‘He wouldn’t think that. You’ve only been going out a little while.’
‘No. Probably not. But still.’
She thought about it for a moment. ‘I do have a friend who’s kind of obsessed with weddings. She’s loving these posts, by the way. We’ve tried telling her it might not be such a great idea letting blokes see a tonne of wedding magazines piled up, but she says she’s not planning anything. She just loves looking at them.’
‘Then she should enjoy them. It’s harmless enough and they are lovely.’
‘See, I know that. And you know that. But men? Well, like you just said about making sure all of this is gone before Alex sees it. Innocent things can incite panic.’
‘True. Right. OK. I’m going to get back to these emails. If you can get all the stuff together for both looks, then we can make sure everything’s in place for when Charlie gets here. I don’t want to keep him too long. I’m sure he’s got better things to be doing. He just felt guilty for nodding off on the sofa, daft thing.’
‘I don’t think he’d have volunteered to do it if he objected that much, Libs.’
I looked up from my screen. ‘The only reason I’m even friends with Charlie is because he was forced into coming to look at my accounts! This wouldn’t be the first time he’d done something he felt he ought to or got coerced into doing.’
‘Libby. He’s six foot five and weighs about the same as a small tank. He’s hardly a pushover.’
I returned to my screen and opened the first email awaiting reply. ‘Physically no, but he’s a sweetheart. It doesn’t matter what size you are when you’re a softie.’
‘Oh, he can look after himself if he needs to, I’m sure. Right, let’s find you a kick-ass make-up look to go with your wedding dress.’
Tapping away at my keyboard, I laughed at Tilly’s phrasing and left her to it.
‘Perfect!’ Tilly stepped back from fluffing the veil and turned me to the mirror.
I didn’t say anything.
‘You’re supposed to be a bride. A happy bride. It’s not an arranged marriage to some stuffy Victorian banker.’
‘Sorry. Yes. It just feels a bit weird.’
Tilly began spinning around the room, reminding me of a Disney princess, and I was more than half expecting her to start singing and calling birds from the window. Eyeing the large seagull that had just landed on the rail of my balcony, I sincerely hoped not.
The doorbell chimed and I hiked up the dress, paranoid about damaging it as I made my way to answer it.
‘Afternoon. There’s a parcel—’ The postman stopped as he looked up and saw my outfit. ‘Oh! Umm, congratulations. I’d better not keep you. I just need a signature.’ He held out the machine for me to sign.
‘It’s not real,’ I said. ‘It’s for a blog thing.’
‘Oh. OK. Right.’ He gave me a smile that showed he didn’t understand in the slightest and returned to his rounds. I closed the door.
‘Is that Charlie?’ Tilly came out from the bedroom where we’d prepared the ‘set’ for the shoot.
‘No. Just the postman. Who now thinks I’m some weird and desperate woman who dresses up in weddings gowns on a summer afternoon for no reason.’
‘I’m sure he doesn’t.’
‘You didn’t see his face.’
‘Ah, who cares?’
I stood for a moment. She had a point. ‘That’s true. I’m going to get some drinks. Back in a sec.’
The door chimed again and Tilly answered it as I disappeared into the kitchen. I heard Charlie’s deep tones rumble through. Tilly said something and he laughed. I appreciated her helping to make this a less awkward experience for all of us. That said, it seemed I might be the only one who was feeling awkward as I heard Charlie and Tilly laugh again. Best to just get it over with and hope that it didn’t show too much in the photos. I put the three glasses on a tray, and plopped a couple of eco-friendly straws in two of them to help keep our make-up intact, then picked it up and entered the living room.
‘Hello, sleepyhead.’
‘Hi, Libs,’ Charlie replied. He was crouched on the ground, pulling his gear out of his camera bag. Standing, he turned and made a step towards me, before stopping abruptly.
‘Bloody hell.’
I raised my eyebrows.
‘Sorry.’ He shook his head. ‘I just… I didn’t expect… umm.’ A hint of colour was forming around the collar of his blue and white checked shirt, altogether making up quite a patriotic mix.
‘OK. But was it a good bloody hell or an oh my God bloody hell? Because if it was the latter I’d rather know now before posting it online for a tonne of people to have the same reaction.’
‘No, it was good. Honestly.’ Charlie seemed to have composed himself and was back to fiddling with his camera lens. ‘Just took me a bit by surprise.’
I flipped out a hand to Tilly. ‘See what I mean? I’m not even going out with him and he’s freaked. Now you know why I can’t have Alex seeing any of this.’
‘I’m not freaked. I’ve just never seen you in a wedding dress. Although I think you’d be better off with a bouquet than a bar tray.’
I put the drinks down. Tilly was standing near Charlie, swishing the dress she had on. I still wasn’t convinced a song was entirely out of the question. Best to get this done as soon as possible.
‘Let’s put some music on,’ I suggested.
‘Great idea!’ Tilly agreed, scooting past Charlie to her computer. A moment later, Little Mix began filling the room, and Tilly was off dancing around. Charlie turned his head to me, both amused and bemused. I shrugged, a wide smile breaking on my face as Tilly caught my hand, pulling me along as she danced past me.
A couple of hours later, we’d both had three changes of dress and make-up looks and were pretty much winding down. It had been a lot more fun than I’d anticipated. It was hard not to be infected with Tilly’s excitement, not only for the shoot, but also for her impending real wedding. I’d temporarily forgotten my hang-ups and just relaxed, enjoying the music, the laughter, and the company. I’d even forgiven Charlie for sneaking a shot when Tilly had insisted on making me wear a garter and I’d bent to adjust it. My protestations were countered with his and Tilly’s claims that he was supposed to be capturing the feel of getting ready for a wedding.
‘It’s not a real wedding.’
‘And I’m not a real wedding photographer, so that’s perfect.’
I stuck my tongue out at him. And he snapped a picture of that too.
‘I’m beginning to think encouraging you in this hobby might not have been one of my better decisions.’
Charlie widened his eyes and did a maniacal laugh. ‘You’ve created a monster!’ he cried, scooping me up with his free hand, and swinging me round.
‘I think I might have!’ I laughed, happy to see Charlie so relaxed. ‘Now put me down, you big lump!’ Charlie’s arm had wrapped itself under my bum and my feet were now dangling some way above the floor. I steadied myself with one hand on his shoulder as the other rested on his chest. As I brought my gaze up from studying how far down the floor was, it connected with Charlie’s.
‘You’re looking at me funny.’
‘I was just thinking that you’re going to make someone a bloody gorgeous bride one day.’
I made a dismissive sound.
‘What?’
‘Could you put me down, please?’ I bumped my hand on his chest, but he didn’t move.
‘You can’t argue with me. I have the photographic evidence.’ He wiggled the camera he still held in his other hand.
‘I appreciate the flattery but I’m pretty sure this is the last time I’ll be wearing a wedding dress.’
The smile faded as his gaze rested on me for a moment. Then, gently, he lowered me to the floor, ensuring I was steady before letting go entirely.
‘What makes you say that?’
‘Because I just don’t really see myself getting married.’
‘Why not
?’
‘I just don’t.’
‘I didn’t know you were against marriage. Isn’t this all a little bit hypocritical, then?’
‘No! I’m not against marriage at all. I think it’s wonderful. I just don’t think it’s for me.’
‘Why not?’ he asked again.
I shifted my weight. ‘Would it be all right if we had this discussion when I’m not wearing a wedding dress? It seems a little incongruous.’
He nodded. ‘I agree. Do you need a hand to get out of it?’ He made a movement as if to turn me around to see the back of my dress.
‘Oh, yeah. Because that’s going to happen,’ I said, taking a step further away.
‘What? If I was Amy, you’d let me help.’
I fixed him with a look, trying to ignore how attractive he was when laughter filled those clear blue eyes. ‘The fact is you are not Amy.’
‘But we’re friends. Good friends.’
‘True.’
‘So, what’s the problem?’
‘There is no problem. But the fact is that I’m not about to stand in front of any man right at this moment, good friend or not, in a basque and stockings!’
Charlie’s face changed. ‘Basque and…’ His patriotic colourway returned, and he gave a quick little nod before mumbling something about needing a drink and heading off to the kitchen.
26
‘God, he’s adorable,’ Tilly stated quietly once he’d left the room. ‘I’m still amazed he’s not seeing anyone.’
I threw a glance towards the kitchen and then looked back at her. ‘I think he’s looking for The One. He’s done all the other stuff and is ready to settle down.’
‘And he can’t find someone wanting to be that? Bloody hell, I could get him a whole line up by this evening.’
‘I guess it’s not so easy when you’re shy like him.’
‘He must meet people all the time through work.’
‘I guess. I don’t know. He’s never mentioned anyone.’
‘Maybe he’s just super fussy.’
‘Maybe. His parents seem really lovely and happy. I think he’s holding that up as a benchmark.’
‘I can’t see him staying single for all that long, though. Can you?’
From the corner of my eye, I saw Charlie returning to the living room, his colour back to a light golden tan.
‘All right?’
‘Absolutely. I thought you’d be out of that. Or have you got comfortable in it now?’
‘I’m just about to go and change.’
‘Shame. Suits you.’
‘So, I do the bride bit, and you do the blushing?’ I teased him with a smile, which he returned.
‘Ah, that’s not fair. You took me off guard. You can’t just throw out words like basque and stockings without warning a man!’
‘He does have a point, Libs. I mentioned it once casually over dinner ages ago, and Sam nearly choked.’
‘Right. Noted. Though I must say I fail to see how it might possibly come up again in the future.’
Charlie shrugged. ‘Never say never.’
I shook my head and made to turn back towards my bedroom.
‘I’m assuming you don’t want any shots of you in the—’
‘No! Thank you. Blimey, you really are out of your shell today, aren’t you?’ I laughed.
‘Must be the company.’
Tilly grinned and gave him a squeeze, which he returned. It was good to see him relaxing. He’d seemed not only tired yesterday but tense. Mucking about with us and doing something he clearly enjoyed seemed to have helped him shake off whatever it was, letting his personality shine through. As Tilly said, it was unlikely that Charlie Richmond was going to be single for long, especially once this side of his personality got to be generally known.
‘Right, I’m going to change and—’ The doorbell chimed, interrupting me. ‘Flippin’ heck, it’s been like Piccadilly Circus here today,’ I said, pulling open the door and coming face to face with Alex.
‘Bloody hell.’
‘I wish people would stop saying that to me,’ I said quietly, taking in the look of shock and slight panic on Alex’s face. ‘Hi. I didn’t think your shift finished until later.’
‘I… err… I swapped with a mate as a favour.’ He was still looking me up and down.
‘Do you want to come in?’
Alex brought his gaze up to meet mine, and I could tell he wasn’t entirely sure about the answer to that question.
‘Hi, mate.’ Charlie came to stand beside me and took in Alex’s face, and mine. ‘The girls had a shoot to do for the blog on bridal stuff. I was giving them a hand.’
‘For the blog?’ Alex repeated.
‘Yep.’
I saw the relief flood in. I knew I wasn’t the only one who had spotted it and for some reason I suddenly felt a little bit ridiculous.
‘I need to change. Charlie, can you…?’ I wasn’t sure what I wanted Charlie to do to be honest but I did know I needed to get away from Alex for a moment and get out of this dress.
When I returned a short while later, having changed into a lace-edged vest top and a floaty cotton maxi skirt, Alex looked up and smiled. No one missed the relieved expression on his face.
‘Better?’ I asked.
‘Much.’
He stood and came up to me, sliding his arms around my waist and planting a quick kiss on my lips. ‘Sorry about earlier. Just caught me by surprise.’
I shrugged it off. ‘Don’t worry about it. Purely for PR.’ I gave a quick smile that felt a little tighter than perhaps it should have done. And then, because I was completely incapable of not saying anything when a situation was bothering me, I turned my face up to his and raised an eyebrow. ‘It might have been nice if you hadn’t looked quite so appalled though. Not exactly a boost to a girl’s ego, you know.’
‘Sorry. Like I said, you just… surprised me.’
‘Charlie wasn’t exactly expecting it either but he didn’t look like he wanted to run off screaming.’
Alex grinned and pulled me a little closer, apparently enjoying what he viewed as banter.
‘You’re not dating Charlie.’
I leant back in his arms a little so that he got the full benefit of the look I fixed him with. ‘You’re cute, but you’re not that cute. I’ve no plans to run off with you just yet.’
‘Now who’s bruising egos?’
‘Ah ah!’ I waved my finger at him. ‘You can’t have it both ways.’
Alex released an arm from around my waist and caught my waggling finger with it. Gently, he lifted it to his lips and kissed it. His eyes were on mine, shining with mischief and the unmistakeable look of wanting, as he kept it there. I knew where this was going, and, judging by the way my pulse had kicked up, I was pretty sure that Alex knew that I knew what he had planned. He kissed my finger again. His lips lingered and began to move, gently. My eyes widened and Alex grinned. I wiggled and pushed off his chest, stepping back.
Across the room, I saw Tilly and Charlie peering in deep concentration at the screen of his laptop. Tilly was making ‘oohing’ noises, and genuinely seemed to be engrossed, but I wasn’t so sure about Charlie. I saw him lift his hand to the back of his head and give two scratches. His nervous tic that something was off. I’d noticed from early on that he did this whenever he wasn’t sure about something or felt uncomfortable.
‘How did they come out?’ I asked, moving away from Alex to cross the room and peer upside down over the top of the laptop screen.
Tilly looked up, a big smile on her face. ‘They’re amazing! Charlie’s amazing!’ She laughed, squeezing his bicep, which admittedly took both hands.
Charlie flicked a glance to her, and gave a little wiggle of his head, smiling.
I scooted round and squashed up next to her to take a look. Tilly was right. The photos were fabulous! He’d taken plenty when we hadn’t been aware, which for someone of Charlie’s size, making us forget that he was there taking pictures
, was a pretty good testimonial to his skills in this particular area of photography. The posed ones were gorgeous, but it was the candids I absolutely loved. And, of course, the silly selfie of the three of us, with Tilly and I standing on the bed, just to get up to the same height as Charlie, one of us at each of his shoulders. That had to be my favourite.
‘That one’s definitely going on the blog!’ I said, pointing to it.
Charlie looked mildly horrified. ‘What?’
‘That one. I love it!’
‘Me too!’ Tilly added. ‘It’s fabulous! People love “behind the scenes” stuff.’
Charlie remained unconvinced. I looked over to where Alex was reading on his tablet. Sports news, if I had to hazard a guess. Normally he was pretty interested in his friend’s photography, but I don’t think he’d quite yet recovered from having me open the door to him decked out in full wedding regalia. Pictures of me wearing a big white dress probably wasn’t anything he was in a hurry to see just now. But I needed his back up on this.
‘Alex, what do you think?’
‘About what?’ he said, his eyes still on the tablet.
‘This photo of Charlie. Tilly and I think it should go on the blog. Charlie disagrees.’
‘What’s the photo?’
‘If you come over here, you’ll see,’ I replied, with studied patience.
Alex raised his eyes to me and took in the innocent look on my face. A grin slid onto his own. He laid the tablet down on the table and crossed the room, walking behind the couch to look over our shoulders at the image under discussion. Much to his relief, I imagined, there wasn’t a whole lot of wedding dress on display as it was mostly our head and shoulders in shot. He laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder.
‘Sorry, mate, I’m with the girls. That’s a great shot. People will love it.’
Charlie watched as Alex made his way back to his seat, snagging his tablet on the way.
‘Some help you are.’
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