Page 10 of The Last Saturday In July
She filled him in. ‘What’s your quietest time between now and the celebrity wedding?’
‘Let’s see.’ Ian hummed to himself as he tapped away at a keyboard. ‘How about the second last week of the month? That would suit ourselves.’
Jess thought for a moment. Ideally, she’d prefer to get it done sooner but, after the embarrassing phone incident, she was keen to stay on the right side of Ian Finnegan.
‘That’ll give me plenty of time,’ she said.
‘Grand, you let me know if there’s anything I can do.’
After Jess hung up, she messaged Zoe.You free the week after next for a day’s work?
Details?Zoe messaged back.
A wedding shoot at Linford Castle for the marketing campaign. But you’ll need some help, it’s a big job.
Send me the spec. Finn just called in. Talk soon.
Jess was glad she hadn’t rung her. She might have been tempted to say something bitchy about Zoe’s boyfriend. He’d probably dropped by to borrow money. At twenty-eight, Finn Murphy was a struggling dancer and performance artist, and was permanently broke.
Her mobile rang, and Jess cheered up as she saw Moira Bradley’s name flash up on the screen.
‘Nana, how are things?’
‘Fine, dear. I’m about to head out to my sculpture class so I won’t delay. I rang to say I was talking to your mother, and I heard you’ve too many people coming to your wedding – so, if you need to, you can leave me out.’
Jess tried to think. She’d only been talking to Úna last night. Had Úna rung her mother since then? ‘Nana, you must be confused, of course you’re coming.’
‘I may be eighty-two, dear, but I have all my marbles and I’m never confused.’
Jess grinned. Her dad’s mother was her last remaininggrandparent. She lived on her own on the outskirts of Wicklow town and had always been strong-willed. The last thing Jess needed was her to dig her heels in over the wedding.
‘Nana, you’re at the top table, remember? I won’t get married without you there.’
Moira chuckled. ‘I was hoping you’d say that. Now, when are you coming to see me? I have a new bust.’
‘What?’
‘A sculpture, Jess, of our art teacher. My best so far. Mind you, he’s very easy to look at and he’s recently divorced. Mid-fifties, so probably a bit young for me, but I can look all I like.’
She giggled and Jess giggled too. She and Zoe were Moira’s only grandchildren, and they’d always been close.
‘I’ll come out after work some evening next week.’ There was almost no point trying to arrange to call at the weekend. Moira had a social life that rivalled her own.
‘Good. I’ll send you a text and let you know what evenings suit. Love you.’
Moira hung up, and Jess spotted a WhatsApp from Simon.David arriving this week. Told him we’d meet him for a quiet drink.Jess smiled and sent a couple of drinks emojis. David was Simon’s oldest friend and best man for the wedding. Having lived in London for the past four years, he was moving home. Most importantly, he was single and, as far as Jess was concerned, his first job was to meet the bridesmaid.
Jess started to slump around 4 o’clock. She clicked out of the proposal she was writing, to check her emails. There was one from Kate, reminding her about Luke’s tenth birthday party at the weekend. She’d promised to help out at a kids’ adventure centre. There was also one from Úna, with the subject lineVeil suggestions and drinks after dinner.With a small sigh, she opened it.
Jess, there’s a lovely wedding shop in Dalkey village which stocks a very select line of veils. The owner Cora and I play bridge together, so if you’d prefer I didn’t accompany you, do mention me.
Oh God, maybe it would just be easier to wear a veil, and to ask Úna to help her choose one. Except at this rate she wouldn’t get to make a single decision by herself about her wedding day. And she didn’t want to wear a stupid veil.Jess read the next bit.
On a separate note, I wonder should we ask the hotel to offer brandy and port at the tables after the meal? Do let me know ASAP. Úna
Jess frowned. Did people still drink brandy and port after dinner? It seemed weirdly formal and old-fashioned, but she didn’t want to offend Úna, and it was probably better to give in on something.The drinks suggestions sound great. Will you let the banqueting manager know, or will I? Jess.After a moment, she decided to add anxafter her name. Úna never included kisses in texts or emails, but Jess figured she should make an effort now she was joining the family. She hit send, then slid open the top drawer of her desk and took out a Mars bar. Time for a coffee.
Jess was nearly out the door when the office line rang.
