by Katie Ginger
‘No.’ Nell’s cheeks began to burn, and she turned her attention back to the bubbling prosecco in her hands.
‘Yes, you were.’
‘Wasn’t.’
‘Was too.’
Nell met her eye and it twinkled with the excitement of the day. ‘Maybe a bit, but I couldn’t help it. It just popped into my head.’
‘You know that film off by heart and every other romcom ever made. Oh look, they’re coming back. Mum’s giving me the death stare for being in mismatched bra and pants. I bet she says something. Just wait.’
Brenda tottered after the assistant who had a number of exquisite dresses over her arm. From Nell’s position, she could see a pale rose-pink, floor-length 1930s gown with beading on the top and a long skirt of some wafer-thin material that floated as she walked towards them. At the bottom of the pile, there was a gorgeous 1950s ivory tea dress made of a heavily laced white fabric, complete with petticoat. Judging by the way Cat’s eyes brightened as she craned her neck to see, Nell had a feeling that was the one she would go for.
The sales assistant hung the dresses on the hooks around the wide dressing room. ‘I’ve double checked, and these are all available within your tight timescale. Which one shall we try first?’
They were all beautiful and totally different to the fairy-tale gown Cat had just tried on, and to the plain fishtail halter-neck before that, and to the one before that Brenda had insisted on which had long sleeves and looked like it should come with a wimple. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t suit Cat’s petite frame in the least and she looked like she was off to play Maid Marian. But it hadn’t been as bad as the other one Brenda had made her try on which was wider than the three of them put together and made Cat look like one of those old-fashioned fairy toilet roll covers.
‘That one,’ said Cat, pointing to the 1950s tea dress, gravitating towards it. ‘It’s gorgeous.’ The soft, lacy fabric slid through her fingers. She was captivated and Nell felt her chest burn with excitement.
Nell shuffled out of the room to give Cat some privacy but couldn’t help hearing Brenda whispering, ‘I told you to wear matching underwear, Catherine. Surely you have some?’
Cat mouthed the words ‘I told you so’ at Nell as Brenda stepped out of the assistant’s way and the curtain was closed in front of them. Nell had to bite her lip to stop the laughter escaping.
Moments later, Cat appeared in the dress and high heels the assistant had provided her with earlier. She skipped onto the platform and her face was aglow with joy. Just from the way she held herself, shoulders back and head held high, Nell could see this was the dress for her. She waited for Cat to speak.
‘This is it. This is the one. I love it.’ Her eyes were misting. ‘It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect!’
Nell felt tears sting her eyes and she and Cat looked at each other. ‘You look so beautiful, Cat. And I love it with your pink hair. You look amazing. Oh, come here.’ Nell ran forwards and Cat hopped off the pedestal to hug her best friend, both of them laughing and crying and fluttering their eyelashes to try and stop the tears from ruining their mascara.
‘She does look beautiful, doesn’t she?’ said the assistant enjoying the moment as much as the two best friends. Nell backed away from Cat and retook her position in the centre of the room to look at the dress again, while Cat’s gaze shifted to her mum.
Brenda’s fingers were pressed to her lips, but it was impossible to decipher what her expression meant. ‘It’s very nice, Cat, but don’t you think it’s more the type of thing someone would wear to a registry office wedding?’
‘So? What’s wrong with a registry office wedding?’ asked Cat. ‘If that’s what someone wants for their day, then they should have it and get hitched wearing whatever dress they want.’
‘Yes, but it’s not quite as …’ She searched for the right word. ‘Glamorous. Can’t you try on that ruffled one again?’
‘The last one?’ Cat asked, her voice tightening a little.
‘Yes. I mean if you insist on that 1950s one, we can just get you something like that from a normal shop. Those sorts of dresses are everywhere. But that beautiful gown you just tried on made you look so much taller—’
Nell saw her chance to step in. ‘I think the massive heels were doing that more than the dress, Brenda.’
‘Thank you, Nell. Have you told the assistant here that Holly Lodge is hosting weddings? They might be able to stock some business cards for you or something.’
‘Oh yes, Nell’s already been touch,’ the assistant replied.
Nell resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at Brenda. ‘The Love Heart Boutique are coming to the wedding fair I’m hosting, aren’t you?’
The sales assistant nodded.
Somehow, Brenda managed to speak through her gritted teeth. ‘Well, why don’t you go and talk to them about it?’
‘We can chat later, can’t we?’ Nell replied, eager to stay by Cat’s side. As much as she wanted to promote her business, she could do that after she’d dealt with this. Right now, she was too worried about where this conversation was heading. She wanted to be there for Cat for moral support. While she didn’t particularly love the idea of being on Brenda’s bad side – no one wanted to be, but a lot of people ended up there without doing very much at all – Cat was her best friend and the most important thing was that she came away from today with the dress she adored for that all-important moment when she pledged her life and love to another human being.
‘The thing is, Catherine,’ Brenda continued. ‘This is your wedding day, not just a party. You’ll only get this opportunity once—’
‘I know what you mean, Brenda, but isn’t that exactly why Cat should wear the dress she wants?’ Brenda’s jaw tightened as if she was biting back her next sentence. Her evil eyes bored into Nell, but Nell stayed firm. ‘I think Cat wants to be comfortable as well as look nice and this dress ticks all the boxes for Cat. Plus, she looks so elegant and drop-dead gorgeous, but still herself.’
Brenda ignored Nell again. ‘As I was saying, Catherine, you’ll only get this opportunity once. This is the one and only chance you’ll get to look so beautiful.’
Nell’s jaw nearly fell open and she could see the effect this thoughtless comment had on Cat. Her head suddenly dropped to study the hem of the skirt that she touched gently with her fingertips, caressing the fabric. Nell was just opening her mouth to defend Cat when Brenda continued. ‘And as your father and I are paying for the dress, I’d just really like you to try it on one more time and give it a second chance. Please?’
There was a slight wheedling tone to Brenda’s voice that grated, and Nell was just about to risk Brenda’s absolute displeasure by speaking up again, when to her horror, Cat slumped and, with a quiet sigh, agreed. ‘Okay, Mum.’
‘I’ll help her get changed,’ said Nell, dashing into the changing room and pulling the curtain closed behind her. ‘Are you okay?’ she whispered. Cat’s face had lost its glow. ‘If you want that dress you should have it. Do you want me to tell your mum for you?’
‘I’m not sure,’ Cat replied. ‘Maybe Mum’s right. This is my big day and I could wear a dress like that to a party. Well, not that colour or that fancy—’
‘So not actually that dress then.’
‘No. But you know what I mean.’
‘But your face. Cat, when you put that dress on, you really loved it. I could see it in your eyes. It was like it was made for you. Are you sure you want to try that other one on? Wouldn’t it be easier to just tell your mum now that it’s not what you want? She might get the hump, but she’s got time to get over it.’
‘I’m going to think about it for a bit. I don’t have to buy a dress today. I know I haven’t got much time, but I can sleep on it and ring them tomorrow.’ Cat’s voice became stronger as if she was convincing herself.
‘Okay. If you’re sure.’ Not wanting to push her, or ruin a day that should be fun, Nell didn’t argue – she was seeing Cat again tomorrow,
along with Kieran and her other best friend, Tom, for a drink at the hotel. Instead, she held out Cat’s glass for her and she downed the contents. ‘Do you want another one?’
‘Yes, please,’ said Cat. ‘I think I’m going to need it.’
Nell backed out of the changing room, a heavy feeling settling on her shoulders. The change she’d just seen in her friend was astounding. She’d always been one to stand up for herself and say it straight. Hopefully, it was just a case of Cat wanting to find the right words to explain to her mum what she wanted. But as Nell knew all too well, when money was involved, life suddenly got a lot more complicated.
Chapter 2
Nell delivered a tray of drinks to the table. A lager each for Kieran and Tom, a gin and tonic for Cat and a tea for her as she was on duty. The prosecco they’d consumed yesterday had hit her mid-afternoon and she’d had to have a nap before Zoe, who covered reception for her, had left. She didn’t drink very much normally, and the bubbles had left her mind and body dulled this morning. With no guests to bother her, Nell had pottered around, ensuring the place was ready for any walk-ins and had then focused on the wedding brochure she was creating.
The day had passed slowly but now Nell and her friends were snuggled into the comfortable velvet armchairs in the lounge, the heat from the open fire burning fiercely in the large fireplace warmed the room. She pulled a thick, woollen blanket over her knees as the wind whipped around the building. Even though she was wearing her favourite enormous Seventies-style flared jeans and a big jumper, she was still a bit chilly.
Holly Lodge had been Nell’s home since she was eight years old when her parents had opened the hotel. When they’d decided to move down to Devon and open a second hotel two years ago, Nell had jumped at the chance to take over and now lived in the basement flat of Holly Lodge, next to the kitchens. Above her were four more floors; the ground floor, where they were now, was home to the dining room, and then each of the floors above had three bedrooms. Running the lodge was more than just a job to Nell: it was a way of life. Working every hour of every day was a passion, one that none of her previous boyfriends had understood. Though that passion had been tested over the last few months when everything had felt like an uphill struggle, she’d stayed focused and positive hoping the slump would pass.
A converted Victorian townhouse, Holly Lodge had the most perfect setting on the seafront. It was called Holly Lodge rather than Pebble House or something more seasidey because of the tall holly hedges that surrounded it. It could have been imposing, but the large iron gate was always pinned back, held by bright flower pots, and the sweet stone path that led to a ramp up to the front door was also lined with flowers – all of which combined to feel homely and welcoming.
Inside, she’d made the place her own since taking over. The walls were painted in heritage colours of sage-green and subtle shades of blue with a few lavenders here and there, but to add a more modern, luxurious feel, the Chesterfield sofas and wingback chairs in the lounge were mustard-coloured velvet or a bright teal covered in blankets and scatter cushions to make the guests more comfortable. Against the period features of grand fireplaces and decorative plaster mouldings this boldness worked, giving a luxurious and sumptuous feel. Where the large arced iron gate interrupted the hedge, Nell could see out to the beach where a high tide railed against the wind. It thrashed the sea, producing high white waves, and the gale shook the bright red berries nestled in the boxy hedge of prickly holly.
‘So how was dress shopping yesterday?’ asked Kieran as they sat by the wide sash window at the front of the house. The rain hadn’t stopped since yesterday and the drops drummed on the pane, racing each other down.
‘You can’t ask that,’ said Tom, taking a sip of his drink. ‘The dress is secret, isn’t it?’
Cat glanced at Nell before snuggling further into Kieran’s side. Kieran grinned down at her and squeezed her tight. His tall, sturdy frame filled most of the sofa; he and tiny, petite Cat, made an odd but endearing couple. She reached her head up and he gave her a gentle kiss. They were so adorable together, a real case of true love. Like when Mark Darcy and Bridget Jones kissed at the end of Bridget Jones’s Diary. God, Nell loved that film. She might have to watch it tonight. With the hotel empty and no need to get up for breakfast in the morning, it didn’t matter if she was slightly late to bed. When she looked up, she was surprised to see Tom watching her, but he looked away when she caught him. Maybe he was hoping for a hint from her about the dress.
‘I think I know which dress I’m going to go for,’ Cat said.
‘Which one?’ asked Nell, hoping it was the vintage tea dress and not the princess gown Cat had described as like being in a back brace. ‘It’s not the one with a wimple, is it?’
‘A wimple?’ cried Kieran, looking alarmed.
‘Shush!’ Cat motioned for Nell to be quiet then jabbed a finger playfully into Kieran’s ribs. ‘I can’t tell you now in front of him.’
Nell scratched her head and some of her hair caught in the large chunky ring she was wearing. ‘Ow!’ She unwrapped the hair and Tom leaned over to help. When she was free and he’d sat back down, she said, ‘Okay, but you have to tell me before you leave tonight.’
‘Whatever she wears she’s going to look absolutely stunning,’ Kieran said, earning himself another kiss.
Tom shook his head. ‘Nice recovery. But can you two love birds cut it out? You can snog at home. How’s the wedding fair coming along, Nell?’
As Nell turned and looked at him in the soft orange light from the fire, she couldn’t believe he hadn’t found The One yet like Kieran and Cat had. Tom was so warm and friendly and had grown into a really handsome man. His dark blond hair had been not exactly long, but definitely floppy, since they’d met at uni and though a lot of men would look weird with it now, it still suited Tom. Nell hoped it wouldn’t be long till he found someone. She didn’t like the thought of him being lonely or sad. He was too lovely for that. Nell knew that when she found The One it would be a moment she’d never forget. Love at first sight. Or at least a stirring in her heart like a thousand violins all playing to a crescendo; a choir of angels singing in her soul. She suddenly imagined a gorgeous man unexpectedly walking into her hotel needing a room and there it would be – the music, the feeling – the beginning of something special.
‘Nell?’ Tom asked again.
‘What? Oh, yes the wedding fair—’
‘She was in a daydream again,’ said Cat, teasingly. ‘What was it this time? An airport chase scene or fireside lovemaking?’
‘Actually, I was thinking about my to-do list,’ Nell lied, fiercely pulling herself back and focusing her mind on the enormous list that filled an entire sheet of A4 paper currently sitting on her bedside table. It wasn’t that Nell wasn’t interested in what Tom or other people had to say, it was simply that she couldn’t stop her mind from dragging her off to somewhere else. She’d always been this way, imagining things, picturing them in her mind. Her mum had told her you made things happen by visualising them in your head first. She and her dad had done exactly that with their dreams to open Holly Lodge and it had worked for them. And it didn’t do anyone any harm, did it?
‘What’s left to do?’ asked Tom.
‘I’ve got all the slots filled now, thanks to another caterer the assistant at The Love Heart Boutique told me about, and with just over a month to go, I think that’s pretty good. For the brochure, it’s just dressing the place and taking some photos, which I plan to do tomorrow.’
‘That’s brilliant.’
Tom had always been incredibly supportive of her ambition to run a boutique bed and breakfast and his support had only grown when times had become tougher with the opening of the Langdon Mansion Hotel. Both Cat and Tom had tried to get her to go and visit to scope out her competition, but Nell had refused. At first, she’d believed the opening of the hotel could only mean good things for her and Swallowtail Bay. For a big hotel chain to develop here it meant people
wanted to visit and stay in the bay. They were becoming a tourist hotspot. Surely some of those people would want to stay somewhere smaller, maybe a bit chicer and more personal. Nell had truly believed they wouldn’t be in competition, but that they’d support each other, recommending the other when their own place was full. As the year had passed and her bookings had dropped off, she’d told herself, while watching adverts for the posh hotel appear on TV, that if she believed in herself it would all be okay, the slump would pass. She’d thought that the chic, boutique feel and top-quality service she offered at Holly Lodge would be more than enough. Unfortunately, as her place remained resolutely empty, she’d been proved wrong. But on a positive note, it had given her the push to start the wedding business.
‘I’m really excited about it,’ Nell said, hoping they were still talking about the wedding fair. ‘It’s going to be just the thing to get me back on track. I don’t expect I’ll get any bookings on the day, but if I get some enquiries and can show people what we have to offer, I’m sure something good will come of it next wedding season.’
‘We’ll be here,’ said Cat, sitting up to sip her drink, but threading her hand into Kieran’s so they were still connected. ‘We’ll be telling everyone how fab you are.’
Nell hugged her tea close to her, enjoying the warmth of it beneath her fingertips. ‘I’m sure that if I do weddings and combine them with the dinner idea Tom and I have been working on, next year is going to be better.’
‘What dinner idea?’ asked Cat.
‘We’ve been talking about opening up the dining room of an evening as a restaurant. I’m just trying to work out what food I’d offer and how much to charge.’ She looked over to the large dining room adjacent to the lounge.
The rooms were separated by bi-fold doors that she could push back so everything became open plan. The dining room was big enough to seat around fifty people on the different dark wood tables, but there were still lots of sums to do before she could say for certain it was a workable solution. She felt it was, but as a businesswoman she had to do the maths too. As much as she loved a daydream, she couldn’t do that when it came to running the hotel. What she really needed right now were more room bookings. Swallowtail Bay always slowed down in the winter season and normally, what she made in the summer would carry her through this quieter time, but with bookings being down all year, she needed to come up with something else to bring people in.