Page 9 of Before You Say I Do
“If we work together, I could sort out your hen weekend, too. Take the pressure off. Deal with Delta, deal with Marcus’s mum. What’s her name?”
“Marjorie.” The name came out of Abby’s mouth with a hiss. “Marjorie starts with ‘mar’ too, doesn’t it? That blows my theory out of the water.”
“Maybe it only works with men.”
Abby’s face relaxed into a smile. Again, it transformed her. She should smile more often.
“People really have you in their wedding photos? A complete stranger?”
Jordan nodded. “They do. One woman employed me because all of her bridesmaids were squabbling, so she sacked the lot. I organised the hen, and did everything for her, including walking ahead of her down the aisle.”
“I get where she’s coming from. I didn’t really want bridesmaids either, but Delta convinced me. And now she’s crying off. My cousin Taran lives in Scotland still, so she’s no use.”
“Sounds like Marcus was right. You need help.”
“But MarjorieandDelta? Are you sure you’re prepared? Neither of them is a pushover. Delta played rugby at university.”
Jordan laughed. “I’ll watch out for any high tackles.”
“She’s from Scotland, like me. Even though we met at college in St Albans.” Abby’s face softened as she spoke. “I still can’t get over people having a stranger as their bridesmaid, though.”
It was nothing Jordan hadn’t heard before. “I’m only a stranger now. If I work with you, I won’t be a stranger for long, will I? Plus, some brides have relatives as their bridesmaids who they’ve only ever met once or twice. By the time we get to their wedding, I often know more about them than their best friends do. Weddings bring it out in people.”
“A professional bridesmaid.” Abby shook her head. “How did you even get into this as a job?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it if you hire me.”
“You could really become a human barrier between Marcus’s mother and me?”
“If I remember correctly, it’s just over five weeks until your wedding?”
Abby nodded.
“I could ensure that for the next five weeks, you have minimal contact. Apart from the wedding day and anything personal, obviously.”
“I’d say in that case, it might be worth a shot.” Abby paused, stared at Jordan, and then flopped her head backwards, letting out a long breath. “Decision made.” She sat up and held out a hand. “Let’s see if this works. You’re going to be my bridesmaid. I didn’t want any and I’ve now got three.” She raised a single styled eyebrow. “Shall we get another coffee to celebrate?”
“My treat.” Jordan signalled to the waitress, before reaching over to shake Abby’s hand.
As they connected, a warmth travelled up Jordan’s arm. Her eyes automatically turned to focus on Abby. When they did, she found Abby’s gaze locked on her, too.
“You’re an intriguing woman, Jordan. What’s your surname?”
“Cohen.” Jordan’s heartbeat picked up again.
“Jordan Cohen.” Abby tilted her head. “You’re definitely my prettiest bridesmaid. Welcome to Team Abby. I know Marcus contacted you, but it’s Team Abby, now. Does that work for you?”
For a moment, Jordan forgot where she was. But then her environment snapped back into focus, and she remembered.
She was in a meeting with a client. One who was getting married. This was business. No matter how pretty her eyes.
“It works perfectly. I look forward to seeing you happily married in the very near future.”
Chapter 6
Delta greetedAbby with a sad smile and a limp hug. She was normally a bear hug kinda woman, but her break-up had hit her hard. Only last month, Delta had been hinting she and Nora might move in together. But then, Nora had changed her plans abruptly. Abby was sad for Delta, but not that upset the relationship had collapsed. Nora had been an unbearable know-it-all who’d struck Abby as cold on their few encounters. Whereas Delta was larger than life and wore her heart on her sleeve. Abby had told her many times to take better care of her heart. Also, to raise her taste in women, because Delta’s choices were usually atrocious.
Abby took Delta’s hand as they walked along London’s main shopping road. Oxford Street’s usual bustle rippled past her ears. Black cabs and red buses slid by, and delivery riders wove in and out of the traffic with some skill. Up above, May was still pretending to be April, white clouds covering the pale-blue sky and blocking the sunshine. Abby hoped the weather bucked up for her June wedding. That sentiment went for her best friend, too.
