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Alex was hunched over his plate, refusing to engage with his siblings, bored by his sister’s wedding chatter and burdened by the weight of the world. Not that he had much to worry about – or, at least, not that she could fathom. He had no job, no love interest and no ailments. What was there to be so morose about? She struggled to understand him.
Her gaze switched to her eldest daughter.
Even on a Sunday, Beth’s attire was formal. Her white cotton shirt was paired with dark jeans, not a crease in sight.
But she was happy. Well, as happy as Beth ever was, and she was enjoying her food, making a valiant attempt to ignore her sister’s constant wedding chatter.
Beth had been her rock since Kenneth had left. The one who’d contacted banks and utility suppliers. The one who’d set up an email account, and fended off nosey neighbours and intrusive extended family. Her very own Rottweiler. Effortlessly practical and fiercely protective – even if she did refuse to represent her in the divorce.
And then there was Megan. Beautiful, enchanting and captivating Megan, who could light up a room by simply walking into it. Connie had been like that once. In her heyday. The woman who could attract attention without even trying. When was it that she’d become so… invisible? So undesirable? So unwanted?
She dabbed at her eyes with a napkin.
Megan was still talking about the wedding, juggling eating with consulting her iPad, her attention focused on her upcoming nuptials. ‘So that’s the date confirmed. I’ll contact Lily directly about making my dress,’ she said, smiling at her sister. ‘I wouldn’t expect you to deal with that.’
Beth raised an eyebrow. ‘Big of you.’
‘Especially as you seem so disinterested in helping me choose a design.’ She swiped the screen. ‘And I’ve drawn up a guest list. I’ll email you and Zac the names, so you can arrange invites.’
‘Don’t you want to pick out the design yourself?’ Beth looked hopeful.
Megan didn’t pick up on her sister’s hint. ‘That’s okay, I trust you both. As long as it’s white, tasteful, simple and yet striking, I don’t mind what you choose.’
‘No pressure, then.’ Beth didn’t look any more enthused about the wedding than Connie did.
Why was that, she wondered? Even just a year ago, she’d have been thrilled to think of her daughter getting married. Weddings were such joyous occasions. Filled with promise… love… and the hope of a ‘Happy Ever After’. She would have loved nothing more than to shop for dresses, pick out invites and taste cake samples.
Now the idea filled her with dread.
How was she supposed to muster any enthusiasm when her own marriage was disintegrating? Weddings were currently a very sore subject. The vows she’d shared with her husband had been discarded, like they meant nothing. All the promises to stand by her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, had been tossed aside. And forget love, honour and cherish. Loathed, dishonoured and rejected were now more fitting adjectives.
She realised Megan had asked her a question.
‘Sorry, darling. I was miles away. What was that?’
Everyone was looking at her – even Alex.
Megan took a gulp of wine. ‘Er… I said, we’ll have to invite Tiffany.’
Silence followed.
Connie’s insides clenched at the mention of her nemesis. ‘Excuse me?’
Megan exchanged a look with her sister. ‘Tiffany. We’ll have to invite her to the wedding. You know… as Dad’s plus-one.’
The blood drained from Connie’s face. ‘Are you serious?’
Megan nodded. ‘I know it’s not ideal—’
‘Ideal?’ Her raised voice startled everyone.
‘Whether we like it or not, they’re together.’ Megan avoided eye contact. ‘She’s his partner.’
‘Partner?Partner?’ Connie stood up. ‘That woman is not his partner! She’s a money-grabbing… hussy. A husband-stealer who’s only after his money.’
‘You don’t know that.’
She banged the table. ‘Of course, I bloody well do! I’ve seen her Instagram posts, I’m not blind.’ She glared at each of her kids in turn. ‘Why else would she be with him? She’s half his age!’
