‘I can’t hideanythingunder this skirt because Rachel will have a scout around under it to make sure I’m not wearing my trainers.’
‘Trainers!’ Freddie rolled his eyes.
‘I guess she didn’t count on me losing so much weight.’ Kate bunched up the material behind her so that the dress clung to her curves. It was a definite improvement.
‘Youhavelost a lot of weight, haven’t you? You look amazing – terrific tan too.’
‘Thanks – but I still look like a two-tonne Tessie in this dress.’
‘Come on, cheer up. Bit of slap, you’ll look fabulous. It’s just wedding jitters.’
‘I wouldn’t mind so much if bloody Will Sargent wasn’t going to be there when I walk down the aisle,’ Kate fretted. ‘Why did the best man have to be my worst nightmare?’
‘Oh dear.’ Freddie winced. ‘Still carrying a torch, are we?’
‘No. He’s like a brother to me, really.’
‘But wasn’t he yourfirst?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well, that wasn’t very brotherly of him, was it? Didn’t he shag you after some Trinity Ball?’
‘Yes, but don’tevermention that around anyone else. No one else knows about it – not even Will, I think.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He was so pissed that night, I don’t think he even remembers it happened. He’s certainly never given any indication that he does.’
‘God! No wonder you were so screwed up about him.’
‘I just have a sort of revenge fantasy about him now. You know, I want him to see me looking absolutely stunning with the most beautiful, prestigious boyfriend.’
‘Ah, yes,thatfantasy! But youdolook stunning – and you have a boyfriend. Youdostill have a boyfriend, don’t you?’
‘Yes but he’s not going to be there.’
‘Brian isn’t coming?’ Freddie tried to keep the hope out of his voice.
‘No. Apparently he finds my family “overwhelming” en masse. Anyway, he’s doing a workshop thing, screaming to release your inner child or something.’
Freddie giggled. ‘Good at screaming, is he? I mean, you know – good enough to teach it?’
‘Shut up, Freddie, I’m not listening.’
‘Never mind,’ Freddie said. ‘You’ve still got me. Look, I’ll find a needle and thread and see what I can do about your dress.’
Kate smiled. ‘Thanks, Freddie, you’re an angel.’
‘But first things first. We could both do with a drink.’
‘There’s a whole kitchen full of champagne downstairs. And if there’s any grub left, grab it. I’m starving again. Maybe if I can eat enough sausage sandwiches between now and two o’clock this dress will actually fit me.’
* **
‘Hello, Mrs O.’ Freddie greeted Kate’s mother as he met her on the stairs.
‘Freddie,’ Grace O’Neill said breathlessly. ‘What’s Kate doing? I was just on my way up to tell her the hairdresser will be here any minute. Rachel’s in a state and Kate should be calming her down, smoothing things along. That’s the bridesmaid’sjob.’
