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She shook her head. ‘I couldn’t. Not after she said that she loves me. I know how big that must have been for her and I didn’t want to ruin everything.’
‘But you need to be honest. Remember how well that worked last time?’ Chloe replied with a sympathetic smile.
‘I don’t think there’s anything Jen could say to stop me worrying, so there’s no point bringing it up.’
Chloe didn’t look convinced. ‘Why don’t we go find Jen? You’ll feel better when you see her.’
* * *
Lovefest’s finalewas hosted in a massive marquee that Annie had erected outside Langside Hall. It certainly had more of an impact than the bouncy castle did the other week. The tent was a hive of activity, and thankfully the weather gods had blessed the suburb with glorious sunshine as the party spilled over the square. A sea of happy, chatting, drink-clutching people surrounded the tent. Holly’s stomach did a little twist with nerves; she hadn’t expected to be on stage in front of so many people.
The upbeat pop music from the tent grew louder as they drew closer. Chloe gripped her hand, weaving them through the partygoers.
‘I told Jen I’d meet her at the park railings – she’s by the bowling club,’ she shouted back to Holly.
‘How come you didn’t get ready together?’
‘We did, but she had something to sort for Ben’s deliveries. She left me here, but I thought I would take the chance to see you, instead of just replying to your text.’
Following the wrought iron railings surrounding Queen’s Park, it didn’t take long to find Jen. She looked stunning in black cigarette trousers and a black top. A ripple of desire flushed up Holly’s body. Jen really was the jackpot.
Her smile was brighter than the summer sun when she spied Holly. ‘You look great,’ she said, giving her a quick kiss.
‘All sorted with Ben?’ Holly asked, taking Jen’s hand as they strolled along the edge of the crowd.
‘Yeah, just a bunch of last minute orders. I usually wouldn't, but it was a lot of money.’ She turned to Chloe, shielding her eyes from the sun with her free hand. ‘Where’s Ryan?’
‘At the food trucks. That boy never stops eating,’ she replied with a smile.
They weaved through the straggling crowd, making their way towards the dozen or so food trucks and stalls peppering the edge of the square. Fairy lights hung between poles overhead. Once the light faded, this place was going to look magical.
Holly’s mind wandered to their night on the rooftop. She wished it could just be the two of them again. A relationship under public watch just wasn’t for her.
‘There he is,’ Chloe said, speeding up as she clocked her boyfriend. He was stuffing his face with a cheeseburger and looked like the happiest man on earth. Even more so when he saw Chloe.
Jen gave Holly’s hand a squeeze, leading them to a quieter spot in the shade of a tree. ‘You feeling good about tonight?’
Holly stepped closer, putting her hands on Jen’s hips as she leaned against the tree’s trunk. ‘Yeah, I am, actually. I think we’ve got as good a chance as any. We’ve done all the sharing on socials that we can.’
‘How about another snap, just to seal the deal?’ Jen asked, whipping her phone out.
Just like that, Holly ducked into position in front of Jen, her girlfriend’s arm pulling her closer. It really did get easier with practice.
‘Quack,’ Jen said, flashing a killer smile.
‘Quack,’ Holly chorused. Maybe everything was going to be okay.
* * *
‘Sweetheart, you look stunning,’Dad said, kissing Holly on the cheek.
Deliveries had taken a little longer than she’d expected and Holly was starting to worry her parents would miss their big moment on stage. But then, Dad didn’t have the system perfected like she did. She’d have to go with him sometime, show him how to streamline the process.
‘Thanks, Dad,’ she replied, giving his side a wee squeeze.
‘Let me get you some drinks,’ Jen said, leaping up from her seat. They’d somehow managed to bag a table at the edge of the dance floor, everyone else more intent on dancing as they mingled. Neither Holly nor Jen wanted to risk getting hot and sweaty before the reveal. The notion wasn’t deterring Chloe, who was cutting shapes with Ryan like nobody’s business.
‘Only if you’re sure,’ Dad said, taking a seat. ‘I’m gasping for a beer after all those steps. Catherine, wine okay for you?’
