Page 27 of The Last Saturday In July
‘I’m not sure, Nana.’
‘There’s always hope. Maybe we should get a table right near the front, Tom.’
Tom shook his head. ‘Mum, behave yourself.’
Jess grinned and caught Simon’s eye, as he pushed his glasses firmly onto his nose.
‘Shall I get some drinks?’
‘I’ll give you a hand, Simon.’ Tom turned to Moira. ‘Mum, will you be all right? Why don’t you sit down?’
Moira waved him away. ‘I’ll be fine. Pink gin and lemonade for me, please. All the trimmings.’
Simon looked relieved as he and Tom went to the bar.
Moira put her hand on Kate’s arm. ‘How is Luke?’ Without waiting for her to answer, she added, ‘And what about this best man of Simon’s? Jess was telling me he’s single and he’s returning to Dublin. Have you met him yet? Is he handsome?’
‘Kate hasn’t met him yet, but I can tell you he’s lovely,’ Jess said.
Kate turned all her attention on Moira, ignoring the question about David but chatting warmly to her about Luke for the next few minutes.
Zoe joined them, her blonde hair in a messy topknot, cameras slung around her neck.
‘Thanks for coming, girls. Hi, Nana.’ She kissed her on the cheek, taking care the cameras didn’t bump her.
Simon and Tom came back with drinks.
‘Hello, love, you’re looking very professional.’ Tom grinned at Zoe and handed Moira her gin.
Zoe only then seemed to notice Kate properly. ‘Hey, look at you, I nearly fancy you myself. Maybe don’t stand so close to poor Simon, he’s already sweating.’
Jess didn’t think it was possible for Simon to go any redder, but the man could blush for Ireland. She glared at Zoe, who completely ignored her.
‘Where are Mam and Dad?’ Zoe said.
‘Your mam went to collect Simon’s parents.’ Moira gave a little sigh. ‘Would you like something to drink, dear? We can get you one of these.’ She held up her gin.
‘No, I’m cool, Nana. I need a clear head when I’m working. This’ll be one for their portfolio.’
‘Are they in costume?’ Moira peered around.
‘They’re changing in the loos behind the bar.’ Zoe turned to Jess. ‘I’m stunned that Simon’s parents are coming. Still, bums on seats. Oh, while I think of it,’ she pulled Jess slightly to one side, ‘I dropped in earlier, when they were all rehearsing.’
Jess lowered her voice. ‘Shit, were they all right?’
Zoe huffed out a breath. ‘Of course they were, they were brilliant.’
‘Right, sorry.’
‘Anyway, Finn introduced me to this couple who dance in the troupe. They live in Limerick, and they’re selling this old cottage that one of them inherited.’
Something caught Jess’s eye and she nudged Zoe just as Finn appeared from the back of the room and strode over.
‘Say nothing for now,’ Zoe hissed.
Jess flicked her a confused look. ‘About what?’
Zoe didn’t get a chance to answer because a moment later Finn towered over them.
