The Wedding Murders by Sarah Linley

Author:Sarah Linley [Linley, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008495824
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Chapter Thirty-Six

Libby

Libby went to the ladies’ while Peter went to charm the receptionist into handing over the key to Natalya’s room. As she sat in the stall, she heard the toilets flush and a couple of women gossiping while they washed their hands.

‘Vicky’s certainly done very well for herself, getting her claws into Daniel. He must be worth a fair bit.’

‘Not to mention good-looking. I wouldn’t kick him out of bed.’

‘From what I’ve heard, he probably wouldn’t turn you down,’ the other woman said in a loud stage whisper. There was a tinkle of malicious laughter and a shuffle of dresses being adjusted. Libby peeked at their footwear, trying to work out who was talking, but she didn’t recognise the shoes.

‘I’m surprised there aren’t more photographers hanging about. You’d think Daniel would want them to cover his wedding. He’d do anything for a headline.’

‘I heard they tried to sell the rights, and no one would pay!’ They laughed cattily before the door slammed behind them.

The women had gone by the time Libby came out of the cubicle. She washed her hands before checking her make-up in the mirror. Being at this wedding was like being back at school, with all the cool kids in their cliques bitching about everyone else. Ryan had been one of the cool kids. He had never showed her any attention until the night of that Year 13 house party when, fuelled by alcohol and egged on by his friends, he had asked her if she wanted a drink. Her face burned with embarrassment when she thought about how naïve she had been. She had really thought he liked her.

One of the stalls opened and Vicky stepped out. Her eyes were puffy and red, but she held her head high as she approached the basins. Libby swallowed hard. Had she heard those women talking about her? She must have done.

‘Can I borrow your mascara?’ Vicky asked. ‘They don’t make these dresses with pockets.’

‘They should.’ Libby said, rummaging in her make-up bag and retrieving the old unbranded mascara that she hardly ever used.

‘Are you OK?’ she said, handing it over.

‘I’m fine. I’ve heard much worse, believe me.’

Libby slipped off her heels and started sponging the satin with a wet hand-towel. The mud was coming off, but it had stained the fabric. Another pair of shoes ruined. She had nothing else to change into, apart from her biker boots or muddy trainers, and Matthew would never forgive her if she turned up to the reception in those. She would have to wear the stained shoes and hope nobody noticed.

Vicky handed her back the mascara. ‘How do I look?’

‘Beautiful,’ Libby said honestly.

Vicky shook her hair out and inspected herself in the mirror. ‘Toothpaste.’

‘I’m sorry… what?’

Vicky nodded at Libby’s shoes. ‘Toothpaste. It works wonders on stains. When you have kids like mine, you learn about how to deal with all sorts. Mud. Blood. Chewing gum. The lot. You should check out my blog.’

‘Thanks, I will.’ Libby hesitated, wondering whether she should bring the subject up, but not wanting to pass up on the opportunity.

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