Hey, Emily, Jenny chirped into the phone, get your best outfit ready Im getting married and youre my maid of honour, as usual, confident and pushy as ever.
Emily hadnt expected a call that early.
Your wedding? Whens the big day? she asked.
In ten days, Jenny replied.
Ten days? I barely blinked and youre already tying the knot, Jenny! What about time for a proper thinkover?
Weve already thought it through, Jenny laughed. You see, I managed to jump on the last train, Mark and I are already expecting a baby Im thirtynine, perfect age for a little one. And Im thrilled!
Good heavens, Jenny, youre really going tojump in? Emily teased.
Dont worry, Ive got a limo, a white dress fit for a princess, everything. Ive never actually worn a brides white dress before, never got the chance. And you, as my best friend and maid, must look the part, Jenny giggled loudly.
Fine. Oh, and whos the best man for Mark?
Kevin, his mate. You dont really know him Tall, dark, handsome, she added.
Emily and Jenny had been pals since university. Emily had married straight out of college, stayed six years, then split. She was a calm sort, whereas Simon, her ex, was a chatterbox and joker whod somehow persuaded her to marry him. When their son arrived, Emily realised Simon was no father material he didnt want the kid. Their relationship was a rollercoaster until Emily finally put an end to it.
A few other blokes came along, but none led to a family, so she settled for a quiet single life. Her son was now a firstyear at university in another town, living with his grandmother a setup Emily liked.
Emily and Jenny had once shared a dorm room; Emily was a year older but seemed younger. She was like a greenhousegrown flower, trusting and often landing in odd situations.
Jenny, on the other hand, was a proper warrior never backing down, bold, always ready to stick up for her friend. Two opposite ends. When helping Emily out of a jam, shed never preach, just say, Well, love, you cant change a person.
Life went on. Jenny never married, though a bloke was always around, but she never found anyone who truly captured her heart.
Then it happened. Jenny fell for a former footballer turned businessman. She started disappearing from Emilys radar, meeting him rarely. One day she called.
Emily, Im getting married. Youre definitely coming, and dont fall for Kevin hes a proper womaniser! she warned.
Dont worry, Emily smiled, you know Ive never been one for handsome men anyway.
True, but Kevins a different breed youll see.
Emily headed to the shopping centre for a dress. There were plenty of pretty options, but nothing that struck her as special. Finally she settled on a floorlength beige gown with a daring back cut. She sighed in relief; now she just needed a salon appointment.
Jenny called again, reminding Emily of the date and venue, cracking jokes and sounding delighted.
Jennys happiness is contagious; even from miles away I can feel it, Emily thought.
On the morning of the wedding, Jenny rang once more.
Kevin will pick you up at eleven.
Ill be at the salon
No problem, just give him the address and hell swing by.
How will we recognise each other?
I showed him your photo. By the way, I told him youre a knockout.
Right, fine
Kevin turned out to be exactly as described broadshouldered, tall, dark hair, with a gaze that could melt butter. He approached Emily, grinning.
Ah, beauty is a deadly force. Im Kevin, he said, extending his hand. A real fairy stands before me, thrilled to meet you.
Emily felt a strange wobble in her knees and managed a breathy, Emily.
Kevin chatted all the way to the venue, keeping Emily in a daze. She smiled but stayed mostly silent. He even guessed she was nervous about Jenny.
Dont fret, were not the ones signing the register, our friends are, he laughed loudly.
The civil ceremony was proper and lovely. Emily remained a bit jittery but was genuinely happy for Jenny. At the reception, guests filled the room. Kevin and Emily sat at the head of the table next to the newlyweds, with countless toasts flowing. When the music started, Kevin instantly asked for a dance.
I hope my maid of honour status earns me the first dance, he joked. Emily nodded, took his hand, and left the table. He led her to the centre of the hall.
The slow tune swayed them as Kevin whispered, Your perfume is intoxicating stronger than any wine.
Emilys heart fluttered, and she tried to convince herself, Hes not the one, I shouldnt fall for him. Easy to say, harder to stick to.
Later, Jenny nudged her. I warned you keep him at arms length.
But why, Jenny? Im really into him, Emily protested.
No doubt, youre a bit of a softie. Hes a real flirt, clever and greedy. Women get burned. Just keep it casual, thats all, Jenny replied.
Im not planning to move in with him, Emily defended.
Sure you arent. Blink and hell have a couch in your flat. Trust me, hell spin three tall tales and get under your skin. I told you so, Jenny warned.
After work, Kevin suggested a cafe, then lingered at Emilys flat. Jenny called, halfamused.
So you ignored my advice? Fine, its your call. If he starts whining about money, dont give him a penny.
Jenny, whats his job? Where does he work? Emily asked.
You never asked, Jenny replied. He says his dad runs a business, he helps out, flies to Europe often. That flashy car isnt his; its his dads, and Kevin drives it on power of attorney. Just so you dont get any rosy ideas.
Emily thought, Hes so charming, attentive, and sweet.
A couple of weeks later Kevin asked, Emily, could you lend me ten grand? I need to sort a car repair, the firm is under audit and the accounts are frozen but just for a bit.
Emily dug into her savings and handed him the cash.
Pay me back when you can, he said.
That Friday evening, after work, Jenny and Mark invited Kevin and Emily to a café. Before entering, Emily asked, Kevin, do you have any cash? Were paying for ourselves.
Blimey, Kevin slapped his pockets, I only have three hundred pounds on me, maybe a bit more.
No worries, Emily said, pulling out a twothousandpound note. Here, take it. Its proper for a gentleman to foot the bill, she grinned.
The evening was brilliant wine, dancing, and laughter. The following weekend Jenny suggested a getaway to a countryside resort.
Lets dash there, lovely scenery, fishing. Tom, you need a break, she said to her husband, you work nonstop. And you, Kevin, can you manage?
Of course, Im my own boss, Kevin replied, puffed up.
At the hotel, Kevin realised hed left his wallet at home. Emily, suspecting a trick, asked, How did that happen, Kevin? You were ready to travel.
I have no idea, Emily. I feel terrible, he muttered, tapping his forehead.
Emily thought, Hes definitely pulling my leg, while they ate.
A pretty blond approached Kevin, tapping his shoulder. Hey, Kevin. Finding another bird, are we? she teased.
What? Who are you? Kevin stammered, but the woman winked at Jenny.
The girls, lets go freshen up, she said, pulling Jenny aside, then turned to Emily, So hes found another chick that lays golden eggs?
What does that even mean? Emilys voice trembled.
It means he lives off women, forgets his money, boasts about overseas trips and a dads business he never really works for. Thats his life, the blond explained.
Emily, now you see, right? I didnt believe you, but now I do, Jenny whispered.
Now what? Emily asked, dejected.
Nothing. Dump him. We dont need freeloaders. Ill help you, Jenny declared.
Back at the table, Jenny stared straight at Kevin and called him out, urging him to leave. He mumbled, Thats not true, then, perhaps out of spite, stood up and shouted, Go to hell, all of you! as he stormed out, tossing a halfhearted apology over his shoulder to Emily.
Where are you off to? Jenny shouted after him, laughing. Well remember you, though!
Thanks, Jenny. Youve always got my back, Kevin muttered as he left.
Honestly, Ive been rescuing you for years, Emily replied, both of them bursting into laughter.
