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I’ve spent the whole week in a whirlwind of excitement, getting everything ready, planning it all in meticulous detail. I’ve been so busy buying the engagement ring, finding the perfect venue, picking out the right clothes, I haven’t had a moment to think about poor Jessica. Between my daily dose of Thurlax and a strict ban on the news and TV, I’ve managed to block it all out, and in so doing, pushed down those nagging doubts to help preserve my fairy tale. In my fragile bubble, there is no murder, there is no darkness. There is only Nick, the man I adore; the man I miss so much I spend every day counting down the seconds till I can hold him in my arms again.
In my head, I’ve got it all worked out. Tonight is going to be the most romantic, most perfect night ever. We’ll have dinner, Nick will accept my proposal and then we’ll ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after.
“What do you think?” The make-up girl’s husky voice pulls me back to Earth. I blink into the mirror she’s holding up for me to check out her handiwork.
“Oh, wow, that looks fantastic!” I gasp, touching my face. My skin is positively glowing: a perfect blend of lights and shades that make me look airbrushed. Playfully, I run my fingers through my newly-cropped hair and laugh at how young and fresh I look. For the first time in ages, I’m truly happy with my appearance and can’t wait to show Nick the transformation.
“All right, I’ll take it all,” I beam.
The girl looks shocked. “Really? Even the tinted moisturiser?”
“Yep. I want everything.”
“Wicked! Come over to the counter and I’ll throw in some free perfume samples, too.”
Having spent a small fortune on cosmetics, I leave John Lewis and move onto Ted Baker where I purchase a pair of round-toed ankle boots to go with the pink mini-dress I’m wearing tonight. As I’m paying for them, I spy a gorgeousdove clutch bag and throw that in, too. I know I’m being a terrible spendthrift, but my credit card’s already damned to Hell, so I figure I may as well run with it.
By ten past five, I’m back home and anxiously counting down the minutes till Nick arrives to pick me up. My nerves are shot to shreds.What if Nick turns down my marriage proposal? What if this is all a big mistake?
Standing at the kitchen sink, I take a second dose of Thurlax to calm myself. Then I go to the living room in search of Dad. I find him sprawled on the couch, sipping tea and eating a sandwich. He looks up at me through bleary eyes and flashes a crooked smile. I sniff the air; I’m sure there’s a faint hint of marijuana but decide to push it aside for the moment. Tonight, nothing’s going to spoil my good mood.
“Are you hungry?” he asks between mouthfuls. “I bought some duck pate from Sainsbury’s. It’s terrific in a rye bread sandwich.”
“Tempting, but I’ll have to pass. I’m eating out tonight.”
Dad chews his bread thoughtfully. “So that’s why you’re all dolled up. Is Nick taking you somewhere nice?”
“Yes,” I nod. “We’re going to a new steakhouse near Liverpool Street. It’s had loads of good reviews inTime Out…” My voice falters. I’d love to tell him my plans, but I know he’d only try to stop me. Asking Nick to marry me so soon into our relationship is just about the craziest thing I’ll ever do, and I know it won’t go down well with my father. Of course, he has good reason to be protective of me, but the past is the past. Tonight, nothing is going to stop me. Nobody is going to rain on my parade, and I won’t stop until I’ve got what I want.
“Are things all right between you two?” Dad probes. “I haven’t heard you mention his name in a while.”
“Oh, everything’s great. Nick’s just been away in Cambridge on a business trip, but he’s back now.”
“Hmm. Well, send him my regards.”
“I will. Actually, you’ll probably see him tonight. He’s picking me up at six-thirty.”
Dad glances at his watch and gives a low whistle. “Six-thirty? You’d better get a move on. I know how long it takes for you to get ready.”
Laughing, I cross the room and kiss his cheek. “Love you.”
“I love you, too. Sure you don’t want a duck pate sandwich?”
I raise my eyes Heavenward; Dad is incorrigible.
“All right, I’m going to get ready. See you later.” I head back upstairs, take a shower, and get dressed. Once I’ve finished my ablutions, I reapply my new make-up using the techniques the lady showed me at John Lewis. The result isn’t perfect, but for a first attempt, I think I’ve done a pretty good job.
Humming a merry tune, I pop in my stud earrings and play my Disney CD on repeat. Spinning round a couple of times, I’m in high spirits singing along with “Once Upon a Dream” fromSleeping Beauty. I imagine myself as Princess Aurora, dancing with her Prince Charming.Tonight, my fairy tale is going to come true. It’s just got to.
At six-thirty, I receive a text from Nick telling me he’s parked outside. I get a rush of butterflies as I apply my lipstick. Hurriedly, I pat down my hair, check that I’ve got everything, then race downstairs to the hall. Shouting goodbye to Dad, I unlock the front door and step out into the cool evening air.With a thudding heart, I stall on the drive, surveying the panorama of semi-detached houses in search of Nick’s Jag.
I start to panic. I can’t see him anywhere.
Then I hear a loud beep and start smiling; now I see him. Swallowing hard, I glance left and right, then cross the street and walk toward the car.
When I get in, I let out an audible sigh. He blinks at me a second.
For a moment, neither of us says a word. James Brown is crooning softly from the stereo. I can’t believe I’m really here, sitting next to him again.
