by Katie Ginger
Isaac was the type of man who didn’t do anything unless he was absolutely sure of it. Deep down she should have known he and Ellie would make it. A small, admittedly spiteful, part of her had hoped the relationship would fail. He always said he’d been decent and not acted on his feelings until they had officially split up, but no one liked to be passed over for someone else. Admitting that their marriage was over had left Stella feeling unlovable, ugly and low for months afterwards. It was often how she felt now, when she was alone in the night, feeling like the only person in the world still awake.
With trembling hands, she stacked the invitation, RSVP card and ‘guest information’ and pushed them back into the envelope. Screw admin and website stuff, her half-day closing would be spent in the café talking to Lexi. She had to tell someone how her life had just been tipped upside down.
Again.
***
After keeping it together until closing time, at exactly one o’clock, Stella flipped the sign and took Frank and his basket into the living room. Feeling a little guilty at leaving him, she took a biscuit from the packet on the side and gave it to him, before closing the door so he couldn’t get out. ‘I’ll be back soon, Franky boy. Then I’ll take you for a super long walk along the beach.’
As she left she picked up the invitation and marched next door to the café. It never closed when all the other shops did because people congregated there drinking coffee and eating cakes when there was nowhere else to go. It was one of the best day’s trading of the week for them. Maybe next week Stella would try opening and see if any of the café customers came next door to her, but for now, she needed some space to clear her head and after being alone all morning, she desperately wanted someone to talk to.
Stella closed the shop door behind her, her eyes already moist with tears. She opened them wide, hoping they’d dry out. She didn’t want to be a blubbery mess when she was talking to Lexi. Gazing at the trees lining the front of the church opposite, she saw tiny spots of pink blossom were beginning to form on the bare branches. In the sun, the gentle breeze lost all its coolness and though it felt more like summer than spring, Stella shivered. As Lexi had foretold, the café was busy with some of the regular old ladies huddled together with their china cups, and scones and jam, and some early tourists were tucking into tasty baguettes, sandwiches and paninis. She approached the counter and Lexi looked up with a smile that quickly faded. ‘Stella, what’s wrong?’
Certain that if she opened her mouth nothing but a sob would emerge, Stella held out the envelope then wiped away an escaping tear. Telling herself firmly to get a grip, she took a deep breath in.
‘What is it, pet?’ asked Vivien, craning her neck from her seat by the window, at the other end of the shop.
Great, thought Stella. An audience. This was just what she didn’t need. She wasn’t used to sharing personal information with people anyway and was taking a big leap in talking to Lexi. If she’d been sensible she’d have texted asking Lexi to come by later but it was too late now. Lexi put down the knife she was using to butter bread and took off her health and safety regulation latex gloves. She opened the letter, glancing back up at Stella as she did so, her eyes widening as she read the contents.
‘Holy shit balls,’ Lexi blurted, quietening at the swear words. She began to whisper, leaning over the counter towards Stella. ‘What a twat. You don’t mind me calling your ex a twat, do you? But, I mean, what a twat. Did you have any idea this was coming?’ Stella shook her head. ‘Bloody hell. Right. You go and sit down; I’ll bring you a coffee. And some tissues.’ She turned to Raina who had come into the doorway. ‘Read this.’
Stella didn’t see Raina’s expression as she was walking away but did hear her say, ‘You look after her. I’ll deal with the customers. Poor lamb.’
Stella made her way to a table by the window, hoping that watching the world go by would help her gain some perspective and get a grip on the emotions crashing around inside her. Vivien shuffled over and sat down too, her cup and saucer tinkling as her old hands shook. Stella couldn’t think of a nice way to ask her to leave, and the kind, caring look on her face made it impossible to say anything at all. She’d just have to put up with another person knowing all about her private life and hope Vivien could be discreet. ‘You look like you’ve had a real shock, dear. Is everything all right?’
Stella sniffed again, trying to control her emotions. ‘I’ve just had some bad news, that’s all.’ The words bad news seemed too mild somehow considering her heart felt like it had been ripped out when it had only just begun to fit back in its rightful place.
Lexi joined her a few moments later with a tray bearing coffees for her and Stella, a fresh pot of tea for Vivien, carrot cake for each of them, tissues, and the invitation. Lexi picked it up again and reread it. She took a deep breath then blew it out, puffing out her cheeks. ‘Stella’s just had an invitation to her ex-husband’s wedding.’
‘Goodness gracious me, you poor thing.’ Vivien reached out a wrinkled hand and Stella noticed her nails were painted a vibrant, saucy red, which made her smile despite everything else.
‘Thank you,’ she replied, taking the handle of her coffee cup and turning it towards her.
‘That’s so rough, honey,’ Lexi said, shaking her head. ‘Really rough. How are you feeling or is that a stupid question?’ Stella sniffed. ‘Of course it’s a stupid question. You feel hurt, angry, a bit rejected and maybe even a tiny bit jealous?’
Stella took a tissue from the packet and wiped her eyes and nose. Lexi was wonderfully astute, making this whole sharing thing a lot easier. ‘All of the above. Plus I want to punch him in the face. Is that silly?’
‘No. No, of course it’s not. It’s perfectly normal. I think I’d feel the same way if I suddenly got a wedding invitation from Will. I’d probably start throwing things too.’
Vivien began to pour herself another cup of tea. ‘When I was young, I was very nearly married to another very famous opera singer. I can’t say his name because though I say nearly married he already had a wife. He promised me he’d leave her – which he never did – and marry me. When he eventually told me he had no intention of leaving his wife I was utterly heartbroken.’
Stella blinked. She wasn’t quite clear how the two situations were similar, but it was the thought that counted. There might have been a nugget of wisdom in there somewhere and Stella had simply failed to see it. She picked up her cup and cradled it in her cold fingers. ‘I think a part of me hoped his first relationship since me wouldn’t work out. That it wasn’t that serious.’ She shook her head. ‘I know that sounds mean but it feels like more of a betrayal that he’s gone straight from one love to another. If he’d had a few flings that hadn’t worked out I don’t think I’d have felt as much of a failure because he clearly wasn’t that good at relationships either. But this …’ She picked up the invitation. ‘It proves that he’s really good at being part of a couple and I was the problem in ours.’
‘It doesn’t prove anything of the sort,’ said Lexi, slightly cross. Stella looked up in surprise. ‘Sorry, that’s the voice I use on the kids when they’re being naughty. Sometimes it just slips out. All it proves is that he’s been lucky.’
‘I agree, pet,’ said Vivien. ‘There’s nothing wrong in being hurt. Some people are luckier in love than others. That’s life, I’m afraid.’
Stella couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. She was beginning to feel luckier than ever sat here with these lovely people.
‘I’d better help Raina,’ said Lexi. ‘I can see a whole line of our regulars coming down the street.’ As the crowd outside drew nearer Lexi leaned towards Vivien and said, ‘It’s your competition.’
‘My competition? Those old dears with the blue rinses and papery skin? Don’t be silly, dear. They can’t hold a candle to me. Some of them have never moisturised a day in their lives.’
Without reason, tears were suddenly threatening again and Stella found herself wishi
ng Lexi was back with her. ‘Sorry,’ she muttered to Vivien. ‘I’m sure it’s just the shock. It’ll wear off soon I should think. Sorry if I’m over-reacting.’
‘I don’t think you’re over-reacting at all. I’d probably be even worse if I were you.’
The queue of old ladies came in and took up the rest of the available tables and chairs, rearranging them as needed. They plonked their shopping bags on the floor and some waved hello to Vivien who wiggled her fingers in return then turned her back with her head held high. She leaned in to Stella. ‘I’m older than them but you wouldn’t know it, would you?’
Stella suppressed a giggle and glanced out of the window as the high street emptied of people and the world of Swallowtail Bay went quiet once more. It was such a funny, friendly, odd little town, strangely untouched by time in so many ways. However upsetting this news had been, Stella was glad she was here. In just over a week, Swallowtail Bay and its residents had absorbed her into the community, and now she was turning to people for support like she never had before. She needed to get a grip though. Her future was here now not back in Oxford with Isaac.
She took a forkful of the huge wedge of carrot cake. The sweetness calmed her and she felt her shoulders relaxing down.
‘Are you okay?’ Lexi asked popping back over for a second. ‘You seem very calm. I’d be destroying things or making voodoo dolls of them both.’
‘I feel better having seen you and Vivien. When I was in the shop on my own I felt like everything was falling apart but I feel a little better having talked about it.’
‘Getting news like that on your own always feels bad. It’s like when you have insomnia and things start going round and round your head in the middle of night. You feel like you’re the only person on the planet and everything is so terrible and tragic when really, it’s just your brain magnifying everything.’
Vivien suddenly began again. ‘When Giuseppe – I mean – when this gentleman I mentioned earlier told me he wasn’t going to leave his wife I cried for two days straight. My best friend had to place cucumber slices over my eyes to try and take the puffiness down before I performed. I was in such a state it took every ounce of my being just to get up in the morning. I was utterly heartbroken.’ Stella stared back and Vivien gave her a warm smile. ‘Excuse me though, dears. I must just go and speak to Florence.’
Lexi shook her head as Vivien shuffled off then turned to Stella. ‘I do love that crazy old bat. What will you do now?’
Stella pulled her shoulders back. ‘I’m going to eat my cake, drink my coffee then go back to my shop and ring a website designer. My life has moved on, and I’ve got other things to worry about.’
‘That’s very grown up of you. You should be very proud of yourself.’
For a throwaway comment, Lexi had no idea how much that meant to Stella who had never before had friends to turn to in times like this and she was determined to solidify their friendship further. ‘Are you busy this Saturday night? I wondered if you wanted to come round for dinner? You can help me make my mind up as to whether I actually go to this wedding or not.’
‘Will there be wine?’ asked Lexi, picking her cake up and enjoying a big bite.
‘Definitely.’
‘Then I’d love to. Will won’t mind an extra night with the kids.’
‘I might have to buy us a bottle of wine each,’ said Stella. ‘I think I’m going to need a whole one to myself.’ With a small sigh and a horrible tension in her chest, she stood and headed back next door to the comfort of her shop.
Chapter 8
Miles followed Kiera and the manager around the posh hotel at the furthest end of Swallowtail Bay’s seafront. Set far back from the promenade and within a couple of acres of lush green gardens, it had opened last year after a huge renovation. Miles had enjoyed watching the historic manor house returning to life. It was part of what had inspired him to look for a business here. Every time he had come home from a sales trip away, a new part of the stately home had been restored to its former glory, and now the eighteenth-century mansion welcomed visitors at an extortionate amount per night.
On their approach, Miles had eyed the three-storey building and imagined the views from the top rooms. Through the large sash windows you’d be able to see not only the extensive grounds, but also out towards the sea and the curve of the bay. It was a view he loved: a sweeping arc of coastline with nearby towns outlined on the horizon.
The plush deep-red carpet cushioned his heavy boots while Kiera, marching ahead with the shiny blue-suited manager, seemed oblivious to his pain. While she was correct that they needed to visit the hotel to make sure it would be large enough for the forthcoming celebrations (especially as Kiera had drawn up a provisional list of guests that amounted to over two hundred and fifty people – something he was yet to do), he was supposed to be spending this Friday scoping out some potential new clients for meetings next week. That meant a lot of work. Visiting this place in a couple of weeks would have been fine, he could have scheduled it in, but he didn’t really have time for this today. If it made Kiera happy though, he was glad to do it.
The Langdon Mansion Hotel had made quite an impression on Kiera when they’d entered through the large automatic doors at the front. A receptionist had immediately walked over and greeted them in the enormous lobby. It was all very grandiose and expensive and Kiera had been swept away even though they hadn’t yet got down to details. When the receptionist had fussed over her, complimenting her figure and dress, and then forced a glass of champagne into her hands, Miles knew he would be hard pressed to convince her it was too big and expensive for them. A few moments on a large purple velvet sofa and the manager had arrived. Miles had peered at him, sure he was wearing eyeliner and possibly mascara, and then they’d been whisked away on a grand tour.
Although she’d initially seemed a little reticent at the idea of actually setting the date, once Kiera had begun looking at dresses and table decorations, she’d become almost obsessed, turning down clients in order to do wedding research at home. Miles had tried to get her to slow down and not jeopardise her work, but there was no stopping her. Still, she deserved the wedding of her dreams and he assumed that she was just taking a holiday like everyone else did from time to time.
‘So,’ the manager began as he walked ahead with Kiera. ‘You were thinking of having just the wedding reception here, is that right?’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘Because we can offer civil ceremonies as well. A lot of people prefer to have the whole thing in one place to save transporting guests between different venues. It can get very stressful.’
‘I understand,’ she replied. ‘But I’m happy to sort out any transportation. Anyway, I want a church wedding. We’re not particularly religious but the church near us is so pretty; it’ll be an amazing setting.’
The manager nodded and smiled, revealing a set of teeth he was clearly looking after for a horse. They hadn’t just been whitened, they’d had at least three coats of Dulux Brilliant White, plus varnish. He ostentatiously opened a door. ‘This is the ballroom,’ he announced with a grand sweeping gesture that was more suited to Strictly Come Dancing. ‘Our largest room, which can hold up to three hundred and seventy people, seated. We do have a smaller room called The Parlour that—’
‘No, this will be lovely,’ Kiera replied turning to Miles. ‘Isn’t it gorgeous? We can have the head table over there in front of the stage and circular tables with bright white cloths. The chairs can be covered as well with big gold bows on the backs. This will be just perfect.’ The manager stood back as she surveyed the room.
Peering in through the doorway, Miles had to admit the grand ballroom was beautiful. Large windows lined one side with big draping curtains in a rich, dark red velvet that matched the carpet under his feet. The polished wood floor of the ballroom shone under the light from several ornate chandeliers hanging imposingly from the ceiling. ‘It’s lovely,’ he replied, but he had the feeling it was
also incredibly expensive.
Taking his subdued response as enraptured silence, Kiera held a hand to her chest and said, ‘Oh, Miles, you love it too, don’t you?’
The manager grinned and cocked his head. ‘Wonderful. So when is the happy day?’
‘We’re flexible, actually,’ said Kiera. ‘But I definitely want a spring wedding.’
He sucked some air in through his enormous gleaming teeth. ‘I should warn you we’re pretty booked up for next year with weddings and other events.’
‘And is everything confirmed, or are some bookings provisional?’ Kiera asked.
Miles watched as the manager gave her a warm smile. ‘Some are provisional, I have to admit.’
‘Well, surely if we’re willing to pay the deposit now we should get the booking over someone provisional who may later change their mind?’
Miles felt a rush of panic. They had no idea how much the place even was yet. He loved how she was throwing herself into the wedding preparations but it was important to be sensible. ‘Kiera, hang on, we need to find out the price first.’
Her expression suddenly hardened and she walked over to him to whisper, ‘Don’t make a scene, Miles.’
‘I’m not,’ he mumbled back. ‘But this place is undoubtedly horrendously expensive. It might not be worth the money. We haven’t even looked anywhere else yet.’
‘Of course it’s worth the money.’ Her eyes narrowed on him. ‘And Daddy can pay the deposit if you don’t want to—’
‘No, Kiera.’ He tried hard to keep his hand gestures calm so the manager wouldn’t know they were arguing. ‘We’ll pay, this is our wedding. I’m just saying that—’
‘We can talk about this at home, darling,’ she said through a tense jaw though her voice was light. Pound signs must have been flashing before the manager’s eyes going by the look he gave Kiera, and Miles was sure he’d overheard her saying her father would pay.
