Page 33 of Something Borrowed

“I know. We need to finalise the guest invites.”

“God, don’t remind me. We’re bringing Phillip’s mother.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Depends if you like hatchet-faced old cows.”

“Well, luckily for you, they’re my speciality.”

“He’s not kidding,” Leo says. He taps her shoulder. “Fenn is going to take you now, lovely. He’ll get you coffee, cake, and some magazines, and then I’ll be over to check in twenty minutes.”

Bailey smiles at both of us, and Leo’s apprentice escorts her away.

Leo starts to clean up the station. “What’s up?” he asks, the light catching the platinum band on his finger.

I look at him affectionately. Stan and I met Leo on our first day at secondary school. We’d been keeping our heads down, as befits newbies who don’t want their faces rearranged by the older kids. Leo had obviously not read that particular memo, because he’d been laying down the law to three hulking third-years who were cowering before him. He’s funny and a complete livewire. You never know what will happen when you meet up with him.

“I came to talk about your wedding arrangements.” I settle down in the chair. “It seems funny to be having this conversation with you. I never thought you’d get married given your previous rather caustic opinions of that state.”

“Should you be saying that as a wedding planner? I thought you’d claim some sort of marital presentiment.”

“I don’t think I’d like to possess that. It sounds rather horrifying. No, it’s just that you didn’t have the best start with Richard considering that you met when he demanded you come into the bank to cut up your credit cards. It’s hardly the most romantic meet-cute I’ve ever heard of.”

He smiles at the thought of his banker fiancé. “It was ours, and that’s all that counts.” He gives a mock shudder. “And he wasverythorough with those scissors. Quite turned my head.”

“Well, if anyone can make me believe in happy ever after, it’s you, babe.” I pause and raise my voice, “Oh, and you too, Bailey.”

“Wanker,” comes the amused reply, and I grin before turning back to Leo.

He gestures at me to tilt my head back and then runs his fingers through my hair.

“I know I’m pretty irresistible, but this is so sudden, Leo.”

He tuts. “It’s getting too long.”

“I know. I’m amazed that Jed’s let me keep it this way.”

He shudders. “That man. Yummy.”

“You’ve never sat in front of him while he chastises you for hours.”

He drapes me in a gown and tucks a towel around my neck. “Does he sweep his hair back when he does it? Ooh! Does he roll up his sleeves? He has forearms to die for.”

“And a tongue you could cut your throat on, but far be it from me to interfere with your twisted fantasies. What are you doing?”

He holds up his scissors. “Getting ready to take you swimming. What do you think I’m doing?”

“Oh, okay, but only because it’s you. And don’t be too nervous. I’m sure I’ll like whatever you manage to do with it.”

“Yes, I’m sure that’s what my hairdressing awards stress.”

“No one loves a bragger.”

“It’s inner confidence.” He pauses. “Backed up with a shit ton of shiny statues. Okay, talk to me while I cut.”

I lean back in the chair, feeling his long fingers run through my hair. “All the arrangements are done for the party. You just need to check with Richard’s Aunt Betty if she’s coming and bringing the coven with her. I’m sorry. I meant her daughters.”

He begins to snip with an expression of concentration, but his mouth has a tell-tale quirk. “I can’t wait for Richard’s parents to meet my family. They think Prince William is lower class.”

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