Eva’s mouth opened. The words, ‘You’re fired,’ were ready to go.
But then Eva closed her mouth. Because some traitorous part of her recognised what was happening here. She wasn’t angry about flowers or candles or plaster.
‘You’re right,’ she said eventually.
Jen raised an eyebrow. ‘Right?’
Eva looked toward Lila. ‘I’ve been terrible. I apologise.’
Lila blinked.
Eva rubbed tiredly at her forehead. ‘Give her a raise,’ she said to Jen.
Earnest, passing through with ribbons, stopped dead.
Jen smiled slowly. ‘You sure?’
‘I had this coming,’ Eva told the room.
Lila looked genuinely thrown.
Eva straightened again before anyone could make the moment sentimental.
‘Right,’ she said briskly, voice slipping back into professionalism by force alone. ‘The ceremony chairs still need aligning.’
Thirty-Five
Maddy woke in her mother’s house on her wedding day. For a few seconds, she lay still, tired, wondering how she would do this. But the answer was simple. She just would.
She got up to a house that was already buzzing. Her mother was in the kitchen, looking psychotic.
‘It’s here! Your wedding day.’
Hannah appeared from behind her. ‘Hi, lazybones. How’s the bride?’ she asked brightly.
‘I’m up,’ Maddy said, a thin boast.
It wasn’t a joke, but it made everyone laugh. The atmosphere felt celebratory and affectionate. Maddy wished she were in it.
Maddy allowed herself to be guided into a chair while someone curled her hair and another person painted her nails a soft, neutral shade.
She watched herself transform in the mirror, becoming a version of the bride everyone expected. Mary was next to her, frowning at the updo she was getting.
Her phone buzzed with messages from Adam, full of heart emojis and nervous jokes. She replied automatically, telling him she loved him, telling him she was excited. Best to get things started right, even if it was a lie. She could make it true later.
When it was time to put on the dress, the room fell reverently quiet. Layers of lace and tulle settled around her. Her mother wiped away happy tears.
Maddy looked in the mirror and almost didn’t recognise herself.
‘You look exactly how you’re supposed to,’ her mother said proudly.
The words lingered as they drove to Hawthorne Manor in the carriage. It was a bumpy ride and smelled of horse shit.
As they pulled up, Maddy’s eyes flitted, searching for Eva. No sign. Jen was waiting, along with the photographer, who was papping the shit out of her.
Jen guided Maddy out of the carriage and to a small preparation room with Hannah and Mary, as well as her mother.
Maddy was seated, and her mother fussed with the veil. Hannah adjusted her jewellery. Someone handed her a glass of champagne.
