Page 2 of Be More Lucy

She added a kiss as well. He immediately started typing again.

Fancy coming over here for some ice cream? x

Intriguing. She texted back:

And what am I going to do with that?

The three dots appeared and disappeared several times. Either his response was long, or he was editing it a lot.

I thought you could eat some to soothe your throat. But I’m open to suggestions.

No kiss this time, but a wink emoji instead.

Promising. Very promising. Lucy sprayed herself with perfume, pulled on her jeans and a jumper, laced up her trainers and quietly let herself out of Em’s flat.

Part One

July 2019

1

Em walked through the arch into the ceremony room. The scent of roses was overwhelming. The early afternoon sunshine flooded through the tall windows, reflecting off the shiny marble floor and white walls. This room would look light and airy even on the darkest of days, which was exactly why Em had chosen the venue two years ago. What a pity Connor was standing at the end of the aisle now.

He’d noticed her. He looked very suave in his light grey suit and dusky pink tie that matched the flowers perfectly. Once upon a time, she’d found that cheeky grin appealing. Now, it reminded her of all the heartache he’d caused her last year, first by cheating on her weeks before their wedding day and then by trying to scupper her relationship with Jack.

Where was Jack? She scanned the room. He was four rows from the front on the bride’s side. He turned and waved. He looked smart in his best suit, but she would have preferred to see him in his usual jeans and a linen shirt or, better still, nothing at all.Don’t think about that now.He squeezed her hand as she sat down beside him.

‘Did you find Lucy?’ he asked.

‘No sign of her. It’s really odd.’ Lucy was a stickler for being on time. Em was worried something serious had happened.

‘I’m sure she’ll arrive any minute now,’ Jack said. ‘How are you feeling about being here?’

‘I’ll be fine in a minute. It’s a little unsettling, that’s all.’

Perhaps they should have stayed away. But Ella had been insistent. ‘I want you at my wedding. You’re one of my closest friends. Don’t let Connor’s presence put you off. ’

Em leaned on Jack’s arm. He kissed her on the forehead.

Her skin prickled as if someone were staring at her. She turned around. It was Connor, scowling this time.

Jack must have noticed Connor looking their way as well. He put his arm proprietorially around Em’s shoulders. Sam, the groom, whispered something in Connor’s ear. Connor started patting his pockets. Em guessed Sam must have asked about the rings.

A kerfuffle at the back of the room distracted her. She looked around, expecting to see the bridal party, but it was Lucy making a late entrance on her own. At least she’d made it. She slipped into an empty seat on the aisle end of the back row.

‘No Adam?’ Jack whispered to Em. Lucy’s latest boyfriend had lasted longer than the others. They were coming up to their six-month anniversary. He was meant to be here today.

‘He was supposed to pick her up from her flat this morning.’

Em looked around again. Lucy was smoothing down her dress. She looked flustered and slightly sweaty. Not her normal, cool, calm self at all. She was too far away to talk to without shouting down the aisle.

‘You could text her to see if she’s alright,’ Jack suggested.

‘I haven’t got a phone signal. And that snooty woman at Reception refused to give me the Wi-Fi code. It’s for residents only, apparently.’

Jack pulled out his phone. ‘I haven’t got a signal either.’

Em tried mouthing ‘Are you ok?’ at Lucy.

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