by Caragh Bell
Colin checked his teeth. ‘It was between the purple and the blue – in the end, I went with the purple. It makes more of a statement.’ He paused and looked at her properly for the first time. ‘You look pretty gorgeous yourself.’
She blushed. ‘Thanks. I bought it especially.’
She wore a black-and-white minidress, with a nipped-in waist and short sleeves. Her shoes were four-inch-high black Louboutins and she carried a black clutch with a diamanté clasp. Her blonde hair was in a French roll and diamond earrings sparkled as she moved. She looked sensational.
Mathis sauntered out of the kitchen with Lydia’s overnight bag slung over his shoulder. ‘I am ready,’ he announced with a smile.
He looked effortlessly chic, his blue suit amazing with his brown hair. He had opted not to wear a tie, so his shirt was open at the neck. It just added to his laid-back demeanour.
Val, who had abandoned his habitual checked shirt and jeans, looked great in a navy suit with a purple tie.
‘Purple tie?’ said Laura raising an eyebrow. ‘That’s a colour I’ve never seen on you before, Val.’
‘It’s to match me,’ Colin informed them. ‘Like, duh?’
Val checked his wallet. ‘Have you any cash?’ he asked Colin. ‘Otherwise, I need to go to a bank.’
‘I have cash. Now, let’s go. We’ll be later than the bride.’ Colin glared at Mathis. ‘I would have left hours ago if it weren’t for Mister Hangover over there.’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Mathis. ‘I did not feel so good. It was difficile to get up.’
They all piled into Colin’s Audi. The sun was shining high in the sky, making everything seem colourful. Colin took his Gucci shades from their case and put them on.
‘I can’t wait to see the dress!’ exclaimed Laura. ‘I’m sure it will be stunning.’
‘Oh, it is,’ said Colin authoritatively. ‘It definitely is.’ He indicated right and pulled out on to the road. The car bounced along as he travelled at his habitual pace. Be it a motorway or a country road, Colin didn’t adjust his driving.
Mathis said nothing. His long legs were squashed behind Val’s front seat and every time Colin took a corner he was shoved onto Laura.
‘Pardon,’ he said for the millionth time.
It would be a lie to say that he didn’t feel uneasy since finding that picture. He didn’t like secrets and he was pretty sure Luca and Lydia’s past wasn’t common knowledge. No one had mentioned it and they had behaved like strangers the night before. He wondered why.
‘How was the play last night?’ Colin asked Val, taking a corner at breakneck speed.
‘Titania was sick so we had an understudy. She was average enough.’
‘I’m so glad they gave you the day off.’
Val smiled. ‘Me, too.’
They arrived at the chapel five minutes before kick-off. There were already about twenty cars parked outside.
‘Dammit!’ Colin wailed, searching frantically for a space. ‘Mathis! I hold you entirely responsible. I am never late!’
‘Calm down, there’s a small one over there.’ Val calmly pointed at a miniscule space by a grotto.
Colin expertly reversed, parking the car with such aplomb that Mathis clapped.
‘You are vairy good,’ he said. ‘I could nevair do zat.’
‘You all complain about my small car, but nothing beats the advantage of parking it on a tuppence,’ Colin said, fixing his hair in the rear-view mirror.
‘Bugger!’ said Laura, rummaging through her bag.
‘What’s up?’ asked Val in concern.
‘I forgot my camera,’ she said, dismayed.
Colin patted her arm. ‘Just use your phone. No one has cameras anymore – they’re so passé.’
They were greeted by Samantha’s cousin Ryan, who was the usher.
‘Bride or groom?’ he asked.
‘Bride,’ declared Colin briskly. ‘Come on, folks, Auntie Hel saved us seats.’ He bounded up the aisle.
Laura tottered after him, balancing on her heels. Val followed, nodding and smiling at people as he passed.
Mathis walked slowly up behind them.
Craig was at the top of the aisle, frantically looking backwards every now and then in case Sam had arrived. He looked nervous and flushed: a stereotypical groom-in-waiting. Michael and Anthea were in the front row on the right. The mother-of-the-groom looked demure and wore a huge black hat.
Luca was standing casually by Craig, chatting about something. He laughed loudly and had an air of confidence that was the polar opposite to the groom’s demeanour.
Mathis took a seat next to Colin on the second pew back from the altar. Charlotte, who was in a similar pew on the groom’s side, waved and smiled at him. She looked incredible in a blue dress. Mathis gave himself a mental shaking. There was nothing to worry about. There was no way Luca would look at anyone else with a woman like that. He was just being paranoid because Lydia had been so strange over the past few days. She’d had her period, he knew that. It didn’t bother him, but it seemed to put her off sex. But that had ended days ago and she still wasn’t in the mood. He decided to put it out of his mind.
The string quartet was playing ‘Panis Angelicus’. The flowers on the altar looked really well. White lilies and roses filled silver vases that were placed all over the altar. Garlands were strewn over the altar railing and baptismal font; ivy was wound around the Pascal candle.
Suddenly the music came to a halt and a red-faced Craig stiffened. The lead violinist began the Bridal March and everyone looked around. He could see Lydia at the end of the aisle, her bouquet in her hand. Slowly she began to move, step by step, keeping her gaze fixed on the crucifix that hung over the altar. For a second he couldn’t breathe, she looked so beautiful.
‘This is the only time we’ll see Lyd coming up an aisle,’ whispered Colin loudly. ‘Just saying.’
Mathis ignored him, staring at her as she gracefully passed. He turned back to the altar and suddenly he noticed Luca’s expression. He was staring at Lydia with an intense look on his face and his eyes didn’t leave her for a moment. On and on he stared, his usual relaxed form as straight as a ramrod. Then Mathis looked at Lydia’s face: she was radiant. He looked back at Luca: he was mesmerised.
He watched her move to the side when she reached her destination, shyly glancing at Luca and blushing. He made no attempt to hide his admiration and they gazed at each other.
Mathis glanced around, wondering if anyone else noticed. But all eyes were on the bride and Mark, who were making their way up the church. Samantha’s veil flowed elegantly behind her as she advanced.
Mathis turned back to the altar. Luca and Lydia weren’t looking at the bride like everyone else; they were smiling at each other, sharing a private joke that no one else understood.
Mathis felt something punch him in the stomach. She had never behaved like that around him. She had never giggled and blushed like a love-struck teenager. Although seemingly impossible, what with Charlotte being around and all that, he started to worry that something might be going on. He watched Mark hand Samantha over to Craig. Sandra was openly crying; Anthea looked stricken.
The congregation resumed their seats and the priest blessed the couple. Lydia bent down to arrange Samantha’s veil and he watched Luca’s eyes lazily travel up and down her body. He wanted to kill him. How dare he look at her like that?
The happy couple climbed the steps to the altar, to light their candles. He settled back in his seat, a dull ache in his chest. He needed to talk to Lydia and find out what the hell was going on.
Chapter 30
The quartet got ready to play the recessional. Samantha, joyous now with a gold band on her finger, linked arms with her new husband. Her beaming face glowed as they prepared to walk down the aisle.
The guests stood and clapped as they set off, smiling and nodding at various people as they passed.
Luca and Lydia faced each other awkwardly. They were supposed to walk
down the aisle together. Just like Anthea and Mark, and Sandra and Michael. It was tradition.
‘Are you ready?’ he asked with a grin.
She smiled. ‘Let’s do it.’
He took her arm in his and they turned in the direction of the church entrance. Lydia thought her heart would burst. She was standing next to the man she loved. Nothing felt better. They looked well together; she knew that. She felt high as they moved in unison, smiling and waving at family and friends. Cameras flashed as they passed.
Helen Kelly watched her daughter as she passed. She was no fool. She could see the effect that boy was having on her. She made a mental note to talk to Lydia later. Better to nip it in the bud now. That boy made her crazy.
‘For what it’s worth, you look great today,’ Luca whispered in Lydia’s ear.
She laughed melodiously. ‘You don’t look so bad yourself.’
The sunlight was blinding when they emerged from the church. Lydia shielded her eyes.
‘Line up here, Lyd,’ said Samantha, gesturing to her left. ‘Just smile and say thanks as people pass.’
She took her place next to Craig and Luca sidled in beside her.
‘Craig looks so much better,’ he murmured, smiling and nodding at the guests as they walked by.
‘Really?’ she asked, smiling and nodding herself.
‘He was so nervous, I swear, he nearly hurled in the car.’
‘Sam was so cool and collected. She didn’t even flinch when I stepped on her veil.’
More smiles and nods.
‘Are you nervous about your speech?’ she asked.
He shook his head. ‘Nah. No biggie.’
Mathis arrived. Leaning in, he kissed Lydia full on the lips. She pulled back and pushed him gently away.
‘Mat!’ she whispered. ‘My lipstick!’
‘See you later, Leed,’ he said, nodding curtly to Luca.
Molly passed, smiling and laughing. Then Ollie and Alannah, followed by Sarah, Andy and Baby Seán.
‘Luca, this is my nephew, Seán,’ Lydia said.
‘Hey, little guy,’ he said, letting the baby grasp his finger.
Charlotte came out of nowhere and held out her hand. Lydia shook it gently and was momentarily gobsmacked by how good she looked.
‘You were great up there, fixing her veil,’ Charlotte said, her eyes warm.
‘Thanks,’ answered Lydia, blushing. ‘I did my best.’
‘You look awesome,’ Charlotte continued. ‘I really like your gown.’
Lydia smiled. ‘Thanks a million. Your dress is lovely too.’
‘You’re so sweet to say so!’
Luca clicked his tongue. ‘Can we move things along, ladies? There’s a big line.’
Charlotte moved on to him and kissed his cheek. ‘You’re doing so well, baby,’ she whispered. ‘Practice run, huh?’
Luca felt his throat constrict. ‘Sure thing.’
Tyler waved from his position of about five people back in the line. Gradually, he made his way towards them.
‘Jeez, that ceremony went on so long, man.’ He shook Luca’s hand. ‘Can I kiss the bridesmaid or will you freak out?’
‘What?’ asked Lydia, confused.
‘Luca like, forbade me to hit on you.’ Tyler leaned in and kissed her cheek. ‘Holy shit, you smell so good.’
‘Ty,’ warned Luca. ‘Shut it.’
Lydia felt a warm glow inside.
Helen and Seán approached next.
‘Lyd, darling. You looked so lovely.’ Helen kissed her fondly on the cheek.
‘Beautiful, Lyd,’ agreed her father. ‘I can’t wait to see you coming up an aisle again someday.’
‘Daddy!’ she hissed, mortified.
Luca was looking at her in amusement.
‘Hi, you guys!’ He held out his hand, a warm expression on his face. Lydia’s mom sure was familiar. He recognised her blonde curls and her twinkling eyes.
Helen turned to him and shook his hand coldly. Seán nodded briefly and without a word to him they moved on.
‘What was that about?’ Luca scratched his head in bewilderment.
Lydia looked embarrassed. ‘I’m not quite sure …’
‘Are they pissed with me?’ He looked genuinely upset.
‘I don’t know. Um, I’m not sure …’
Suddenly he twigged. ‘They blame me for fucking up your life, am I right?’ He shook his head. ‘If it weren’t for me, I guess you’d be married to Doctor Perfect by now.’
‘We were both to blame,’ she said quietly. ‘It’s just Dom was like a son to them.’
Her words hurt him far more than he would have expected. It mattered to him what these people thought. It was like he didn’t have a chance to defend himself.
‘Have a nice day,’ he said automatically to guests as they shook hands and passed by.
After a while, the queue of guests mercifully came to an end and the bridal couple posed for photos and mingled with their guests.
Colin insisted on taking selfies at every opportunity.
‘If you photobomb one more photo!’ Samantha looked fierce.
‘Jeez, chill out, Sam. I’m going to make you an album called Sam, Craig and Colin Get Hitched.’ He grinned.
‘I can’t wait,’ she mocked. She turned to Lydia and Luca. ‘Right, I have champagne in the wedding car – do you two want a glass?’
‘As my mother would say: can a duck swim?’ Lydia giggled. ‘I need a drink after all that meeting and greeting.’
In the car Craig popped a bottle of Bollinger. ‘We’re stopping for photos on the way back to Cork, just the wedding party. Will Charlotte be okay?’
Luca came back down to earth. ‘Charlotte? Oh sure, I guess she’ll be fine. Ty will take care of her.’
They stopped at a beach, halfway to Cork. A fresh breeze blew and Lydia shivered when she vacated the car.
‘Are you cold, Lyd?’ asked Luca. ‘Come here, I’ll keep you warm.’ He pulled her to him and rubbed her goose-pimpled arms.
Lydia didn’t mind; in fact, she was delighted. They were bending the rules and it was fun. She knew it would go no further, but the flirting was enjoyable. It was the only day they would have together; Luca would soon be out of her life forever.
Samantha, who was deep in conversation with the photographer, didn’t notice. He was suggesting a shot by the shoreline and she was worried about her heels sinking in the wet sand.
‘Take them off,’ suggested Craig.
Samantha glared at him. Was he insane? She didn’t want sandy feet.
They finally compromised by standing on a flat rock with the ocean in the background. Samantha’s veil billowed out behind her as she smiled for the camera.
‘Beautiful,’ encouraged the photographer, snapping away. ‘Gorgeous.’
Luca reluctantly let Lydia go. ‘I guess we should climb up on that rock too, huh?’
She nodded. ‘We’re about to be summoned anyway.’
They stared at each other.
Samantha had her hands on her hips. ‘Lydia! Luca! Get a move on. I’m freezing!’
The foyer of the hotel was full of guests when they finally arrived. Charlotte made a beeline for Luca immediately.
‘You took so long!’ she exclaimed, kissing him. ‘I was so worried.’
He looked slightly irritated. ‘We had to stop for photos on the way,’ he said.
Lydia stood awkwardly, not sure what to say. Thankfully, Mathis beckoned to her to join him at the bar.
‘Talk to you later,’ she said to Luca and Charlotte and walked away.
‘Lyd!’ called Luca and she stopped.
‘Yeah?’
He paused. He didn’t want her to leave, but he couldn’t say it. ‘See you at dinner.’
Charlotte frowned. She observed Lydia’s flushed face and Luca seemed agitated.
‘Let’s go upstairs and freshen up,’ she suggested, looking at him from under her lashes, her intentions clear.
‘S
ure, honey, I –’
Craig thrust a glass of champagne into his hand. ‘Come over here – you must meet Aunt Mary.’ He dragged him away.
Charlotte sighed. He seemed so distant. She was still tired from the journey to Ireland. She made a mental note to get her iron levels checked. Work had been hectic up to her departure and it seemed impossible to catch up.
Molly appeared holding a champagne glass. ‘Hello! You must be Charlotte,’ she said warmly. ‘I’m Molly, Lydia’s younger sister.’
‘Hello,’ said Charlotte, smiling.
‘Why don’t you come and join us? Weddings are tough when you don’t know that many people.’
‘If you’re sure …’
‘Of course – come on!’ She walked towards her family who were sitting by the window of the bar.
‘Mum, Dad, this is Charlotte. She’s American.’ Molly grabbed a smoked salmon blini off a passing tray.
‘Hi, there,’ said Charlotte shyly.
Ollie stepped forward. ‘Hi, I’m Ollie.’ He held out his hand for Charlotte to shake. ‘Good to meet you.’
‘Hello,” said Charlotte, smiling.
‘I’m Alannah,’ said the petite girl by his side.
‘Hello,’ repeated Charlotte. ‘That’s a pretty name.’
‘Thanks,’ she answered.
‘Bride or groom?’ asked Seán, gesturing for Charlotte to sit down.