Page 20 of Once Bitten, Twice Fried
“Let’s get married. Next September.”
Zoe stared at him with wide eyes.
“You. Me. Our family. Some friends. A small wedding at my family house in the countryside, why don’t we?”
Zoe chewed on her piece of toast longer than she meant to. But she was speechless. What was she supposed to answer? She had no clue. She’d wanted this wedding to be planned for such a long time and now that it was happening, she had no idea what to say. Tom’s pleading look was making it so hard. She couldn’t say no. Why would she say no? She wanted to marry him. He wanted to marry her.
“I have some events planned in September.” Zoe knew this wasn’t an answer.
“It’s alright, we’ll work around them. Small wedding, remember?”
Zoe nodded.
Tom took her hand. “I love you and I want to marry you. I know I haven’t been around much in the past few months, but now I feel like it’s the right time.”
“You’re right.” She swallowed.Let’s get this over with. The thought was lingering at the back of her head. It was so wrong, but she couldn’t help it.
“Brilliant! We don’t have to decide on the exact date now, I already contacted some wedding people to see their availability. I’ll send you everything. Maybe you can take a look at it when you have some down time in Belgium?”
“That’s a great idea.” And because she didn’t know what else to say, Zoe added: “Thanks, Tom. You’re wonderful.” She leaned over and kissed him. Tom pulled her closer, his hands around her waist. As her hands stroked his face, she couldn’t help but think of the hen do in a few days, and who might be waiting for her in Belgium.
Chapter 10
The park was filled with high school students on lunch break. Julie wouldn’t mind it if some of them weren’t insisting on playing basketball right next to the bench where she was sitting.
“Hey! Be careful with that!” Claire exclaimed when the ball startled her and bounced right at her feet.
The teenagers stared at the two women as if they were alien invaders. Julie knew that they were in high-schooler territory and that all arguing was pointless. She avoided making eye contact with them. Claire tried to win the staring contest with a death glare, but Julie elbowed her.
“Leave it, Claire. We’re in our thirties. We’re like elderly ladies to them. They won’t respect us.”
“Kids these days!” Claire shook her head.
“Be careful! You’re going to hit the old ladies again!” One of the teenagers yelled at his friend who was holding the ball.
Julie looked at Claire. “See? That’s what I was trying to tell you.”
“Oh god. You were right.” Claire looked like the words physically hurt her. “Do you want to go for a walk? I’m done with my lunch anyway.”
Julie nodded and they both stood up, walking away from the lawless teens.
“What are your plans this weekend?” Claire asked, balling up her paper lunch bag and tossing it into a nearby bin.
“Yasmine’s hen do is starting tonight and will last the entire weekend.”
Claire’s eyes widened. “Is whatsherface going to be there?”
Julie didn’t want to answer that question, because she knew Claire would make it a thing. But she needed to hear what Claire had to say about it. “Yes, Zoe will be there.”
“Oh god, Julie. You’re living on the edge. How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling fine. It’s alright.”
Claire stopped walking and put her hands on her hips. “How are youreallyfeeling?”
Julie panicked. “I’m feeling like a mess. I don’t know how but I managed to become absolutely obsessed with her. I can’t stop thinking about what she’ll look like, what it’s going to be like to talk to her again.”
“Oh, Julie. That’s so cute. But also terrible. Did you manage to get a date for the wedding?”
