by Gina Keliher
She unwraps the box and pulls out a fabulous over sized Mulberry bag. It takes her less than twenty seconds to get the dog in it, and then she's parading around the lounge showing off.
I haven't laughed so hard since... five minutes ago?
The day has been full of revelations. Jason getting along with everyone so brilliantly, Annabel and Glen an item, Poppy choosing a British Racing Green colour car, not pink but she won't tell us what actual car it is as she wants to surprise us.
All in all, it’s been an amazing day, and it's already eleven o'clock. I'm sorry to see Jason go. He's got on so well with everyone, especially the boys, and his Being is definitely brighter and more pure than it was when he arrived. Maybe we worked some magic on him.
At the door, he says, "I've had a fun day."
"Me too."
He wraps his arms around my waist and looks into my eyes, "Don't tell anyone," he whispers, "but I think they like me!"
"I think you like them too?"
He nods, "They're a good group of guys!"
Hope bubbles inside me. This is what we’re working for. This is what should be happening to this wonderful man. A change for the best. "You should hang out with us more often."
"Perhaps I will." He leans forward and kisses me. It’s slow and gentle, and yes, I'll admit that something did stir inside. Not fireworks, but still a lovely feeling.
I like him a lot.
When I walk back to the lounge, Poppy is cradling the puppy and giving out directions. She's got the others reorganising the lounge furniture. "We have to put the puppy bed in just the right place," She explains, "and the sofa was in the way."
"Thought of a name yet?" Robbie asks as he's pulling the coffee table out of the way.
"No. I can't rush it." She tickles the puppy under the chin and it says thank you by licking her chin, "But we'll sleep on it, won't we darling?"
Chapter Forty Five
We’re in the kitchen, ready to head into town for our manicures and pedicures. I can’t believe the party is tomorrow. I’m so excited I could burst but Poppy seems so engrossed with the puppy I could almost believe she’s forgotten.
“Come on Copper, let’s go for a quick walk before we get our nails done.” Poppy coo’s to the puppy.
“Copper?” I question. She’s a sort of off white gold colour. Not really copper.
“Yes, I thought of it that night as we were cuddling in bed. It’s perfect isn’t it?”
“Lovely, but why Copper?”
“Duh. I’m Poppy, PO, and you’re Alice, LICE. Police. Get it? Copper.” Poppy’s laughing hysterically. “Police is a silly name for a dog, and Bobby sounds like Robbie so Copper it is.”
Poppy has the strangest logic but I love it. “You’re nuts but I love you.”
The three of us head off to get our nails done. Copper is loving being in her dog bag and Poppy is loving the attention they are both getting from everyone in the salon. Maybe it’s the ballerina outfit Jason insisted on buying Copper, and Poppy insisted on her wearing today.
“You weren’t silly enough to shave your legs again were you?” Poppy says sarcastically.
Well I didn’t know. We had pedicures a few months back and as it was still cold out I admit I’d let my legs get a little hairy. Horrified at the thought of the girls in the salon seeing, I’d shaved my legs that very morning. And then had the sea salt rub. I don’t know what all the fuss was about. I’d only cried for 10 minutes and the rash had died down two days later.
“Nope.” Very proud I remembered. “Will do it tomorrow in the bath after our hair appointment. That’s at 9am remember.”
“Ugh how could I forget, ungodly hour.” Poppy says. Copper is sat on her lap. “I really don’t know how I’ll stay awake for the party.” As she says this the hugest grin spreads across her face.
Poppy’s fingernails and toenails are a fantastic shade of plum, mine a deep wine colour. We match our dresses perfectly. Yes, we’d brought them with us to make sure.
Naturally, it’s the one day it rains and we run up to the front door trying to avoid puddles although I’m sure our nails are dry by now.
Copper has a wonderful aroma of wet dog where some of the rain has gotten in through the mesh on the bag so we wash her with some scented shampoo that someone had thoughtfully remembered to buy amongst all the presents. A little after five we’re all in the lounge wondering what to do with the rest of the day.
“So what time is Parker collecting us?” Poppy asks.
“I think your mum said five o’clock. She wants us all there a little early so that she can feed us. Even though there’s going to be food at the party it’s more nibbles, or should I say canapés, so dinner will be at 6.”
“I won’t be able to eat, I’ll be so excited. Is Jason bumming a ride or driving?”
“I think he mentioned Adam was driving so the boys will go together.” Truth be told, I’m excited at the prospect of seeing Ian. Still not sure how I’m going to kill him, or even if I’ll be able to. Hope we don’t get stuck somewhere where it’s just the two of us. OK, hope we do.
“Earth to Alice. You’re daydreaming. Just because I’ve been nice to you the last few days, don’t think I’ve forgotten you’re little indiscretion. I will not be letting you out of my sight young lady.”
I smile, so busted. “Promise?”
“Absolutely. Am still very undecided on whether to do the up-do with curls or all very sleek and tidy.” No serious chat today.
“Darrrling, you’ll look fantastic either way.” I say, and it’s true.
“I know. Now what’s on telly? I think we should just have a relaxing evening. We need our beauty rest.”
“Only problem with that, is that we..” I’m interrupted by the doorbell. Perfect timing.
“What have you done?” Poppy says with a smile getting up to open the door.
“Happy Birthday!”
The gangs all here, again. Stefan, Robbie, Luke, Annabel and Glen, acting very much the couple, Adrian and mum and dad. The gang had been hiding at mums until they’d gotten the text from me to say come over.
“Oh guys, you know we’re celebrating tomorrow. You shouldn’t have. Who’s got the cake?”
Chapter Forty Six
I wake up to the sound of a scream from the bathroom. I run out of my room to see Poppy standing in the doorway with her hands over her mouth.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm two pounds heavier than yesterday. I ate too much cake."
“No, you have your huge fluffy robe and those big clumpy slippers on.” I say.
Poppy slips off the robe and slippers, but then picks them up and gets back on the scales with them cradled in her arms. She look at me so sadly that it takes me five minutes to explain she needs to put the robe and slippers down as I’m laughing so hard.
When she finally understands what she’s done we’re both in giggle fits.
It’s finally party day and it’s far too early. My watch says its five past seven. I pop back into my bedroom and turn off the alarm. It was due to go off at half past.
At the kitchen table, over a cup of tea, Poppy asks what the plan is for the day. I've gone over this a thousand times already. She either has a sieve for a brain or the excitement is addling her.
"Hairdressers at 9. Everyone coming here for 2. Parker picking us up at 5. Dinner at 6 and party from 8."
"I am so excited! I can't wait to see what mummy's done!"
"You'll freak out!"
Somehow I think that’s going to be an understatement.
We feed Copper, give her 20 minutes in the garden while we shower and dress. I shave my legs which are fantastically smooth after their salt scrub.
Poppy loads Copper into her bag, and we jump in my Golf for the hairdressers. I'm opting for the 60's bouffant and curly look. Pinned back, but loose and messy. It'll look fabulous with the dress I have. Poppy is still undecided, so I get my hair washed while Poppy searches through a million hair magaz
ines.
She joins me at the sink 10 minutes later. "Have you decided?" I ask, relaxing with the massage.
"Slick French pleat." She says.
I don't hear anymore as water and bubbles go in my ears.
After two hours of brushing combing pulling and pinning we exit the salon looking flustered, but downright fabulous. Whoever says that beauty shouldn't hurt obviously doesn’t use this salon.
We get some funny looks from people passing us. Glamorous hair do's with denim shorts and tees and flip flops is not exactly a catwalk look after all.
By eleven thirty, we're back in the house and let Copper out in the garden. He really is a dream puppy. Apart from the excited little mistake in the lounge yesterday, she hasn't even whined let alone barked.
I get changed into a little summer dress, and Poppy puts on a bright short skirt with a white blouse. That makes us dressed for the afternoon and dinner. We'll take our party frocks with us and change at the Manor later.
The others arrive in drips and drabs. Robbie and Luke come with Adrian. Stefan arrives soon after. The last to arrive is Annabel. I've been dying to ask her about Glen but haven't had the chance to get her alone. It'll have to wait.
We make tea and coffee, and get a Pepsi for Luke. He is completely taken with Copper, so we let him take her into the garden to play.
Adrian coughs lightly to get our attention once the back door closes. "This is the only opportunity we'll have to talk before tonight, so let's not waste the time."
We're listening.
"Tonight is a massive cause for celebration," Adrian begins as Poppy’s face lights up, "but we can't afford to forget that it could also be a very dangerous time for us. I'll not be there all night, as I'll need to take Luke home by ten o'clock."
Luke was so excited about coming, but bed time was bed time, and we didn't want him to see anything bad.
"From what I understand, Jason's Being is improving. But we know that Adam has a damned Being and that Ian is a ‘Taker’. So we must be on full alert at all times."
We all know this.
To me, he says, "I know that Jason said that Ian would come tonight, but he won't. He knows that if he does, he will die. And self preservation is ingrained in all of us."
I knew this, but actually hearing the words is depressing.
"However, we think we know what his game plan is, to take us out one at a time. So under no circumstances are any of you to go anywhere alone. If he is hiding anywhere, and you don't have back up, he will try and attack."
We're all very silent. The only noise is the occasional laughter from Luke outside.
"We have to stick together. If he does show up, it'll probably take more than one of us to kill him."
I think we'd all like some one on one time with him though. However I'm not sure if I want it to kill him or kiss him.
"And one more very important thing. We know Adam has a damned Being, but we need him. So whatever you do, don't kill him. He's the strongest link to Ian, and we need him alive."
Adrian looks to each of us for a nod that we understand. Adam alive. Check.
Chapter Forty Seven
Parker showed up at five in a black stretch limo. As we couldn't do a three point turn in our street (couldn't have done a thirty point move either), we ended up having to drive around the block. This also ensured that the entire neighbourhood saw and heard us screaming and laughing like the kids we are!
In the back was a chilled bottle of champagne, which Stefan made light work of opening and a chilled sparkling apple juice for Luke.
Glen was the only one all dressed up and ready to go. The boot held the garment bags that held our outfits. Annabel apologised again for not telling him, but he didn't seem to mind too much. In the small space, our pure Beings were positively blinding to me. More blinding than the cheesy grins!
We toasted to Poppy. Luke wanted to play eye spy, which we all agreed was a marvellous idea. It helped to make the journey whiz by.
The manor looked its normal stately self, but for the two immaculately dressed bouncers on the gate. We explained to Poppy that when it got dark, multi coloured spot lights would direct guests to where the party was. We followed that route around to the pool house at the south of the property.
Poppy couldn't help herself. She was straining in the seat to see what had been prepared, and she wasn't disappointed. Ribbons and lights cordoned off the small area to park, and a red carpet led guests toward the party building.
"When did mummy build that?" Poppy said with wonder.
"Last weekend." I replied casually. "But we're dining in the pool house, so you'll have to control yours excitement for a while longer!"
And bless her, she tried. But it looked like she was bursting from the seams.
"Darrrrrling!" Lady Howard came out of the pool house with her arms open. "Your hair and makeup is ravishing!"
"My god, mummy, you built a whole new building?"
"They're taking it down tomorrow dear, I think. But then it would make an excellent guest house." She replied casually. "Now, come and eat!"
Stefan took Poppy's arm and almost dragged her away, but she was still straining to see more. "Patience Poppet," I heard him say to her quietly, "good things come to those that wait."
Lord Howard smiled and greeted us all individually. He’s such a stickler for courtesy that I always feel like I’m being graded on my behaviour. He is however, a wonderfully warm man and as usual was the life and soul of our gathering.
Dinner was on a beautifully laid out table by the pool. We had the large doors open as the weather was so perfect. Poppy was busy introducing Copper to her mum, so the rest of took our places.
“She’s adorable dear!” Lady Howard was saying, “But you know I have rules about animals at the dinner table.” She turned to Stefan, “Stefan, sweetie, would you mind running Copper into the house? Cook can look after her in the outhouse behind the kitchen. I’m sure she’ll have lots of fun there, and she’ll be out of the way for the party. We don’t want her getting trodden on now do we?”
Decision made, Stefan gently carried Copper into the main house.
As Stefan returned, Lord Howard asked us all would we mind stepping outside briefly before dinner.
“Oh mummy, daddy, it arrived!” Poppy screams as she runs through the doors.
The remainder of us can’t move. Outside is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen. I’d be petrified to drive that. One scratch and I’d cry forever.
“A Jag XK? Very nice choice George.” Stefan says to Lord Howard. I could never call him George.
“Yes son. I insisted on the 20” alloy wheels as advised,” Lord Howard winks at Stefan, “and the upper and lower mesh grille.” Wink to Robbie. I didn’t know anyone else knew what car she was getting! Guess it was a ‘man’ thing.
“Oh Poppy it’s so fantastic. I’ve never seen a car so sexy!” I say walking over. I don’t know too much about cars but Poppy starts running through the options and accessories she had added. I don’t know very much at all apparently, but I’m glad I didn’t buy a fluffy steering wheel cover to go over Poppy’s burr walnut heated steering wheel.
We return to the pool room with the men talking engines and wheels and the girls talking beautiful leather interiors and what outfit would look best with the car.
“I’m so excited; I doubt I’ll eat anything.” Poppy laughs as she sits down. “What are we having anyway?”
“Your favourite. Honey roasted pork with salad.”
It sounds simple but trust me the Howards don’t do anything by half. The joint was large enough for forty people; there were 3 different kinds of salad, side dishes of humus and garlic dips, potatoes, beetroot, fruit and freshly baked bread. I’m sure there was probably more available, but there’s only so much you can put on a plate.
For not being hungry, once Poppy started, she didn’t stop. The only time my best friend overeats is when she’s nervous and excited, and this definitely qualif
ies for one of those nights.
And she wasn’t the only one. Each of us had a bit of the jitters. Even though we knew that it had all been planned down to the final napkin, there was so much that could go wrong. Lady Howard had gone to such extreme detail, and Poppy was so excited about it. It had to go perfectly.
After dinner, we went upstairs to change. Annabel and I followed Poppy up to her room where our dresses for the evening had been steamed and hung in preparation. As we were touching up our make up, I felt the opportunity, and said to Annabel, “So, you and Glen?”
She blushed. Big time. “Oh God,” she said looking in the mirror, “what do I say?”
Poppy giggled, “You just have to get it out of your system. So tell us, how did it happen?”
“It was in the pub when we started talking about his research and what he’d been doing in work,” she gushed. I remember then, it was when they started talking in a foreign language. “He called me later that evening and bless him; it took fifteen minutes for him to ask me out on a date.”
“I didn’t picture him to be your type.” I said.
“So what’s my type?”
I smiled, “I have no idea.”
“Exactly. I don’t have one. My idea of a perfect date is intelligence, passion for life and someone who will get on with my friends. So if that’s my type, he ticks all the boxes.”
Poppy placed a hand on her arm and smiled warmly. “Yes,” she said. “If that’s the case, he’s perfect. But what does he taste like?”
“Poppy!” I scream but Annabel is laughing.
“He’s so pure. He’s like Crème Brulee, I’ve even bitten his lip once, maybe twice. Scrumptious!” She looks embarrassed but glad to share at the same time.
“He is such a brilliant white.” I say.
“He smells like Christmas!” Poppy exclaims.
We all laugh. Glen’s Being is so pure is does invoke all the best senses for each of us. Time for a girlie group hug.
