Page 64 of The Last Saturday In July
‘Those were the names,’ said Úna.
Jess looked up in horror.
Úna seemed pleased to have remembered. ‘The woman from the hotel told me she was replacing Sarah and Faye with the Feely-Martins.’
In the silence that followed, all eyes turned to look at Jess.
‘I can explain. But maybe now isn’t the best time.’ Jess gave Faye and Sarah a pleading look, but their expressions as they stared back were a mix of hurt and disbelief.
Susan turned to Carmel. ‘Did you know about this?’
Carmel was exasperated now. ‘There’s nothing to know. Faye and Sarah are both coming to the wedding. Anyway, this is nonsense about evening guests. I don’t think they’re allowed, are they, Jess?’
Jess could barely get the words out. ‘No, the hotel doesn’t have room.’
‘Oh.’ Bright spots of colour flashed to Úna’s cheeks, as she seemed to realise what had happened. She turned to Sarah and Faye. ‘I’m dreadfully sorry, I didn’t mean to cause any hurt.’
Jess felt a stab of annoyance. What did Úna imagine would happen when she asked her to un-invite people?
‘Kate, Zoe, please pour everyone more drinks.’ Carmel stood. ‘Jess, would you, Faye and Sarah give me a hand in the kitchen?’
‘Sure.’ Jess scrambled to her feet, feeling like a teenager in trouble.
Wordlessly, she and her cousins left the room and trooped downstairs.
In the kitchen, Carmel turned to her. ‘What’s going on, Jess?’
Jess turned from her mother’s worried expression to meet her cousins’ silent stares. ‘I should have explained. The only way I could squeeze in Úna’s guests was by saying they could take your places at the table.’
Faye folded her arms. ‘Why would you do that? When were you planning on telling us?’
‘I wasn’t, there was no need. Look, the hotel says they’re strict on numbers, but a good hotel manager will do everything they can for a wedding party. If extra wedding guests turn up on the day, places will be found very quickly.’
Sarah gasped. ‘So, you were okay with having us just turn up and face all that embarrassment?’
Jess shook her head. ‘Sarah, I’d have made sure that wouldn’t happen.’
‘How?’ Faye’s voice rose. ‘I guess it doesn’t matter, though. It’s just us, not Úna’s precious last-minute guests.’
‘That’s not fair.’ Jess felt sick. ‘Look, nothing has changed, you’ll be at the wedding.’
Her cousins exchanged another look.
‘Actually, wewon’tbe.’ Sarah looked pointedly at her watch. ‘Thanks for inviting us today, Carmel, it was lovely. But I have to go.’
‘Girls, please stay and sort this out!’ Carmel was upset.
Shit, this was awful.‘Mam’s right,’ Jess said. ‘We can sort this – it’s all my fault!’
Faye gave her a cold look. ‘You’re right, it is all your fault and you need to sort it.’ She gave Carmel a brief hug. ‘See you soon, Carmel.’
Jess sat down heavily at the kitchen table after they left. ‘I can’t believe this has happened, Mam. I’m so sorry, I’ve been trying to keep everyone happy.’
Carmel sighed and leaned back against the work counter. ‘I know you’re trying to keepÚnahappy.’
‘And Simon.’
‘Yes, and Simon. It’s a juggling act, but you can’t alienate your own family in the process.’
