How to Get Hitched in Ten Days (10 page)

I giggled. ‘Hollandaise sauce on jam pudding – perhaps it will catch on?’

Dave poked me in the ribs. ‘And he organised for me to have dance sessions with his friend Theo – that’s where I really met Maria. She’s worked here for a couple of years and said it’s the best salsa bar in town.’

‘Theo? Ah yes. Mikey’s mentioned him this week.’

‘He’s a mate of Sanjay’s. Nice bloke. Made dancing fun.’

‘Well, those lessons certainly paid off,’ I said and leant forward for another kiss.

‘The goal, you see…’ said Dave when we finally parted, ‘… was to win you around so that at dinner, just before you left, I could make the perfect proposal and you’d accept.’

My heart sank a little. Over the last few days I’d come to realise that I did want Dave in my future, but formally, with a signed certificate? Not yet. ‘Dave, look, all this effort is appreciated, but–’

He squeezed my hand. ‘It’s okay… you see, I’ve been thinking a lot this week and – I’ve changed my mind.’

That must be why he was quite accepting of not having dinner tomorrow night. My stomach pinched. So Dave didn’t want to marry me any more? Did that mean he wanted to end our relationship?

‘What I mean is… I don’t need to slip a ring on your finger for us to be happy. There’s no rush. Just being with you is enough. Perhaps in time, we’ll seal our relationship in a more official way or…’ Cheeks flushed and he cleared his throat. ‘If our long-distance relationship doesn’t work out, then we won’t. But I love you Jasmine and am willing to do everything I can to make us work.’ He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. ‘I guess what I’m saying is… I’ve worked out that the perfect proposal for you is for me not to ask you to marry me at all.’

‘Oh Dave…’ I leant forward to brush my lips against his. ‘I’m not saying never and honestly, I’m so chuffed that you would want to spend your life with me. It’s just…’

He nodded. ‘You have to grasp this opportunity with both hands – for yourself and your mum.’ He stared intensely. ‘You know I’d never turn into your dad, don’t you.’

‘Rationally yes. And the longer we’re together, the weaker my paranoid demons become.’

‘I can’t wait to visit you in New York.’

I cleared my throat and my mouth turned upwards. You see, I had a secret to share – sorry I couldn’t earlier, not with you or anyone, but I didn’t want to until the fine print had been confirmed.

‘Dave. You won’t need to miss me. Not if you say yes.’

‘Huh?’ His eyebrows knotted.

‘You see… I couldn’t say anything earlier, in case my plan didn’t work. And don’t feel you have to accept my offer, but honestly, I think it could be great and–’

‘Jasmine! What are you waffling on about?’

‘Chemi-Vate. I hope you don’t mind, but I emailed your CV over to my new bosses. They need a topnotch accountant for the New York division. Your experience has impressed them. An interview has been scheduled for this week.’

Dave’s jaw fell open.

‘Say something,’ I said, feeling kind of breathless. ‘It means we can share an apartment together. I’m sure the interview will just be a matter of course. You can join me in a few weeks.’

Dave shook his head. ‘I don’t know what to… I mean…’ He swallowed. ‘So, you really do want a future with me. Oh Jasmine. It sounds great. Yes, yes, yes. ‘

My chest glowed. ‘Me saying no to your proposal, it
was
a knee-jerk reaction in a way. I do want to settle down – wedding, kids, the lot, I know that now – but I need more time. I’m just saying… not now.’

Dave took my hands in his and circled my palms with his thumbs. ‘I can wait. However long it takes – especially if I’ve got the distraction of going to baseball matches and eating bagels in Central Park.’

‘We’re really going to do this, aren’t we?’ I said, still feeling as if all the oxygen had been squeezed out of my lungs.

Dave grinned. A new salsa tune came on and he stood up.

‘This deserves a little celebration dance.’

I got to my feet too, my grin spreading almost from ear to ear… but not quite, as I knew this latest development would be hard for Mikey to take. You see… I haven’t mentioned this before, because I wasn’t sure, but… Hmm. Hold up. Perhaps it might be best if I speak to my flatmate first, before I tell you about the secret I think he holds…

And a couple of hours later, I fulfilled that wish, back home, a smile still on my face thanks to Dave – although getting smaller by the minute, as Mikey stood opposite me in the lounge as I sat down on the sofa, with a glass of water. Now was the moment I had to break the news. Pacing up and down he quizzed me about the evening.

He clapped his hands. ‘Wow. I still can’t believe it. So, you thought Dave had all the cool moves. You can thank me later,’ he said airily, ‘for helping to save your relationship.’

I shook my head. ‘And I still can’t believe you and Dave have hit it off – after all this time.’ My eyes tingled. ‘I really appreciate it, Mikey. I know that… that he’s been standoffish with you in the past, but nevertheless you did this – for me… the cooking, dance lessons…’

Mikey’s face became serious and he sat down next to me, took the water, placed it on the coffee table and then took my hands. He stared straight into my face.

‘I’d do the nine month trip to Mars and then back for you, Jazz. You know that. And I’m thrilled that you and Dave have come to an agreement – that at the moment it’s best for you not to get engaged.’ He squeezed my fingers. ‘And don’t you worry about Dave – I’ll look after him for you whilst you are in New York. Perhaps the dance lessons and cookery classes might become a regular thing.’

My throat hurt. ‘There won’t be any need for that, you see…’

Mikey’s brow furrowed.

Cheeks burning, I cleared my throat. ‘Dave is coming with me.’

‘What?’ said Mikey in a thick voice. His fingers slid away from mine.

‘I secretly sent his CV to Chemi-Vate. They want him in New York. We’re moving there together.

He blinked rapidly.

‘Mikey?’

Eyes glistening, he nodded. ‘Yes… of course… great idea. Well done you. He must be ecstatic.’

A wave of nausea washed over me as I nodded. Poor Mikey. A sense of hurt wafted out from every pore in his face. ‘Just think of all the Instagram foot selfies he’ll post, once he’s been shopping in Manhattan for socks and shoes.’

My stomach churned as Mikey gave a smile that I knew was forced. He sniffed. ‘Such great news, Jazz,’ he said in a flat voice and stood up. ‘I’m really pleased for you both. Right. Off to bed for me.’ That forced smile again. ‘Some of us need our beauty sleep.’

‘But Mikey… I wondered if we could just chat – about Dave. You see–’ His secret – have you guessed it yet?

‘Sorry, darling.’ His voice wobbled slightly. ‘I’m suddenly bushwhacked. Let’s talk tomorrow.’

He headed into his bedroom and, feeling heavy inside, I passed his door a few minutes later. He’d left it open. Normally I’d never listen but… I heard the word Theo. Mikey’s voice sounded tearful. For some reason I just couldn’t walk past his door frame.

‘I know. Yes, I can still visit – flights are much quicker nowadays,’ I heard Mikey say. ‘You, keep me busy dancing to take my mind off things? That sounds more like a threat than a promise of help…’ Cue a weak attempt at a laugh. I bit on my fist and longed to run in and wrap my arms around Mikey’s shoulders. But his words had turned to whispers and at such an intimate moment, I couldn’t barge in. I sighed and headed to my bedroom.

Are you still confused? Sorry, but I’ve decided it’s not my place to say any more. Just that friendships, relationships, it’s all so complicated and sometimes love blossoms in the most unexpected corners…

Chapter Nine – Mikey

Maple syrup trickled down Jazz’s chin as she wolfed the waffles I’d just made. It was six o’clock in the morning. Monday. We’d decided to come to the diner for one last breakfast together, before it opened. I leant forward and wiped her face with a napkin.

‘This time tomorrow you’ll be eating those surrounded with bacon and sausages in some amazing New York café,’ I said. My mouth felt parched, despite the silky mouthful of syrup I’d just swallowed. Life here without Jazz. It was hard to imagine. No more popcorn sleepovers or heartfelt chats. No more teasing her about littering her floor with her bras and underpants.

She looked up. ‘Nothing will beat Polka Dot Diner – these are scrumptious.’ She put down her fork, glugged back some coffee and then let out a contented sigh. However, within seconds her eyes filled – a rare occurrence.

‘Mikey…’

‘I know, angel-face’ I said, voice sounding all rough.

‘It’s not just your cooking I’ll miss. Who’s going to be honest about whether my bum looks big or cheer me up by doing his terrible David Beckham impression?’

A lump rose in my throat. ‘Spring in New York is supposed to be beautiful. I’ll try to get over in a couple of months for all the Big Apple gossip.’

She reached across the table. We held hands. Her sleeve slipped back, revealing her watch.

‘Dave will be here any second,’ she said.

‘I can’t believe that doofus got up so early, to take you to the airport.’ I smiled.

Jazz smiled back. ‘You should have seen him dancing Saturday night. He’s clearly got lots more energy than either of us imagined.’ She shook her head. ‘In fact, he was fantastic. That Theo must be a hard taskmaster.’

‘He is!’ I said and laughed. Okay, so Jazz and Dave were leaving together… It had been a shock but yesterday I’d got some perspective – especially after my chat with comforting Theo, late the night before. The two of them belonged together, wherever that might be in the world. I’d said as much to Jazz and such a weird expression had crossed her face and she’d given me the tightest of hugs.

Her cheeks tinged pink. ‘It must have been a shock, hearing that Dave was moving with me as well.’

I stared at her. Here we go again. She’d said as much, several times yesterday. What was going on?

‘Don’t worry about me,’ I said brightly. ‘As I’ve told you, I do have other friends! And I can visit. It’s all good.’

She nodded. Stared for a second. Took a deep breath. ‘Why didn’t you tell me? I would have understood.’

‘Understood what?’ I said, stomach in knots, perspiration breaking out on my palms.

Silence. Then she leant forwards and brushed back my fringe. I’d been in such a rush this morning, I hadn’t applied enough gel.

‘Nothing. I’m just being silly,’ she said.

But my stomach scrunched up tight. What if she knew?

At that moment the door flew open and her boyfriend walked across the black and white tiled floor, whistling out-of-tune.

‘Remind me why I agreed to get up at this inhumane time,’ he said.

My head span. Jazz. All this time. Why hadn’t she said anything? Oh my God. She must have guessed.

‘You all right, mate?’ said Dave and clapped me on the back.

‘Never better.’ My eyes widened. ‘Wow. I can’t believe it. You’ve finally ditched that old coat. Glad you took my advice.’

He shrugged. ‘Gotta smarten up my act if I’m going to New York. In fact, why don’t you come over there, soon, and take me shopping?’

Jazz giggled. ‘Sorry – but this is going to take a while to get used to, you guys being friends.’ She stared at me again. ‘Why don’t you take a photo of him, Mikey? We need this new coat recorded, for posterity. You can look at it when we’re gone. It will remind you that change isn’t always a bad thing.’

Dave grinned and rubbed a hand across his unshaven chin.

Heat surged into my face. Jazz nodded at me. Again we exchanged unspoken words. Cue Dave posing by the glass counter, with the new toy American classic cars on top. I took the shot and then he headed over to Jazz.

‘Time to go.’ Dave looked at me. ‘Fancy coming over for a meal tomorrow night, Mikey? If I follow Jazz to New York–’

‘It’s a done deal already,’ she said, eyes twinkling for a second.

Dave smiled. ‘There is some stuff I won’t want to take that you might like. Nothing fancy, just some kitchenware and a bit of furniture.’

‘You? Cooking?’ With mock horror I shook my head.

‘Go on,’ said Jazz. ‘Make the most of him whilst he’s here.’

I swallowed. ‘Thanks Dave, sounds great.’

Jazz stood up, came over and looked up. She slipped her arms around my neck and I lifted her off the ground, whilst I gave her a hug.

‘I’m sorry,’ I whispered in her ear. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’

She kissed my cheek. ‘I wasn’t sure until this week. And don’t apologise. I know there was no malicious intent, proven by your efforts with Dave to create the perfect proposal he wanted.’

‘Come on you two lovebirds,’ said Dave.

Jazz stepped back, a tear trickling down her cheek. ‘We’ll Skype this week – have a proper chat.’

I nodded. ‘Yes. We need to. So that I can explain about…’

She put a finger up to my lips and winked.

‘See you tomorrow night, mate,’ said Dave, as he picked up Jazz’s case.

Then they were gone, leaving just me, the chrome stools, the glossy red gumball machine… I sat staring at my phone – at the picture of Dave – and my chin wobbled. My eyes pricked. Tears streamed down my cheeks.

I looked up as the door clicked open and quickly wiped my face with my sleeve.

‘Theo?’ Wow. He looked hot. Loved the fit of that tailored black leather jacket. My heart squeezed as he gave the cutest smile and squeezed tighter as I saw concern in his eyes.

‘Mikey. How are you doing?’ He strolled over and gave me hug.

‘What are you doing here?’ I said.

‘Hey, can’t a man get a coffee, without the Spanish Inquisition?’

I smiled.

‘And what about some music to liven this place up?’ He headed over to the jukebox. A minute later, Elvis was singing. ‘Jeez, have you nothing more modern?’

‘You’ve no taste!’ I said, without looking at him. My chest felt lighter inside.

When I carried over two coffees to the table, Theo had stacked the dirty waffle plates and was staring at my phone.

‘Saw you studying that from outside,’ he said, gently. ‘A photo? Have the pair of them just left?’