Shopaholic Ties the Knot

I feel a tapping on my shoulder and look up to see a red-haired woman wearing a pale silk trouser suit.

“Laura Redburn Seymour,” she says, extending her hand. “My husband and I have to go, but I just wanted to say I just heard about your wedding plans. I got married in exactly the same place, fifteen years ago. And let me tell you, when you walk down that aisle, there’s no feeling like it.” She clasps her hands and smiles at her husband, who looks exactly like Clark Kent.

“Gosh,” I say. “Well… thank you!”

“Were you brought up in Oxshott, then?” asks Suze cheerfully. “That’s a coincidence!”

Oh, fuck.

“I’m sorry?” says Laura Redburn Seymour.

“Oxshott!” says Suze. “You know!”

“Ox? What ox?” Laura Redburn Seymour looks confusedly at her husband.

“We don’t believe in hunting,” says Clark Kent a little coldly. “Good evening. And congratulations again,” he adds to me.

As the two walk off, Suze stares at me in puzzlement. “Bex. Did that make any sense?”

“I… erm…” I rub my nose, playing for time.

I really don’t know why, but I have a strong feeling that I don’t want to tell Suze about the Plaza.

OK. I do know why. It’s because I know exactly what she’ll say.

“Yes!” I say at last. “I think it did, kind of.”

“No, it didn’t! She didn’t get married in Oxshott. Why did she think you would be walking up the same aisle as her?”

“Well… you know… they’re American. Nothing they say makes sense… So, er… wedding dress shopping! Shall we go tomorrow?”

“Ooh, definitely!” says Suze, her brow immediately unfurling. “Where shall we go? Does Barneys have a bridal department?”

Thank God Suze is so sweet and unsuspicious.

“Yes, it does,” I say. “I’ve had a quick look, but I haven’t tried anything on yet. The only thing is, I haven’t got an appointment, and it’s a Saturday tomorrow.” I wrinkle my brow. “We could try Vera Wang but that’ll probably be all booked up…”

“I want to go baby shopping as well. I’ve got a list.”

“I’ve bought a couple of things,” I say, looking fondly at her bump. “You know. Just little presents.”

“I want a really nice mobile…”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you one of those. And some really cute little outfits!”

“Bex! You shouldn’t have!”

“There was a sale on at Baby Gap!” I say defensively.

“Excuse me?” interrupts a voice, and we both look up to see a lady in black and pearls approaching. “I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation just now. My name is Cynthia Harrison. I’m a great friend of Elinor’s and also of Robyn, your wedding planner. You’re in very good hands there!”

“Oh, right!” I say politely. “That’s nice to hear!”

“If you’re looking for a wedding dress, may I invite you both along to my new bridal boutique, Dream Dress?” Cynthia Harrison beams at me. “I’ve been selling wedding dresses for twenty years, and this very week I’ve opened a store on Madison Avenue. We have a huge selection of designer gowns, shoes, and accessories. Personal service in a luxurious environment. All your bridal needs catered to, however great or small.”

She stops rather abruptly, as though she’s been reading off a card.

“Well… OK! We’ll come tomorrow!”

“Shall we say eleven o’clock?” suggests Cynthia, and I glance at Suze, who nods.

“Eleven it is. Thank you very much!”

As Cynthia Harrison departs, I grin at Suze excitedly. But she’s peering over at the other side of the room.

“What’s up with Luke?” she says.

“What do you mean?” I turn round and stare. Luke and Michael are in the corner of the room, away from everyone else, and it looks as though they’re arguing.

As I watch, Luke raises his voice defensively, and I catch the words “the bigger picture, for God’s sake!”

“What are they talking about?” says Suze.

“I’ve got no idea!”

I strain as hard as I can, but I can only hear the odd phrase.

“… simply don’t feel… appropriate…” Michael is saying.

“… short term… feel it’s entirely appropriate…”

Luke looks really rattled.

“… wrong impression… abusing your position…”