by Rebecca Pugh
Saturday morning arrived and Maria showered and dressed quickly. She was due to arrive at Millie’s just before nine. It was Millie’s mother who opened the door to her after a couple of short knocks.
‘Hello, you must be Maria.’ She pulled Maria into a hug and almost squeezed the life out of her. ‘I’m Barbara. Come in. Millie’s been asking after you all morning. She’s driving me crackers actually. She’ll be thrilled that you’re here. Head upstairs. The make-up lady has only just arrived. They’re in the bedroom. First room on the right.’ She hurried back down the hall into what Maria presumed was Millie’s kitchen. Voices travelled out and towards her. Other relatives she guessed. She could hear Susie’s sweet voice too.
Maria took the stairs two at a time, and found Millie exactly where her mother had said she would be. In the cream and brown bedroom, she was perched on a stool facing the tall, slender woman who was rummaging through a huge bag full of make-up and brushes sat on the bed.
‘You’re here!’ cheered Millie, bouncing up from the stool and throwing her arms around Maria. ‘Can you believe the day has arrived already? Time has flown by! I’m so nervous, but excited too. In just a few short hours, I’ll be Mrs Hetherington. It’s madness!’
Maria grinned. It was impossible not to get caught up in the bride-to-be’s enthusiasm. ‘It’s going to be an amazing day, and you’re glowing!’
‘Am I?’ Millie slapped her hands to her cheeks. ‘It’s because of how hot I am. I’ve opened the window but it’s still roasting in here.’
‘That’s because you’re getting flustered,’ Maria said, gently guiding Millie back down onto the stool. ‘What you need to do is calm yourself down, otherwise this make-up is going to sweat right off your face.’
The make-up lady laughed. ‘Shall we get started?’
Millie nodded firmly and closed her eyes as the woman lifted her chin and got to work.
Almost an hour and a half later, while a hairdresser friend of Millie’s was curling Millie’s hair, Maria took her own dress from where it had been hanging on the cream bedroom door, and slipped into the bathroom to get changed. When she stepped out, Millie’s eyes widened.
‘Oh my God. Maria, you look incredible!’
‘Do you think so?’ she asked, smoothing the silky material over her thighs. It was a cream dress, with a sweetheart neckline and lace arms. It reached to just above her knees, but with the pale heels adorning her feet, her legs looked extra-long to make up for it.
‘I know so!’ smiled Millie. ‘Right, now that you’re ready and looking glam, I need you to help me into my dress.’
The rest of the morning slipped away and before Maria knew it, she was holding up the back of Millie’s beautiful wedding gown as she carefully stepped down the stairs. Her mother, hovering at the bottom, glanced up and gasped, throwing her hands to her mouth dramatically.
‘Darling,’ she whimpered. ‘You look… beautiful.’
‘Thanks, Mum,’ said Millie. Once she’d arrived by her mother’s side, they embraced. ‘I feel like a princess.’
‘You look like one too.’ Maria adjusted the cream flower nestled in her hair and watched as Susie skipped down the hall. She was dressed in a pale pink dress and clutching a small basket full of pink petals. She raced up to Millie and threw her little arms around her mum’s legs.
‘Right. We best get going to the church.’ Barbara held her hand out towards Susie who took it. ‘The cars are waiting outside.’
Millie threw an excited smile Maria’s way, before they all left the house and spotted the shiny, black classic car waiting at the end of the path. After a tough time of clambering inside, Millie was finally seated with Susie in the back, and Barbara in the front beside the driver. Maria watched the car slowly drive off, and climbed into the one behind with the few other relatives of Millie’s.
The ceremony went without a hitch. Even Susie was on her best behaviour, noticed Maria, as she watched the little girl gazing up at her mother proudly, basket now empty but still in her hands. After vows and rings were exchanged, everyone cheered and whooped as Millie glided down with the aisle with Harvey’s hand holding her own. Maria spotted the glow that emanated from the bride and felt nothing but happiness for Millie. It was a beautiful moment and she felt privileged to have been included in the celebrations.
Back at the pub, Millie and Harvey had their first dance and the wedding guests looked on and smiled as the couple swayed beneath the lights. Maria couldn’t help but shed a tear or two. Halfway through, Susie rushed onto the dancefloor and joined in. Harvey smiled as he picked her up, so that she was included in the slow dance. Millie’s eyes were full of love for the man who included her daughter. He was brilliant with Susie, and she adored him too. As the other couples began to share the dancefloor with the bride and groom, Maria slipped away to the bar and ordered herself a glass of wine.
She took a sip and watched as the other guests danced and smiled at one another. She felt lonely as she gazed at the couples wrapped up in each other’s arms. There were only a few others like her without a partner, lingering at the side of the dancefloor or watching from their seats. She turned away and stared at the wine glass instead.
‘Hello, stranger.’
She knew who it was immediately. She didn’t turn around right away, but when she did she had to swallow the nervousness that rose up like a tidal wave. ‘Hi, Brad. How are you?’
‘Fine. Yourself?’ He was dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt bright beneath the suit jacket. His hands were tucked into his trouser pockets as he stood before her, tall and slightly imposing. He looked tanned, and incredibly handsome. She had the sudden urge to hide her face against his chest, to be wrapped up and held by him, but she knew that was impossible now.
‘Great, thanks. It’s been a lovely day. I didn’t see you in the church.’
‘Not surprised, really. It was packed in there. I was about three rows back from the front.’
Maria nodded. Glanced away. Glanced back. Tried to think of something witty and warm to say but she couldn’t. ‘I’m back in…’
‘Yeah, I know,’ he cut in. ‘Harriet mentioned it. I’ve been away for a while.’
Maria remembered how he’d left when things had hit the fan with Sophie. Had he done the same because of what had happened between them after the birthday party? Her stomach clenched with sadness. ‘Listen, Brad…’
He shook his head and waved her words away. ‘No hard feelings, right?’ With a soft smile, he moved off towards the dancefloor. She watched him go and sighed. She really had messed things up… but perhaps it was for the best? She wasn’t in Daffodil Lane to pursue a new relationship. She only hoped that they could remain friends. She knew she’d hurt him, and hated that she’d done so. She glugged another mouthful of wine and accepted that she’d lost him and it was all her own bloody fault.
The rest of the evening passed by in a blur of dancing, laughing, grinning and chatting. It was just after midnight when Maria said her goodbyes and began to walk back to the cottage on Daffodil Lane. The fresh air only made her realise how drunk she actually was, and as she stumbled up the path, tripping over the kerb, she laughed out loud at herself and wished she hadn’t drank so much.
‘Maria? Are you okay?’
‘Oh for God’s sake,’ she hissed to herself.
‘Here, let me help you.’ She felt Brad’s arm trying to take her own but shook him off, wobbling as she did so. She was angry at him but for no rational reason. It was silly really.
‘Don’t need your help, thanks. I am fine.’ She stared at him, hard.
He stepped away, raising his hands in defeat. ‘Okay, fine, but at least let me walk you home? You’re a bit drunk and who knows where you’ll end up.’
Maria peered ahead at the dark street. ‘If you must.’
They walked on in silence.
‘So, a new life in Daffodil Lane. That’s great, isn’t it? I was pleased when Harriet told me. It’ll be good for you.’
‘I’m a good person,’ she replied. ‘So is Harriet. So is Millie. Not you, though.’
Brad snorted. ‘Okay then.’
She whipped round to look at him. ‘It’s true.’
‘So why aren’t I a good person then?’
‘Because…’ she tailed off. Shrugged. ‘I don’t know. You’re just not.’
‘I think I am.’
She was highly aware of Brad walking beside her. His hands were hovering in the air as if getting ready to catch her if she were to fall. She glanced across at him, noticing not for the first time how handsome he looked in his suit. The jacket accentuated the broadness of his shoulders. She had the insane urge to slip her hands over each shoulder. She shook it away and carried on up the path.
‘Okay. Maybe you are.’ He was. She knew that. She was being ridiculous because of how much wine she’d had. ‘I’m sorry. I’m a little bit drunk.’
‘You’re telling me,’ he laughed. ‘I just wanted to make sure you got home safe.’
‘Will we still be friends?’ Maria blurted out.
Brad looked sad for a moment. ‘Yeah, I think so. Well, I hope so at least. Do you want to still be friends?’
‘I do,’ she nodded. ‘I am sorry. For not being able to give you a straight answer, and for running off when you wanted to speak to me in the café.’ Maria let out a long breath and plopped down onto a bench at the side of the road. Her feet were killing her. She was half-tempted to slip off her shoes but the ground was sharp and rough with tiny stones. Brad stopped, then joined her.
‘It’s okay, you don’t need to explain yourself. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.’
‘I do like you. Possibly more than just a friend. It just felt like it was too soon, too fast. I grew so close to you over the summer and it really was the best few months I’ve had in a long time. That’s all down to you. You made me feel alive again. Happy. Beautiful. Sexy. You made me smile and laugh, made me do things I was terrified of. You pushed me a little bit and that’s exactly what I needed.’
‘I’m glad.’ Brad was staring down at his lap, twiddling his thumbs.
‘I am sorry,’ she said again, but Brad’s voice cut over hers.
‘I’ve met someone else,’ he said quietly.
Maria gasped. ‘You have?’
He nodded. ‘We get on really well. We’ve been spending some time together and it feels like coming home. She gets me, I get her.’ He looked at Maria then. ‘I’ve been worried about telling you but then I thought to myself, why? You’re busy getting on with your life. Plus, after that night… I didn’t want to force you into any sort of relationship with me when I realised you were hesitant. Well, besides friendship.’
Maria swallowed. She hadn’t been expecting that. ‘I’m happy for you, Brad.’
‘Thanks, Maria. It’s going really well so far. Maybe I’ve found the one. Who knows?’
She got up then, desperate to get home and into bed so she could sleep all of this off. They walked the rest of the way in silence and stopped outside the cottage. It felt awkward, especially now that she knew Brad had met someone new.
‘This is me,’ she announced, although she had no idea why. ‘I’d better get inside. I’m starting to sober up a bit and need a glass of water. I’m knackered too. Can’t wait to get into bed.’
Brad nodded, took a step back. ‘Friends?’ he asked, holding his hand out towards her.
Maria stared at it for a moment or two. Finally, she nodded and shook it. ‘Friends.’
Epilogue
One Year Later
‘Bye! Thanks for stopping by!’
Maria waved off the last customers, closed and locked the door, and then turned around to survey the café.
‘Are they gone?’ Harriet asked, peeping out from within the kitchen. Her eyes roamed the café.
‘They’re gone,’ Maria confirmed with a little nod. ‘Come on out.’
Harriet exited the kitchen, her hands laden down with the birthday cake. On top were a bunch of candles, although there hadn’t been enough candles or space on the cake itself for as many candles as they should’ve had. Harriet carried it with care towards one of the café tables and placed it down gently.
‘Ready?’ Maria asked, moving to stand beside Harriet. She took Harriet’s hand within her own and gave it a little squeeze.
‘As I’ll ever be.’ One by one, she lit the candles and when finished, took a step back and nodded at Maria. Maria dipped her head in respect. It was a special moment. ‘Peter, today would have been your fifty-ninth birthday. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t miss and think about you every single day. This place was built with our love and it still resembles exactly that to this day. I wish you were here to celebrate another birthday by my side. We’d have a glass of wine, I’d cook a posh dinner and then we’d sit and reminisce about those days from long ago in front of the soaps on the telly. You were and still are my perfect man. Perhaps it’s silly that I’ve lit the candles on this cake and am now talking to you as if you’re still here. I just miss you, that’s all, and whether you’re here or not, everyone needs a birthday cake on their birthday.’ She glanced at Maria, who smiled softly. ‘I love and miss you, Peter. You’ll be forever in my heart, until we meet again.’ Harriet swallowed before blowing out the candles on top of the cake. She stood silently for a few moments, watching the wisps of smoke curling into the air.
‘That was beautiful,’ said Maria. ‘Really beautiful.’
A quiet knocking came from the café door. Maria’s face lit up when she spotted Brad waving through the glass. She hurried over to unlock it and allowed him to step inside.
‘Everything okay?’ Before Maria could even answer, Brad’s lips were on hers and his hands were on her waist.
‘It is now,’ she whispered, kissing him right back. Her heart bounced around in her chest as she stared into his eyes. ‘We were just wishing Peter a happy birthday.’ She nodded towards Harriet and the cake. ‘Would you like a slice?’
‘Don’t mind if I do,’ he answered. He gave Harriet a squeeze before pulling up a chair and settling himself down. They each enjoyed a slice of the delicious cream and raspberry jam cake, the crumbs tumbling down onto the table-top.
‘Right. That’s me done for the day.’ Harriet stood up. ‘I don’t suppose you mind giving the place a quick clean, Maria? Now that you’re permanent and all that,’ she added with a wink of playfulness.
‘Of course not. You go on up and I’ll sort everything out down here. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?’ They embraced and Maria got to work on cleaning up with Brad helping by her side. Once finished, they left and locked the café door.
‘Fancy a stroll by the lake?’ he asked, taking her hand in his once they were stood outside the café.
‘Sounds perfect,’ she smiled.
Things had, in a strange sort of way, worked out for Maria in the end.
After the night of Millie and Harvey’s wedding, when Brad had helped her silly, drunken self home, she’d decided to focus on her life and wellbeing in Daffodil Lane and nothing more. She’d eased back into her shifts at the café incredibly easily but she’d never doubted that for a moment. She was delighted to be back and couldn’t believe this was her life now.
As for Brad, she’d done her absolute best to let him get on with his new relationship. She’d been gutted when he’d confessed to meeting someone new that night on the bench, but she’d had no right to protest and so she’d kept her mouth shut, smiled happily and took a step back. It was a couple of weeks later, just before Christmas, when he’d turned up on her doorstep. The thought of it even now still sent delicious shivers up and down her spine. It had been like something out of a movie, even if that did sound ridiculous.
She’d heard the knocking on the door of the cottage and wondered who it had been. It was after midnight and she’d been worried about answering it at all. When she’d seen him standing there, chest heaving and dark eyes wild, she’d
felt relieved but nervous. He’d looked strange but before she’d had a chance to question him, he’d rushed at her and taken her firmly by the mouth. He’d slammed the door behind himself, still focusing only her lips, and then walked Maria further down the hall until they met with the kitchen wall.
‘I can’t do it,’ he’d rasped, shaking his head wildly. ‘I can’t. I’ve tried. It’s not working. I need you, Maria. I have to be with you. There are no ifs or buts about it. I can’t get you out of my mind and it’s driving me wild.’ His lips had met hers again, hungry and eager. He’d pulled back once more. ‘But I need to know that you feel the same way.’ He’d stared right into her very soul then, seeking his answer desperately.
Breath coming in quick, short bursts, Maria knew she had to tell the truth. This was her moment to take what she wanted. ‘Of course I feel the same way. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, Brad. I need you too. But what about your new relationship? I thought things were really looking up between you two?’
‘It’s over,’ he said simply. ‘It’s been over for weeks. It wasn’t fair for me to carry on with someone else when I was constantly thinking and wondering about you. I wanted to know that you were okay, that you were happy. I have to be with you. You’re the one. You’re the one, Maria.’
‘I’m the one?’ she’d asked, hardly daring to believe it. But then, hadn’t Mike told her the exact same thing? She’d looked at Brad, took in his features that had become so familiar, and realised that this wasn’t Mike standing in front of her. This was Brad, and Brad was a completely different man to the one that she’d married. Just because Mike had broken her heart, it didn’t mean that Brad was destined to do the same. She had to put her trust in him if she wanted this to work, and she wanted it to work so badly it hurt.
‘Yes,’ Brad laughed, holding her waist tightly. ‘Yes, Maria. You’re the one.’
‘I’m the one,’ she repeated to herself, trying to take it in.
Everything that happened after that had been a blur. They’d gone from confessions and promises, to passion and heat within just a few moments, in the cosy, dark confines of the cottage on Daffodil Lane, the place she now called home. It was the best Christmas present she’d ever had.
