Page 77 of Tessa Cavendish Is Getting Married
“Over here,” she said, waving her arm in the air.
Seeing that Mum, Dad, Sal, and Ryan were already seated and waiting, Leo and I made our way over.
Leo squeezed my hand as we walked. “Here’s to a great evening,” he said and as the Cavendishes stood up to greet us, it was hugging all round before my and Leo’s bums got anywhere near a chair.
“No India?” I asked.
“Ryan’s parents have taken her to the cinema,” Sal said.
Having already ordered drinks, Dad poured us a glass of wine, while Mum checked her watch. “Someone’s running late,” she said.
I flashed her a look.
“I’m just saying. Leo’s parents are new in town. For all anyone knows they could have got lost.”
Refusing to let my nerves get the better of me, I told myself to calm down and that Mum had a point.
“Is there anything you can tell us about your parents before they get here, Leo?” Mum asked. “I’m thinking if we have something in common, that might make the conversation flow a bit easier.”
“Hopefully, Bill will be a fellow golfer, eh, Ed?” Ryan said. “You can compare drivers and putters and whatever else yousportytypes use.”
While Mum’s twitch kicked in, I didn’t think I’d ever seen Dad so uncomfortable.
“The food here looks good,” Mum said. Grabbing a couple of menus, she passed one to Dad. “Doesn’t it, Edward?”
Watching them, the rest of us tried not to laugh. I shook my head at Ryan’s naughtiness.
“It certainly does,” Dad said. Following Mum’s lead, he scanned the meal choices.
It was obvious to everyone at the table that Dad knew as little about the game as the rest of us and seeing his discomfort, I felt sorry for him. In my view, he should’ve just owned up to being a trainspotter. As hobbies go, his might not have been the coolest of choices but he shouldn’t let Mum railroad him into silence simply to save her embarrassment. Then again, I supposed the woman was an expert. No matter my protests, she’d found a way to railroad me too.
With his eyes on the door, Leo’s smile grew. “Looks like they’re here.” He waved to his parents as they entered the restaurant.
I almost failed to recognise my future in-laws. They’d been transformed. Unlike the country bumpkins I’d first met, Bill and Grace appeared distinguished. Bill’s hair had been tamed with Brylcreem, and he wore his suit, shirt, and tie well. Combining classic and contemporary, Grace’s royal blue dress was stunning. With its midi hemline and a statement tie belt that emphasised her waist, the woman oozed style. Her perfect make-up and effortless wispy chignon finished the ensemble perfectly.
Clearly thinking the same thing when it came to Grace, Dad’s eyes lit up before Mum gave him a scowl and a nudge that quickly brought him back into line.
Clocking our parents’ interaction, Sal laughed, while I cringed, hoping it wasn’t a sign of things to come. The Cavendishes could beinterestingwhen they wanted to be and although they were good people at heart, they didn’t always do themselves justice. Come the end of the night I only hoped Grace and Bill weren’t left wondering what kind of family their son was marrying into.
We all rose to our feet as my future in-laws neared and Leo introduced everyone one by one.
“Sorry we’re late,” Bill said. “You can blame this one.” He indicated his wife.
“Cheeky.” Grace turned her attention to the group. “It’s been so long since we’ve had an evening out, I’d forgotten how long it takes to get ready.”
Bill turned to the rest of us. “Plus, she insisted we stop off for a drink on the way.”
Grace threw her husband a look. “Well, we’re here now and it’s lovely to meet you all, at last.”
As everyone sat down, Bill turned to Leo and discreetly mouthed an apology.
“Can you believe these two are finally getting married?” Grace said to Mum.
“I know. Isn’t it exciting?” Mum replied.
“We’re really looking forward to Tess joining our family,” Grace said.
I felt myself blush.
