How to Get Hitched in Ten Days (2 page)

BOOK: How to Get Hitched in Ten Days
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He coughed and stared at his colourful, donut-themed placemat. ‘Spontaneous may be good – but not if you’re absolutely plastered.’

I put down my cup. ‘You were drunk?’

‘Bladdered. Hadn’t prepared a word. The urge to propose just came to me. I can’t hold down champagne at the best of times and seconds afterwards I had to run to the toilets to throw up.’

I stared at him. ‘How exactly did you word this proposal?’

His cheeks flushed. ‘Hard to remember. I just blurted out that neither of us were getting any younger and that we should get hitched. Think I mentioned something about a registry office and not making a fuss.’

I opened my mouth but no words came out.

‘Like I said, she’s always shied away from talking about us settling down. I didn’t want to scare her off with fanciful ideas,’ he muttered, rambling now as he ran a hand through those unruly curls.

My jaw stayed open.

‘When I got back to the table, she pointed out that I had vomit down my shirt.’

I squirmed. Ew. I’d have been compelled to immediately demand he strip off so that I could take it to the bathroom for a damn good wash.

‘Then she got up, said I could pay the bill and left me to it. She hasn’t answered my texts all morning.’ Dave sniffed. ‘Not even when I suggested we meet for cocktails after work.’

I couldn’t help smiling. Dave, prepared to drink cocktails? He couldn’t stand their sickly sweet flavours, cute umbrellas or brightly coloured straws.

‘Glad you find it funny, Mikey. Go on, call me a jerk. Over the last year or so you’ve made it obvious you don’t like me much. Bet you’re well pleased.’

Huh? ‘Now hold on a minute, that’s not–’

With a clatter, Dave let his teaspoon drop onto the saucer. ‘So rub my nose in it. I don’t blame you. Tell me how gym-buffed you would have planned a special proposal weeks ahead, with violins playing, homemade quiche for breakfast the next day, her favourite chick flick waiting to watch when you got home from dinner.’

‘Yeah, spot on Dave,’ I said dryly. ‘All those stereotypes
so
apply to me.’

His cheeks flushed. ‘Well, you have got a six-pack. And you make quiche – from scratch.’

‘I also play Call of Duty till the early hours and my favourite all-time film is The Bourne Ultimatum.’ I pulled a face. ‘Although I draw the line at watching that TV channel named after you – giant go karts or extreme-sized fish really don’t do it for me.’

‘Whatever.’ Dave scraped back his chair and started to get to his feet. ‘I’d better go. The office will be wondering where I am.’ Yet he stalled before fully standing up and shot me a weird expression. My heart squeezed. Vulnerability wrapped up in a bristly exterior – I could see why that killer combination drew in Jazz.

My brow furrowed. ‘Hold up. You don’t owe work anything. As Jazz says, if they can’t value their top accountant then it’s no wonder you’re looking for another job.’

He grimaced. ‘True. No promised bonus for three years has finally pushed me to put together a new CV.’

‘So you can spare ten more minutes. Sit back and tell me – why did you come here today?’

Lips pursed into a firm line, he slouched into his seat. ‘I’m not begging. See it as a favour to Jasmine but… if anyone can help me salvage something from this, and propose again in the right manner, then it’s you.’

I snorted. ‘Dave. I’m the last person you should ask. I haven’t had a proper relationship for months now and what do I know about asking for someone’s hand in marriage?’

My heads spun for a few seconds. What a dilemma. Me, help the person who disliked me most in the world become a permanent fixture in the life of the person who liked me the most.

‘You know Jasmine,’ he said, in a tight voice. ‘Whenever it’s her birthday, your presents always outshine mine.’

‘I don’t do it on purpose,’ I said, in a measured voice.

‘I get it. It’s a gay thing.’

‘Dave, just for one second try not to talk in clichés. Perhaps I’m simply a more thoughtful human being, had that every crossed your mind? Take John, our head chef. For his last wedding anniversary, he had a bespoke music box made for his wife – when you lifted the lid it played their wedding dance song. You don’t get more thoughtful or romantic than that.’

Dave let out a sigh. ‘Look – will you help me or not?’

Wounded eyes stared straight at me, as if he were some loyal Labrador who’d lost his owner and faced a future on the streets. His lips might have been set in a firm line, but I noticed the muscle flinch in his cheek – saw the way he wrung his hands. Inside my chest felt heavy. I didn’t like to see him upset. And in my heart there was no question – I had to help, as I couldn’t blank the memories of Jazz’s shiny eyes when she first used to mention a great guy she’d met called Dave, a bloke who brought security and confidence to her life.

‘How long have we got?’ I mumbled and scrunched up my forehead. ‘Doesn’t she leave for New York in ten days’ time?’

Dave nodded. ‘The night before she flies out I want to propose again. I don’t want her going with bad feelings between us. That gives me time enough to plan and get the proposal just right.’

‘Yeah, good idea, especially as they are pressing for her to move there permanently.’

‘What?’

My cheeks burned. ‘Oh, um, didn’t Jazz tell you? Apparently Chemi-Vate has set up its largest number of laboratories in any one location. The human resources department is the biggest in the company’s history. With her experience, Jazz is lined up to become the New York HR manager.’

Dave’s head dropped into his hands again. ‘Nothing stopping her now then…’

My chest squeezed and I held out my hand to a passing Kate. Almost free-wheeling straight into the next table, she unsteadily passed me her waitress’ notebook. ‘Never took you for a quitter, Dave.’

He looked up and I took out a pen from my apron.

‘Let’s do it, angel-face,’ I said with an innocent smile.

‘You’ll really help me?’ he said, eyes wide. ‘I thought… I mean – this is a great opportunity for you to get rid of me, once and for all.’

‘And why would I want to do that? Jazz’s happiness is what matters, no?’ I shrugged. ‘Sure. You’ve been a right bozo but – God knows why – Jazz loves you with every soppy cell of her being.’

A quizzical look crossed his face. The lines on his forehead dissipated. My brow relaxed too and my breathing slowed as his mouth almost upturned.

‘Now, take off that damn awful coat, Dave McCrory…’ Pen poised, I straightened up. ‘… and let’s see if we can get you hitched – or at least engaged – in ten days.’

Chapter Two – Jasmine

‘Angel-face! Get in here this minute!’

With a sigh I took off the turban of towel around my hair and, cheeks still hot from the shower, padded towards Mikey’s bedroom in my comfiest pyjamas. His private space in the flat was lush, with shiny purple floral wallpaper and a matching velvet bedspread. It provided quite a contrast to the black and white colour theme of the lounge and open-plan kitchen. I yawned. It was only half-past eight but I’d had a challenging Monday at the office, having to sack someone and investigate a claim of sexual harassment. Then last night, my Valentine’s Day date, well… less said about that the better. A lump rose in my throat.

‘Hurry up, slowcoach!’

With a roll of my eyes, I passed through the doorway and… oh, what a welcome sight: Mikey, in his night-time shorts and T-shirt, sitting on the far side of his huge king-sized bed which stood opposite a widescreen telly. Next to him was a bottle of wine, large bowl of popcorn and an array of DVDs. I pursed my lips to trap a sob I could feel rising as he folded down the duvet and patted the mattress. I let my towel fall onto the floor.

‘Hop in, Jazz. We haven’t had a sleepover for a while.’

I bit my lip. Unexpected acts of kindness shot straight into the heart, didn’t they? My chin trembled.

‘Oh, darling.’ Mikey turned to face me and stretched out his arms. I hurtled towards him, squidging across the sheets to fall into the warmth of his embrace. Enveloped in those biceps, my facial muscles relaxed and I leant my head on his chest. We hugged for the longest moment, me squeezing my eyes tight, so as not to cry.

‘You aren’t going to dribble, are you?’ he said, softly.

With a sniff, I slipped my left arm across his abdomen and poked him in the ribs, as he lay down.

‘Oi!’

I lifted my head and we exchanged smiles.

‘So. Are you finally going to tell me what happened last night?’ he said, as I rested my head again. ‘You haven’t said a word all evening.’

‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ I mumbled and blinked rapidly.

‘Fair enough.’ He squeezed me tight. ‘But I’m here if you need me. Right, DVD time – you like romance, I’m an action fan, so how about we compromise with a James Bond movie that combines both elements?’

I nodded, sat up, limbs feeling heavy as I crossed my legs. I grabbed the bowl, scooped up a handful of popcorn and offered it to Mikey, who slipped two pieces into his mouth.

‘Mmm. You’ve tossed it in liquid toffee,’ I said and reached for one of the napkins by the bowl.

‘With just a touch of salt added,’ he said and nipped out of bed to pick up my towel and hang it over his radiator. He came back and picked up two glasses from his bedside table. ‘Pour the Pinot.’

‘Bossy boots.’ Although that was the kind of order I would never refuse.

A glugging noise, from the bottle, filled the room as he clambered back into bed. Five minutes later, we sat, both leaning against the headboard, hips rubbing next to each other as we snuggled up, crunching on the scrumptious snack.

‘So, which James Bond?’ I said, in between mouthfuls. Must focus. Dave being a moron wasn’t going to leave me in bits. My throat ached. One thing Mum’s death had taught me was never to let a man dictate how happy I was. ‘Let me guess…’ I cleared my throat. ‘Daniel Craig, seeing as you’re such a fan of six-packs and fake tan.’

‘Huh? Haven’t you ever taken a close look at my boyfriends?’

I thought hard. ‘Hmm. Not many of them have been gym bunnies. In fact, that Steve hadn’t an ounce of muscle.’

‘Believe it or not, sometimes personality counts as well.’

‘Unless you’ve lowered your standards, due to recently letting yourself go. I mean, just how much pie have you been scoffing at the diner lately?’ With a grin I slipped my hand under his T-shirt and my fingers slid over taut, waxed contours.

‘I know. Irresistible aren’t I? As ripped as ever.’

‘Don’t flatter yourself,’ I muttered, hand back in the popcorn bowl. ‘Okay… I reckon you prefer Timothy Dalton – out of all the Bonds, he’s a little rougher around the edges, yet the most sensitive.’

‘Ten out of ten, darling – but tonight’s all about you, so come on, choose the film.’ Mikey cocked his head. ‘I think you’ll either go for Roger Moore who makes you laugh or… well yes, Daniel Craig – the perfect gent.’

Unable to talk for a moment, I nodded – it must have been the time of the month. You see, I didn’t really do crying. Blame that on a childhood where weeping resulted in a clip around the ear. Mikey was right – a man who made me laugh yet treated me with respect, in other words the opposite to my dad.

‘Octopussy it is.’ Quickly I sipped my wine. Heaven. Next to Mikey I always felt… safe. Cared for. In fact pure bliss, an hour later, when my head lay on his chest again and, lights dimmed, he stroked my hair. I imagined this was how it must feel as a child, to have your dad’s arms wrapped around you when things went wrong; to know he was there, whatever the circumstances, whilst other people in your life would come and go.

‘Dave came into the diner, today,’ he said quietly.

I swallowed, stomach tingling at just the mention of my boyfriend’s name. Dave had the sexiest lopsided smile and kisses that sent me to a place where sad memories or stressful work problems never got in. ‘Good for him.’

‘Wearing that God awful coat. He’s… really sorry – about last night.’

So Mikey did know exactly what was the matter. Almost knocking his chin, I sat up. ‘Since when are you Dave’s defender? You’ve hardly spoken to him the last year.’

‘Yeah, I have!’ His cheeks flushed.

I raised one eyebrow. Dave and my flatmate were hardly best mates. I didn’t get it – as well as having me in common, they were both kind and compassionate. Dave also liked action movies and Mikey watched football sometimes.

He sighed. ‘Okay, look… can you blame me? He jumps a mile high if I touch him and judges me as if I’m some stereotypical camp gay character out of a Hollywood movie.’

‘Not always!’ Good old Mikey simply pursed his lips. He no doubt had plenty of harsher things he could say about Dave, but had probably bitten them back over recent months, for my sake. ‘Okay, so Dave’s, um, not quite as in touch with his feminine side as you.’

Mikey snorted. ‘That’s got nothing to do with it. Straight guys I know give me a hug. Dave’s just… just…’

‘Reserved? Very British?’

‘Socially awkward, more like – but only in my company.’

‘You always were special,’ I said, in an attempt to raise a smile. ‘Anyway, I thought tonight was about me? How typical to make it all about yourself.’

‘Jazz!’

I grinned, the ache in my heart forgotten for a nanosecond. Is there anyone better than a best friend who can help you laugh your way out of a dismal situation?

He shrugged. ‘Okay. Fair comment. So, Dave explained how he’d messed up.’

‘That’s putting it mildly. I just hope he’s got the sense to keep his distance before I leave for New York where I can cool off.’

An odd expression crossed Mikey’s face and he busied himself topping up our glasses. ‘So he was drunk – that’s not the worst crime in the world.’ Seconds later his face fell. ‘What I mean is…’ He shook his head. ‘Crap. When am I going to learn to take my foot out of my mouth?’

‘Don’t worry.’ I forced my mouth to upturn. ‘Clearly I’m so well balanced, it’s hard to remember I had an alcoholic for a dad.’ Despite everything, I half-chuckled. ‘Perhaps Dave should be more like you Mikey. We’ve always got on so well.’

‘You’re forgetting that little matter of you having women’s
equipment
…’ He shuddered and I couldn’t help laughing. ‘Plus you are possibly the untidiest person in the world. And eat the most God-awful vegetarian food.’

BOOK: How to Get Hitched in Ten Days
4.78Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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