Page 15 of The Silent Bride
‘I’ll think about it,’ I reply, needing my parents to leave so I can be by myself and process my thoughts. I’m desperate to be alone right now.
‘You better think fast,’ Dad says, heading towards the door with my mum. ‘Because Seth’s waiting outside.’
His words take a moment to register, but when they do I feel physically sick.
Chapter Nine
THEN
The Old Bell is always busy, especially on a Thursday. I’m not normally one to go out drinking on a week night, but I’m off to London at the weekend and my friends all want to celebrate my engagement here in Ringwood. I’m already feeling quite tipsy thanks to the two Martinis Daisy forced on me before we left home.
The warm, welcoming scent of beer and chips hits me as Daisy and I walk into the pub and head over to the crowded bar, glancing around to see if any of our group have arrived. I catch sight of a few school friends – Janey, Madeline, Danica and Kieran – over at a large trestle table in the corner. They wave and call over to us. I grin and wave back, feeling unexpectedly nervous at the thought of introducing everyone to Seth tonight. I hope they all get along. It’s important that my friends like him. I can’t believe they haven’t met yet, but with Seth leading such a busy life in London, there just hasn’t been the opportunity. So tonight feels like a big deal.
I glance at my phone, and see it’s just after six thirty. He should be leaving work about now, and the drive from London will probably take around an hour and a half. Maybe two hours if the traffic’s heavy. It’s a shame there’s no train station in Ringwood – that would make things so much easier.
‘What are you having?’ I ask Daisy.
‘No, I’m getting these,’ she says, fumbling in her bag for her card.
‘You don’t have to—’
‘This is your night,’ she says, cutting me off. ‘You shouldn’t have to put your hand in your pocket.’
‘Oh, well, thank you.’ After her initial lack of excitement at my news, Daisy seems to have had an abrupt change of heart. She’s now become almost enthusiastic. She thinks my engagement might possibly spur Martin on to make more of a commitment to her. She wants the four of us to double date and even mentioned going on a mini break together. I’m not too sure about that. I don’t think Martin and Seth will have that much in common. But we’ll see what happens after tonight.
It was Daisy’s idea for us to go out for a celebratory drink. She arranged the whole thing. Drinks at our local pub with everyone, followed by a curry in town. Not the most original or classy night out, but I don’t want a big fuss and Seth was happy to keep it low-key.
‘Mine’s a pint.’
I turn at the sound of Laurence’s voice. He and Francesca are standing behind us, bundled up in coats and hats, smiles on their faces.
Fran leans in for a hug. ‘Congratulations, Alice. So happy for you.’
‘Ahh, thank you. It all feels a bit surreal actually.’
‘I bet it does. Exciting though. Is Seth coming this evening?’ she asks.
‘Yeah, he should be on his way now,’ I reply.
‘Hope he’s prepared to be grilled by everyone,’ Laurence says.
‘We’re not going to be interrogating the poor bloke,’ Fran replies, taking off her bobble hat.
‘You will go easy on him, won’t you?’ I give Laurence a pleading look.
He raises his hands, laughing in mock surrender.
‘Fran, did you get your hair cut?’ I ask.
‘Just a trim.’ She runs a hand through her shinier-than-usual brown hair.
‘Looks really good,’ I say. ‘Loving the layers.’
‘Thanks. I don’t usually make this much of an effort. No need to worry about looking good when you work with animals all day. I much prefer animals to humans. Less judgemental.’
‘I know what you mean,’ I reply. ‘I’d love to get a pet, but we’re not allowed one in our flat.’
Daisy glances back at us. ‘Hey, guys. Pint for you, Laurence. And what are you drinking, Fran?’
