“Number plate,” she replied instantly.
The entire way there I exchanged banter with the old Nell again. She was funny, rude and downright annoying, and I loved every second. A few miles from the hotel she changed back into her jeans, almost making me crash again.
I’d promised her that as soon as we got everything up to our room I’d spend the rest of the day making her scream. We’d never checked in or moved so many bags so quickly.
I spent the entire evening making good on my promise.
Nell
My best friend was getting married today. I was unbelievably excited and happy for her but I also envied her for having something so amazing. I guess I just felt a little sad that I couldn’t have this, or have it so easily. The thought of getting married made my head spin.
“Chlo, you absolutely have to drink on the morning of your wedding. You’re not following the rules,” I argued when she pushed away the glass of champagne for the second time.
“She’s right, darling,” Chloe’s mum, Bethany said.
I gave her a smug smile. “See, I’m right. Drink up.”
“I’m not getting drunk before I marry him.”
“Can anyone even get drunk on one glass of champagne?” I asked.
“Fine,” she said, holding her hands up. “One is all I’m having until after the ceremony.”
“That’s all I ask,” I replied, handing it to her – again. “Bethany?” I said, holding one out for her. She took it like a real sport, her eyes filling with tears. Uh oh, proud mum coming up.
I was a proud best friend too. Chloe and Logan’s journey hadn’t been easy but they’d made it and were happy now. And Chloe looked beautiful. Her hair long brown hair was styled with big curls and a silver, crystal encrusted comb pinning back one side. Her gown hugged her body perfectly, giving her the perfect figure.
“Chloe,” Bethany said thickly.
“No, Mum. No way. You can’t do this to me right now, I’ve just had my make-up done.”
The make-up artist had left a few minutes ago and she’s done an amazing job of accentuating Chloe’s natural beauty, her amber eyes looked bigger and the dark subtle eyeliner made them stand out. She looked incredible and I almost wanted to marry her myself.
The make-up artist had also done mine and Bethany’s and we look bloody good too. My eyes also looked bigger, brighter and I couldn’t help taking the occasional peek at how awesome they looked. Tomorrow when I tried to recreate the same thing I’d look a mess.
“I’m sorry,” she replied, fanning her face and taking a sip. “You just look so beautiful. I’m so proud of you.”
“Mum, seriously!” Chloe said, looking up and blinking. They looked absolutely ridiculous and I couldn’t help laughing.
“I can solve this problem. Chloe, who’s bigger Jace or Logan?”
“Nell!” She snapped, mouth popping open.
Bethany pretended to be shocked but she laughed and ruined the act. “Bet you don’t feel like crying now, huh?”
“You’re the worst maid of honour ever.”
“But your make-up is still perfect. You’re welcome.”
“I think I’m just going to see how your dad and the boys are getting on,” Bethany said.
I put my glass down. “Wait, Bethany. I’ll go and order them around, you stay and have a few minutes with your daughter. If she starts getting teary just bring up the size thing. Works every time.”
She smiled and shook her head, discouraged. “Thank you, Nell.”
The guys had a room down the hall. They didn’t really need one since they didn’t do the getting ready together thing but Damon had insisted so they could have a few drinks together before the ceremony. There was also talks of cigars and card games but I hoped that was just a joke.
I walked down the hallway and knocked on their door but over all the laughing, and what I assumed was teasing of Logan, they didn’t hear. If I walk in there to find strippers I was going to lose my shit.
Pushing the door open, I crept in. It was fine, they were all going to keep their privates – no strippers, just lots of booze. “Logan, you better not get drunk!” Jesus, now I sounded like Chloe.
Damon was the first one to look up. He froze and his eyes widened. I did look pretty damn great. My hair was naturally wavy and messy but it’d been curled and ruffled up, similar to Chloe’s but I didn’t have anything fancy in mine, I’d probably lose it anyway. I wished I could afford a hairdresser to come and do the same thing for me every day.
“Nell,” Logan said. “You look incredible, and no I’m not getting drunk. I’ve only had two pints.”
“Good. Keep it that way or Chloe will have your balls,” I replied, trying to keep my eyes on Logan while I could feel Damon close by, feel that his eyes were fixed on me. It gave me butterflies.
Usually Logan would say something crude but Chloe’s dad was in the room so he wisely chose to do nothing but laugh.
“How is she? Not planning her escape?” He asked.