Page 64 of Our Secrets and Lies

‘We wanted white, but that was all we could get at such short notice,’ Lucy said.

‘Once you turn down themain lights and there’s just the candles it won’t be quite so pink,’ Sarah said.

‘To be fair, guys, I thought this was a really stupid idea, but the salon has been transformed. It looks fantastic.’ Jenny was impressed.

‘Shannon and Kelly have been a huge help,’ Lucy said. ‘We’d never have got it ready without them.’

Kelly came out of the back room carrying a tray of coffees. ‘I thought youcould use a break,’ she said.

‘Oh, you little star,’ Sarah said. ‘I need one of these badly.’

Lucy smiled at her daughter. ‘Thanks, sweetheart, perfect timing.’

They sat down in the decorated kitchen chairs and sipped their drinks.

‘Right, if you don’t need us any more, I’ll be happy to get paid now,’ Shannon said. ‘I want to get those new boots today.’

Lucy opened her wallet. ‘You’ve earnedit, girls. There you go.’

‘I can stay if you need more help?’ Kelly said.

‘Come on, you bloody martyr. Let’s get out of here before they ask us to clean the loo or something.’ Shannon tugged at Kelly’s arm.

Lucy laughed. ‘Go off with Shannon and treat yourself. You deserve it.’

As the girls left, Debbie and Kerrie appeared. They stood on the threshold, their eyes wide.

‘Wow!’ Debbie said.‘Look what you’ve done!’

‘Oh, my God, it looks fantastic,’ said Kerrie, who was already in tears.

‘Sorry about all the pink,’ Lucy said, ‘but they had no white tulle left.’

‘Pink is Kerrie’s favourite colour! We love it!’

‘So who wants to be transformed into a goddess first?’ Jenny asked.

‘Me, please!’ Debbie laughed. ‘I’ll need the most trowel work.’

‘Excuse me, I’m an artist, not a plasterer,’Jenny said, pretending to be insulted.

The two brides laughed.

‘Of course, I beg your pardon,’ Debbie said, bowing to her. ‘Just don’t do one of those subtle, natural looks – I want to be transformed.’

‘I’ll do your hair, Kerrie, while she’s getting her make-up done.’ Sarah led Kerrie over to the basin and got her sitting comfortably.

An hour and a half later, the two brides were beautifullymade-up, coiffed and dressed in their matching cream trouser suits.

‘If I say so myself, you look sensational,’ Jenny said.

‘Gorgeous,’ Sarah added.

‘Just stunning.’ Lucy smiled. ‘And I can see the photographer pulling up outside, which is perfect timing. We can get the first shot of you two as brides.’

‘Thanks, guys, you’ve been incredible. I’ve never looked this good in my life.’ Kerriebeamed.

‘Today started so badly,’ Debbie said, her lip quivering. ‘I was so upset when we got the news about the restaurant. All I want to do is marry this amazing woman. But you turned it around for us, Lucy. You’re a force for good in the world, you really are.’ She grabbed Lucy in a tight hug.

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