discovered that the down side of brilliant surprises was automatically assuming they were intended for you, when this wasn’t necessarily the case.
Like now.
As everyone else partied on around them, Bea had continued to monopolise Luke, chatting away to him as if he were the only man in the room, and doing it with such vivacious intensity that there was no way he could escape.
At first Hallie had been puzzled, wondering what was going on. Then her attention had begun to wander, because the plethora of Marilyns was more entertaining than having to listen to Bea’s endless questions about cholesterol.
The moment of realisation came when her gaze drifted from the boisterous group of cricketers demonstrating their twerking skills on the dance floor – really not a pretty sight – to the woman who had moved across the room and was now standing just a few feet away from Bea and Luke. She was wearing one of the Marilyn masks and clutching a drink, but it was the legs that gave her away: fine, elegant, shapely . . . and recognisably belonging to—
‘Well, hello,’ Bea exclaimed, breaking off her conversation and making a poor attempt at pretending to be surprised. She even did an over-the-top double-take. ‘Oh my goodness, I don’t believe it! Fancy seeing you here!’
Hallie’s heart sank as the new arrival lifted the Marilyn mask from her face. She saw Luke’s expression change, amazement giving way to delight as he said, ‘Wow, this is a surprise! Look at you!’
And then she was forced to sit and watch them greet each other with hugs and kisses, trapped and unable to escape because her wheelchair was hemmed in from all directions. Was Luke just being polite, or was it more than that? Was Christina glad she’d taken the plunge and come to the party?
And was this really Bea’s idea of a completely brilliant surprise?
The answer to this last question was evidently yes, as Bea was now clapping her hands. Beaming down at her, she exclaimed, ‘Ha, was this the best plan ever? Isn’t it great? I knew you’d love it too!’
Hallie, who wasn’t loving it at all, marvelled at her own ability to put on a good front. Because somehow she was managing to smile and look delighted while inside her ribcage a sensation like slowly setting cement appeared to be pressing down on her lungs.
As if they weren’t already useless enough.
And now other people were turning, recognising Christina, nudging each other and pointing to the happy, just-reunited couple. Christina was clutching Luke’s shoulder, laughing at something he’d just said and shaking her head in disbelief. Up on the stage, the real Marilyn had spotted what was going on and broke off from singing ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ in order to yell, ‘Ooh, I say, look who’s here! Hello, lovely Christina, long time no see!’
Hallie kept the happy expression plastered on her own face as Christina first waved back at Marilyn then turned to smile at other people she recognised and hadn’t seen for months. It wasn’t just Luke; everyone seemed thrilled to see her again.
Oh God.
It was like the prodigal daughter returning home.
Chapter 33
‘Come outside.’ Slipping her hand into his, Christina whispered in Luke’s ear, ‘I’ve got something to show you.’
Together they left the pub by the side door. Christina led him across the crowded car park. In the far corner, he recognised her red Audi. The next moment a volley of high-pitched barks emanated from it and he saw a small dog leaping up and down as if the passenger seat were a particularly bouncy trampoline.
‘OK, I don’t know how to break this to you, but there appears to be a dog in your car.’
Christina grinned up at him. ‘I know.’
‘Well, should we dial 999? Or call the zoo? They could probably send out keepers with nets and stun guns.’
She unlocked the car, opened the passenger door and caught the dog as, wriggling with delight, it scrambled into her outstretched arms.
‘I don’t believe this,’ said Luke.
‘What can I tell you?’ Christina beamed as the little dog licked her cheek. ‘I’m a new woman. His name’s Daley and he’s the best thing that ever happened to me.’
This was definitely a seismic change. ‘And he’s OK with snakes?’
‘No more snakes. They’re gone.’
‘Really?’
‘I know.’ She laughed at the look on his face. ‘It was never going to work. You know I loved my snakes, but I ended up giving them away because I loved Daley more. Basically, he’s the light of my life and I couldn’t imagine being without him.’ Pausing to nuzzle the dog and waggle his hairy paws, Chris
tina said, ‘Could I? No I couldn’t, because you’re my beautiful baby, aren’t you? Oh yes you are!’
‘He’s cute.’ Luke stroked Daley’s soft, wriggly body; it still seemed nothing short of amazing, but he could see how Christina had been won over. ‘Can I ask how Bea came to be involved in you turning up tonight?’
Her eyes sparkled. ‘I bumped into Bea and Hallie the other week at Denleigh. We had a lovely chat about all sorts of things . . . Daley . . . life in general . . . you . . .’
‘Right. And what were you saying about me?’
‘It wasn’t me, it was Bea! She told me you hadn’t been out with anyone since we broke up. And I said I hadn’t either. Then they just started saying what a perfect couple we’d always been and wasn’t it a shame we weren’t still together and did I ever regret what happened?’ Christina paused, gazing directly at him. ‘And I said yes, I did.’
‘Right.’ Lost for words, Luke realised he was repeating himself.
‘Sorry, you know I’m not usually this blunt, but I thought I may as well come straight out and say it. What with it being the truth, basically.’ Tucking a strand of hair behind her left ear, she went on, ‘So anyhow, Bea and Hallie seemed to think there was a good chance you might be feeling the same way. They were keen to drop some hints and see if they were right. And because I was kind of curious to know too, I said they could do it, so long as they were subtle. They were so excited about it!’ She smiled, shaking her head at the memory. ‘And I was too. Until I got a call the next morning telling me my mum was in hospital.’
‘Oh no. What happened? Is she OK?’ Christina’s mother Annabel was a nice woman who had lived alone in Edinburgh since the death of her husband three years ago.
‘She’s fine now. Just fell off a ladder clearing her guttering and broke a leg. Nothing too terrible, but she couldn’t manage on her own at home. Which meant I had to race up to Scotland and look after her.’ Christina pulled a face. ‘Which wasn’t a problem, except I had to call Bea and tell her and Hallie to put the campaign on hold. It would have been a bit pointless having them drop all those hints about me when I was hundreds of miles away. But I’ve done my duty now. Mum’s on the mend and I’m back home. And when I texted Bea to let her know, she reminded me about Marilyn’s birthday bash. She knew you’d be here and it was her idea for me to turn up and surprise you. Then you could see how you felt when you saw me again.’ Pause. ‘And so could everyone else.’
She stopped, her clear gaze flickering away from him. After briefly burying her face in Daley’s neck, she raised her head once more and said, ‘So I guess that’s the big thing now. Are you happy to see me again?’
What a question. What could he say? How was he meant to reply?
‘Of course I’m happy to see you again.’ Time seemed to slow down as Luke spoke the words, whilst inside his head his thoughts were going at a million miles an hour. It was true: there was no reason at all not to be pleased about seeing Christina again. He’d assumed she would have moved on with her life, met someone else by now, but apparently this hadn’t happened. And as far as she was aware, he was in the exact same situation. She had no idea – because nobody had any idea – that he’d developed feelings for another girl. But nothing could ever happen there, so really it was a spectacularly irrelevant situation to be in. And now it seemed that Hallie and Bea had together actively encouraged Christina to make the first move in an attempt to resurrect their relationship.
Plus, the snakes had gone. Which, it had to be said, was a pretty big bonus.
‘Oh Luke. I’ve missed you so much.’ Christina was exhaling with relief, as if that was it, all sorted.
What?
Then again, maybe this was what he needed to sort himself out. Being single hadn’t helped him overcome his feelings for Hallie, had it? Indeed, it might even have encouraged them.
So theoretically, getting back together with Christina could be the answer.
And if that didn’t sound hugely romantic . . . well, maybe now that the snakes were out of the picture, the situation might change. They’d had fun together in the early days, after all. There’d been laughter, parties, adventures. They’d shared some great times. And love could return, everyone knew that. There was a chance, wasn’t there, that they could get together and create their own happy-ever-after?
He breathed in the flowery scent of the perfume Christina had always worn. It must have taken some courage for her to turn up here this evening, essentially offering herself to him on a plate. It had been a brave thing to do. And the seconds were ticking by, which was making the situation potentially awkward.
Luke took a deep breath and said, ‘I’ve missed you too.’
‘Truly?’ Christina’s eyes lit up. ‘So how about it? Shall we get back together? Give it another go?’
Since it appeared to be a fait accompli, and it could just be the answer he’d been searching for, Luke smiled and nodded. ‘Let’s do it.’
‘Oh, thank goodness!’ Still clutching Daley so that he was lightly sandwiched between them, she leaned forward for a kiss. A proper one, on the mouth. And Luke found himself kissing her back.
It was nice.
Familiar.
Yes. Familiar was good.
Drawing away eventually, Christina said, ‘Wow, and there I was thinking I’d never get the chance to do that again.’ Reaching up, she touched the side of his face, stroking his jawline. ‘You don’t know how happy I am. We can make this work, I know we can.’
Luke nodded. Could they? He hoped so, he really did, for both their sakes.
Woof woof. His tail wagging ecstatically, Daley licked Christina’s hand.
‘Looks like Daley approves,’ said Luke.
‘He’s a great judge of character. Come on, we should go back to the party.’ Christina reached for his hand. ‘Hallie and Bea will be waiting to hear if their plan worked.’ Her smile broadened. ‘Time to let them know we’re back together and it’s all thanks to them!’
Chapter 34
Hallie had had plenty of practice over the years at hiding her true feelings and presenting a brave face to the world.
And this evening she was getting some more in.
Smile.
Be cheerful.
Be delighted for Christina and Luke.
Appear to be having the most fantastic evening.
And yes, she was pleased for Luke, because it wasn’t as if there could ever be any kind of relationship between them, and he deserved to be happy. But it didn’t stop her being envious and wishing it could have been her instead.
She fixed her gaze on the band up on the stage as they launched into their version of Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’. Which was ironic, seeing as she was currently sitting in her chair and had managed to get herself stuck in a corner again, behind a noisy group of people with their backs to her.
Tempting though it was to simply barge forward into their legs, Hallie detached herself from her oxygen supply and stood up, leaving the coiled plastic tubing on the seat of the chair. She needed the loo, and it was easier just to squeeze past everyone and make her own way through the crowded bar.
Three minutes later, leaving the ladies’, she pushed open the door leading out into the corridor, encountered resistance and heard someone say, ‘Ow.’
It was a risky business, making your way down this narrow corridor when the doors could unexpectedly open at any moment. Regular customers knew about it, but strangers were apt to get caught out.
‘Whoops, sorry.’ Easing herself out, Hallie registered three things:
Her victim was carrying a full pint of lager and a glass of lemonade.
By some miracle he’d managed not to spill either of the drinks over himself.
He was absolutely gorgeous.
Phew.
‘Well held,’ she said. ‘No damage. You’re OK.’ He was so much more than OK, but never mind.
‘Narrow escape.’ His dark blue gaze flickered over her, as if taking i
n every last detail. ‘Unlike you, I’m afraid.’
‘What? Why?’ Peering down at herself, Hallie checked the front of her dress. It was fine.
‘Not there. Here.’ Lifting the pint of lager in his right hand, he pointed with his index finger at her left shoulder.
She twisted her neck and saw what he was looking at. An occupational hazard of being a wheelchair user in a crowded pub was the likelihood of finding yourself on the receiving end of other people’s spilled drinks. This evening, someone had carelessly deposited two splashes of red wine close to the neckline of her new primrose-yellow dress. They’d either not noticed or been too embarrassed to point it out.
‘Oh great,’ Hallie sighed. ‘I only bought this last week.’
‘Luckily you bumped into the right person. Come with me.’ The man with the dark blue eyes and the devastating smile added, ‘Trust me, I’m an expert.’
She’d been four minutes without supplementary oxygen and the effects were just beginning to make themselves felt, but she could cope without it for a bit longer. She followed him down to the end of the corridor and out into the pub garden, beyond the marquee.
‘Sit,’ said the man when they reached an unoccupied table and chairs at the far end of the garden. ‘I’m Ross, by the way.’
‘Ross. Hi, I’m—’
‘Beautiful.’ He pulled a face, shook his head and said, ‘Oh God, I can’t believe I actually said that; there’s no hope for me. I was just thinking it and the word accidentally popped out. I’m so sorry, please don’t run away.’
‘I’m Hallie.’ She couldn’t help smiling, because it was so screamingly obvious what Ross was like: forward, unshy, seriously attractive and wildly flirtatious. Just the glint of mischief in his eyes was enough to give it away; he was looking at her as if she were the only girl in the world. This was a naughty boy who loved to overstep the mark and knew he could almost always get away with it.
‘Hallie. Nice to meet you. Now, turn your shoulder towards me and let’s sort this out.’ Taking a clean handkerchief from his pocket, he dipped it into the smaller of the two glasses he’d carried out with him.
