AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Leah sighed. ‘It’ll have to do, I guess.’ She turned to their mum, who was trying to wheel the suitcases across the gravel. ‘Leave that, Mum. I’ll do it.’
Matt went over to help. ‘Let me.’
Leah shot him a glare. ‘I can manage a couple of suitcases, Matt.’ With an exaggerated eye-roll, she marched off, luggage in tow.
What was it with women taking offence at him offering to help?
His mother touched his arm. ‘I’m sorry about the other day, with Beth. I didn’t realise you hadn’t told her about your dad. Was she very upset?’
‘She was fine,’ he said, dismissing her concern. ‘It’s not like we’re that close.’
‘No?’ His mother tilted her head. ‘I thought maybe you two were an item?’
‘Nope, false alarm.’
A look of regret washed over her. ‘I’m sorry, love. You must be disappointed.’
He feigned disinterest. ‘Seriously, it’s no big deal. Have you heard from Dad?’
‘Not since Monday.’
‘I’m assuming he was refused early release?’
‘Seems that way. I’m sure he would’ve told us if it had been good news.’
Good news for who, though? It wasn’t that Matt didn’t want his dad released – just not this weekend.
‘You head inside and get settled, Mum. I’m going to wait out here for the other guests – the couple’s friends are still due to arrive. I’d better hang around for them.’
‘See you later then.’ Susan kissed his cheek and headed into the hotel, leaving him alone with the champagne, the howling wind and a sinking feeling in his gut.
A feeling that intensified when a car horn blasted.
He realised the driver of one of the taxis had yet to depart and was waiting expectantly. ‘Is anyone going to pay me?’ he shouted, unloading the suitcases from the boot.
Cursing, Matt disposed of the drinks tray, and went over to settle the bill and carry his bloody half-brother’s luggage inside. And he’d tried to convince himself they didn’t see him as a glorified porter. More fool him.
It was another fifty minutes before all the guests had arrived and been checked in. He’d greeted Megan and Zac’s friends with a warm smile, served them champagne and welcomed them to the venue, all the while cursing Beth for having deserted him. So much for them being in this together.
The arrival of Beth’s family had caused quite a stir, with Kenneth and Tiffany turning up at the same time as Connie, like a well-timed theatrical farce. Evil glares, followed by snide remarks, ending with them all dispersing into the hotel like spitting snakes. Grandma Doris appeared to be the only normal member of the family. Beth’s brother Alex was clearly as disgruntled as his estranged parents, grunting about ‘hating weddings’ as he shuffled inside.
Matt had thought his family were going to provide the biggest problems this weekend. Turned out, they had stiff competition.
Consequently, his plan to have a relax in his room before the evening had to be abandoned. He barely had time for a shower, before heading back downstairs for the stag and hen dos.
The bar area was already packed full of people, mostly couples chatting and getting into the wedding vibe.
He found his family in the restaurant, sampling the delights of the buffet and seated around two tables pushed together. At least his mother and Leah were being included, that was something.
He ventured outside and was immediately hit by the swirling wind, which was getting worse. The disco was underway in the barn, and a few of Megan’s friends were already dancing and looking slightly worse for wear. Poppy was also on the dancefloor with Lily, looking surprisingly grown-up in a blue jumpsuit. Her hair was curled, her lips were painted pink, and in her low heels she was nearly as tall as Lily. The kid was growing up fast. Will had his work cut out.
Far from being able to relax and enjoy himself, Matt spent the next two hours flitting from one venue to the other, checking that everything was okay and nothing was getting out of hand. He ‘encouraged’ some of Zac’s mates to rein in their drinking and gave directions to the loos when one of Megan’s friends threatened to be sick. And it was only nine p.m. He’d gone from hotel porter to security bouncer.
Zac had appeared early on in the evening and was enjoying himself with his mates, steering clear of his parents.
Megan hadn’t arrived until much later, dressed up to the nines in a sparkly short dress, wearing bright red lipstick, and clearly ready to party. In contrast, Beth had appeared behind her looking like her sister’s sombre shadow, her face like thunder and shrouded in a long black dress.
Despite being miffed with her, he still found himself heading over, sensing all was not well. ‘Is there a problem?’ he asked, trying not to sound grumpy.
