Page 52 of Merrily Ever After
‘She’d hang around long enough to stuff her face, then when it was time to wash up, she’d suddenly remembersome urgent homework that she’d forgotten had to be in by the next day.’
I laughed, enjoying their sisterly banter as usual.
‘What can I say, it’s all in the timing.’ Fliss rummaged through the cupboards. ‘Luckily Saint Cesca was always on hand to show me up. Got any crisps?’
She found some, tipped them into a bowl and plonked them on the table.
‘Just a small one for me,’ I said, holding my hand up as Cesca poured generous measures of Prosecco. I had to drive back along the dark country lanes and wanted to keep a clear head.
‘So.’ Fliss knocked back half of her Prosecco. ‘Tell us about the dress.’
I got out my phone and showed them the pictures Nell had taken when I’d tried it on. Both gasped, just as I’d hoped they would.
‘Love it,’ said Cesca.
‘It’s beautiful,’ Fliss agreed.
‘Thanks.’ I beamed at them both. ‘I looked at loads of expensive dresses and nothing really felt right, but I spotted this one in the window of Vintage by Violet and it was love at first sight. When I tried it on, Nell and I both had a little cry and the woman in the shop had to shove tissues at us, so we didn’t mark the silk. And that was that; I’d found my perfect dress. Oh, and I bought one of their vintage comb things for my hair too.’
I produced it from my bag and Cesca nodded approvingly. ‘You’re right about going for a natural look; we’ll let your dress do the talking. Fliss, why don’t we start with the face?’
‘Thanks for this, girls,’ I said, while Fliss tied my hair back. ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you.’
‘No worries,’ said Fliss, slopping cleanser on a cotton wool pad and rubbing at my skin. ‘Can’t have you looking like a panda having a bad hair day at your own wedding.’
‘Absolutely not. Sorry,’ I said, unable to hold back a giant yawn. ‘Busy day. I’ve been on the go since before it got light this morning. Making candles, packing candles, selling candles. I’m ready to drop.’
Fliss snorted. ‘Only you could appear on national TV and dismiss it as “selling candles”.’
‘I feel ungrateful for complaining,’ I replied, nibbling around the edge of a crisp absent-mindedly. ‘But we’ve been a victim of our own success. Sales have grown faster than I can cope with.’
‘Excuse the pun, but aren’t you in danger of burning the candle at both ends?’ Cesca pushed the crisps closer to me, but I shook my head, I didn’t have much of an appetite.
‘Clear and present danger,’ I admitted with a groan.
‘So recruit.’ Fliss pursed her lips in concentration as she did something to my eyebrows. ‘I’m sure you’d have lots of takers.’
‘You don’t want a job, do you?’ I asked hopefully. ‘I’m desperate for staff and I want someone I can trust.’
‘Sorry.’ Cesca shook her head. ‘My maternity leave is almost up, and I’ll be going back to the office in the new year.’
‘And don’t look at me,’ said Fliss, pulling a face. ‘Call me old-fashioned, but I want to be at home with the kids until they’re in full-time school.’
‘And why not,’ I replied. It wouldn’t be my choice; I couldn’t imagine not working, but it was hers and I respected her for it. I’d just have to keep looking for someone to help.
Half an hour later, I was feeling quite relaxed. It was surprisingly therapeutic to sit still and let someone else style your hair and stroke soft brushes across your skin.
Fliss applied a final layer of blush-pink lipstick, stood back, and admired the full effect. ‘I give you the bride-to be,’ she announced, sweeping her arm towards me.
Cesca slid the mirror forward so I could see my reflection. My skin was glowing, I had cheekbones and my eyes looked huge. My hair fell in soft waves and Cesca had done a ‘half-up’ thing so that the front was pinned back with my vintage comb.
‘I love this!’ I examined my face in the mirror. ‘Exactly what I wanted. Thank you so much. My idea of an up-do is to pile it into a messy bun and hope for the best. And I never manage to put on mascara without it ending up on my cheeks. I hope I’ll be able to recreate this on the day.’
‘No need.’ Fliss gave me a hug. ‘We’ll be on hand on your wedding morning to do it for you.’
I gasped. ‘Really? I had visions of my shaky hands trying to do my eyeliner.’
‘Well …’ Cesca smiled. ‘We know you won’t have your mum with you and that you’re an only child, so we’re going to be there not just as your hair and make-up team but as your honorary sisters.’
