The Bridesmaid by Nina Manning

Author:Nina Manning [Manning, Nina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2021-05-26T16:00:00+00:00

15

London, July 2009

Two months until the wedding

I meet Caitlin at the wedding dress shop at 4 p.m. as we have arranged. Of course, she’s late – fashionably or not, I will never know. She has become so secretive and quiet these last few months, and after everything that Ava has told me about the extra mystery guest, I am feeling more and more detached from her.

I am beeped into the shop and sit down on the grand white sofa. I kick off my pumps and receive the complimentary glass of champagne from Wendy, the shop owner and dress consultant, whose hair is perfectly coiffed into a high-set style. She is wearing a beige suit jacket and skirt; the jacket cinched in at the waist giving her an air of 1950s elegance.

I like the idea of holding a glass of champagne under the circumstances, but I know I will only have a few sips. Champagne never brings me feelings of joy or celebration because of how I was first introduced to it.

I take three or four sips and feel the bubbles working their way into my system. The shop door squeaks open and Caitlin appears in the doorway. She looks into the room at first as though she has looked straight through me and hasn’t seen me at all. Then she seems to come to and walks over and stands in front of me. She’s wearing her uniform of black pencil skirt and cream blouse tucked in. I miss the old Caitlin who would wear anything and not care what people thought. She has become so conservative.

‘Right, what are we doing then?’ She flops down on the sofa next to me and rubs her head, as if she has the beginning of a migraine coming on. I pat her on the leg. I know I must do the very best for her as her bridesmaid; this is my gift to her. It has to mean something. I want her to remember me like this after it all.

‘Come on, it’s your wedding, we need to get you focused. Today it’s the choosing of the dress! This is an exciting, monumental day. Then after this, it’s fresh air and water for every meal.’ I joke but I know that Caitlin has lost a significant amount of weight recently; whether it’s intentional, I don’t know.

‘I thought I heard voices. Hi! I’m Wendy. Can I presume this is the bride?’ Wendy hands Caitlin another glass of champagne.

‘You can presume and you would be correct.’ Caitlin takes the glass from Wendy and swallows the amber liquid in two gulps. I watch as Wendy looks on with half horror, half intrigue.

‘Well, hopefully that’s loosened you up a bit. Now let’s find you that dress!’ She lets out a hollow laugh.

Caitlin stands up and follows Wendy through a white door. I pick up our bags and follow behind. We come out into a large circular suite with rails of dresses all around the edges. I’m surprised it’s me

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