Page 19 of Before You Say I Do
Gloria reached over the table, patting Abby’s hand. “If the shoe fits, hen.” She hadn’t dialled down her accent an inch.
“Anyway, Marcus is not royalty. His family have just done well in the property business. Plus, his money isn’t why I’m marrying him, so can we not make jokes about that when Jordan’s here, either?”
Mum sat back with a sigh. “I never said Marcus wasn’t lovely. I know he is because of the time you came to stay. He ate your dad’s square sausage for breakfast and never once asked what the hell he was eating. That’s love, right there.”
Abby laughed. That was Marcus all over, fitting into his surroundings.
“I just want to make a good impression on Jordan, that’s all.”
Delta raised an eyebrow in her direction. “Jesus, Abby. It sounds like you’re marrying Jordan, not Marcus. She’s staff, as I believe you pointed out to me when we met last.”
Abby’s cheeks burned. She hated that term, it was one Marjorie used. But yes, she did recall saying it. Maybe the Montgomerys had rubbed off on her too much already.
“I just want it all to go well.” Abby checked her watch. “She’s due any moment. So just remember, play nicely.” She pointed at Delta. “No baring your teeth, okay?”
Delta nodded, a butter-wouldn’t-melt smile gracing her lips. “You’re the bride, and we’re both here to make your life easier. Yar-di-yar-di-yar. I get it. Jordan is my new best friend, okay?”
Abby gave her a nod. “Perfect.”
Jordan swept in ten minutes later, and Abby gulped. She looked stunning. She was wearing a blue jump suit and tan heels, her slim waist accentuated with a matching tan belt. When she saw Abby, she gave her a wide grin and waved. Marcus had told Abby that Jordan turned up to see his mother in a stunning gold dress. Jordan was a fashion chameleon, fitting into whatever the occasion.
Jordan pulled out the spare chair from the table, then held out a hand in greeting to Mum. “You must be Gloria.” Jordan pumped her mum’s hand like she was the most important person in the world. “And you must be Delta.” More hand-shaking, as Delta nodded.
Jordan sat, smoothing her clothes as she spoke. “I’ve heard so much about both of you. I’m Jordan, and I’m looking forward to getting to know you better over the next few weeks in the run-up to Abby’s big day.”
“We’ve heard a lot about you, too.” Gloria paused, tilting her head to the side. “But Abby never told us you were so stunning. You could be a model!”
Abby closed her eyes. Oh god, Mum was babbling like she was starstruck. Perhaps this was what had happened to Marjorie. Maybe Jordan really did have some kind of magic juice when it came to mothers.
Jordan took it all in her stride. “I was briefly, in my youth, but modelling wasn’t for me. Too much standing about and posing. Plus, far too many lecherous men everywhere you turned.” She stowed her handbag at her feet. “I prefer my current line of work any day. As a professional bridesmaid, my job is to deliver happiness. That’s something nobody offers you as a career in school, is it?”
Delta snorted. “That’s quite a ticket you have on yourself.”
Abby kicked her under the table. So much for playing nice.
Delta flinched, but said nothing, scowling at Abby.
Abby glanced at Jordan. If that comment had irked her, she was giving nothing away.
The waiter brought over the bottle of sauvignon blanc Abby had ordered earlier, along with four glasses.
Abby gave the bottle to Delta with a pointed stare.
Delta poured with a flourish.
“A professional bridesmaid.” Gloria was still transfixed. “How did you go about getting that job, if you don’t mind me asking.”
Jordan shook her head. “It’s a valid question. I kinda fell into it when a friend of mine, Catherine, asked me to be her maid of honour. We were friends, but not particularly close, so it felt odd. If my flatmate Karen asked, that would be normal. We’re best mates.
“When I asked Catherine why she chose me, she admitted it was because I’m organised and unflappable, and she wanted someone who would take charge of the hen do and help her out. So when I was made redundant from my job as an events planner months later, I put up an ad on Gumtree offering my services doing just that for other brides, and woke up to 20-plus emails. That’s when I knew it was a viable business.”
“Wow.” Gloria took a sip of her wine that Delta had just finished pouring. “And you’ve done how many other weddings?”
“This is number 28. Lucky number 28, of course.”
There was a lull in conversation as everyone took that in. Abby was keeping a close watch on her mum and Delta. Mum seemed smitten. Abby knew Delta would be harder to win over. She might say she was fine with the situation, but Abby knew she’d get jealous. She’d already proved that with her snark. Abby hoped these drinks would put Delta’s misgivings to bed.
Abby glanced Jordan’s way, taking in her perfect make-up, her styled hair. When she took a deep breath in, she could smell her perfume. It reminded her of summer days.
