Page 42 of Someone to Love Tracy Corbett

‘It’s tradition.’

‘It’s also known as society pigeonholing people into stereotypes. I’m female, so by default I must like dresses and having my hair curled.’ She rolled her eyes and took another bite of chocolate. ‘It would be a lot more fun if everyone switched gender roles for the wedding. Zac would make a fabulous bride. He has great bone structure.’

‘True. But could you imagine Chris dressed as a woman?’

Leah nearly choked on her Twix. ‘Oh, god. No one needs to see that. Not that you could pull it off, either,’ she said, patting his chest. ‘You’d look like that woman fromHarry Potter. You know, the giant headmistress who falls in love with Hagrid. Olympe Maxime.’

‘Yeah, not happening.’

‘Well, that’s the only way you’re getting me in a bridesmaid dress. I’d rather remove my own spleen with a blunt spoon,’ she said, chewing on the Twix.

No one could say he hadn’t tried, and it wasn’t like Zac didn’t know about his aunt’s feelings concerning gender stereotyping.

But for all his sister’s outward confidence, he suspected it masked an underlying fear of rejection. It was the reason behind her reluctance to visit their dad. Leah had always been a tomboy, favouring boys’ clothes and outdoor activities, and avoiding anything frilly or pink. But the transition from sporty child to full-blown member of the LGBTQ+ community wasn’t something their dad was aware of, and he suspected that Leah wanted to keep it that way. Matt had often wondered if Leah’s elimination of their dad from her life was an act of self-preservation – a way of rejecting him before he had the chance to reject her.

His phone pinged with a message. It was Beth. About bloody time.

Sorry for radio silence. Really crappy week. Venue booked, inc. guest rooms. Hotel ours for entire weekend.

Well, that was something.

His mum appeared from the changing room, having reverted to her previous outfit of tired jeans and faded sweatshirt. ‘What time is our appointment at Jasper Martin?’ she said, heading for the tills.

‘Half-four.’ Matt unearthed his wallet, only to have his mother slap his hand away.

‘Don’t even think of it,’ she said, giving him the maternal eye. ‘I can afford an outfit for my only grandson’s wedding.’

Suitably chastised, he closed his wallet, but it was hard to stand back and watch his mum struggle. Especially when the situation wasn’t about to improve any time soon, even if his dad was accepted for early release. What employer would offer a fifty-seven-year-old man with a criminal record a job? More likely, his dad would soon be back home sponging off his wife and adding to her money woes, not improving them.

They headed for The Wellington Centre and arrived with a few minutes to spare for their appointment. Zac had requested evening suits for the wedding, as opposed to formal morning dress, which was a relief, as Matt couldn’t imagine himself in a tailcoat.

They were greeted by a short man wearing old-fashioned half-moon spectacles and a red paisley waistcoat. His white hair and squinty eyes made him look like an elf, especially next to Matt’s large frame. ‘Good afternoon and welcome to Jasper Martin,’ he said, scuttling over. ‘You must be the Hardy party?’

Matt gestured to his family. ‘I’m Matt Hardy. This is my mother, Susan, and my sister, Leah.’

The man checked his notebook. ‘I have a booking for two fittings. Will Mr Hardy senior be joining us today?’

‘Not unless he’s escaped from prison,’ Leah said, lifting an eyebrow.

Their mum forced a laugh. ‘Leah, please. The nice gentleman won’t know you’re joking.’

The assistant’s alarmed expression cleared. ‘You had me worried for a moment.’

‘The second suit is for Leah,’ Matt said, glaring at his sister and fighting to hang on to his smile, which was quite a feat.

The assistant frowned. ‘This young lady here?’

‘Leah’s one of the grooms for the wedding,’ Matt said, praying the assistant didn’t have antiquated opinions. ‘Hopefully, you can accommodate us.’

Shaking his head in bewilderment, the assistant turned away. ‘Follow me, if you would. Our formal evening jackets come in two colours, black or cream, and two styles, single-breasted or double-breasted.’ He led them into a secluded alcove at the back of the shop. ‘Although we are limited on sizes,’ he said, giving Matt’s wide frame the once-over. ‘Does the groom have an opinion on which option he would like to go for?’

Matt realised the man assumed he was the groom. ‘I’m the best man,’ he said, already feeling self-conscious about his size. ‘The groom has requested black evening suits, with a single-breasted jacket. I’ll email you his measurements, as he’s currently abroad.’

The assistant’s gaze travelled over Matt’s large tall frame, down to Leah’s slim short frame. ‘We may struggle to accommodate your unique sizing requirements, but I’ll see what we have in our storeroom. Excuse me a moment.’

When the assistant left, Leah sighed. ‘We’re not that unusual, are we?’

Matt shrugged. ‘Uniquewas the word he used.’

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