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‘He’s just … I need to … Don’t worry. Did you enjoy the cake yesterday?’
‘I like Joe.’
I stop for a moment and smile.
‘Me too, sweetheart.’
In the breakfast room I mainline a couple of black coffees while Lila demolishes a waffle with maple syrup. It’s gone seven a.m. and Mum and Dad still aren’t here, which I’m trying not to get too fidgety about.
I try to admire the view of golden sands and blue sea stretching out beyond the restaurant’s windows but OH DEAR LORD CAN THIS MORNING HURRY UP ALREADY?
‘Lila,’ I say, tipping into nervous chatter mode. ‘How would you feel if Mummy had a boyfriend?’
Bit presumptuous, I guess, but important to test the waters.
‘Fine.’ She shrugs, mouth full of waffle. ‘Have you found one?’
‘Um …’ I dither.
‘What about Joe? He’s nice and he makes the best mashed potato.’
This makes me laugh in spite of myself, and I feel a rush of love towards my beautiful daughter, even if she is now trying to sip directly from the jug of maple syrup.
‘Here we are,’ announces Poppy with a flourish. Mum, Dad and Adam are following close behind. ‘I totally told everyone what you’re up to.’
‘How thrilling!’ cheers Mum. ‘Why are you still here?’
‘Waiting for you!’ I squeak, exasperated.
‘Well, we’ll take over breakfast from here. You need to go!’
‘I am aware of that, Mother.’
Honestly.
‘I can go and get you checked out with reception if that helps?’ Adam offers.
‘Adam, you’re the best,’ I gabble, making a break for it. ‘And I’m so happy for you and Pop!’
The Mini won’t start. I let out a groan. ‘Don’t fail me now, old friend,’ I whisper, giving the steering wheel a little stroke and trying the ignition again.
A little chug of the engine and then …
Nothing.
‘NOOOOO,’ shrieks Poppy, hands clasped to her face à la Kevin in Home Alone. She’s standing on the front steps of the hotel with Adam, Mum, Dad, Lila, Alexis, Chase and some of last night’s wedding guests. Poppy’s told everyone about my quest and gathered a small crowd to wave me off.
Alexis strides over, a vision in white again, only today the new bride has opted for a pristine white shirt tucked into white denim hotpants. Sounds naff, looks chic.
‘Babes, you’re welcome to take ours,’ she says through my open window.
I follow her gaze.
It appears that Alexis is suggesting I drive back to Bristol in a vintage Aston Martin with the words Just Married looping across the rear window. A display of fresh white roses frames the number plate and the back of the car is filled with more balloons. Tassel garlands hang from the door handles. It’s … a lot.
‘I couldn’t possibly—’
‘Chase and I have decided to stay another night so we won’t need it until tomorrow anyway. And it is a car for true love. Isn’t what this is all about?’
