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‘The red ones will do.’
Tasha lifted the stack of smaller ones out onto the counter, took note of how many bags her dad was ripping open and bent down to fetch the matching stack of larger dishes. Reaching for a jumbo bag of salted peanuts from the pile, Tasha emptied it into one of the dishes just as her mother returned from a trip to the marquee. ‘Adrian! What on earth are you doing with those?’
‘It should be patently obvious what I’m doing, darling,’ her father said, his tone even as he ripped open another bag of crisps and filled the bowl in front of him.
‘But we’ve catered for the event!’
‘I know, dear, I saw the bill. But not everyone wants a parmesan curl or a kale and sweet potato vol-au-vent, so I nipped down to Tesco the other day and picked up a few nibbles.’
Clearly dissatisfied at her husband’s response, Victoria fixed her laser glare on Tasha. ‘Better to have too much than people go hungry,’ she offered with what she hoped was a placating smile.
‘The invitations clearly stated light bites,’ Victoria said in a strained tone. ‘And they are the top-rated caterer in the county. They’ve even been featured in The Sunday Times food supplement.’
Feeling sorry for her mum, Tasha wiped her greasy fingers on a dishcloth before rounding the island counter to give her a quick hug. ‘You’ve worked so hard putting everything together, Mum. Dad and I just wanted to make sure there’s no reason for anyone to complain, that’s all. I can put the snacks away and we can get them out later if they’re needed.’ She pressed a kiss to her mother’s cheek. ‘Now come on, it’s time for you to enjoy today too. You haven’t even had a drink yet.’
Her father was there a moment later, two filled champagne flutes in his hands. ‘Cheers to two of my very favourite ladies in the whole world.’ He passed the first to his wife and the second to Tasha.
She handed it back to her dad. ‘You take this and take Mum through. Everyone will be wondering where you are. I’ll sort out in here and join you in a minute.’
Victoria softened noticeably as her husband slid his arm around her shoulders. ‘I’m sorry I made a fuss,’ she said. ‘It’s just…’
‘I know.’ Adrian pressed a kiss to her temple and tightened his arm around her for a moment. ‘You’ve done us all proud today.’
‘Thank you. And thank you for thinking about the snacks. I perhaps should have considered that not everyone has a palate as discerning as mine when I made the catering selections.’
Tasha bit her lip and looked away, amused at the way her mother could praise herself and insult everyone else in the same sentence. ‘Do you want me to put these away, then?’
‘No, leave them,’ Victoria said as she tucked her arm through her husband’s and let him lead her towards the patio door. ‘But not the red bowls, those are for Christmas. Use the Portmeirion instead.’
Tasha stared after her mother, then down at the half-dozen filled bowls. Count to ten. When that didn’t work, she stomped over to the fridge and pulled out the open bottle of champagne. Ignoring the delicate glass flutes, she grabbed one of the large wine glasses her parents used for red wine and filled it to the brim. She was just slurping an indelicate mouthful down so she could empty the dregs of the bottle into her glass when her sister entered the kitchen.
‘Oh God, gimme!’ She took the glass from Tasha’s outstretched hand and glugged some down. ‘Not a word,’ she said, holding up a warning finger before taking another massive swallow.
When she’d finished, Tasha took the glass back and took a drink. ‘Tell me who’s upset you and I’ll kill them for you if you help me hide the body.’
Danni laughed. ‘You are the best sister in the world.’
‘True. Now, who am I killing?’ She wouldn’t actually kill them, but she’d make whoever had upset Danni very sorry for it.
‘It’s nothing, really,’ Danni said, shaking her head as she took the glass back and sipped this time. ‘Lauren just mentioned she’d found this amazing vlogger on Instagram who’d documented their post-pregnancy journey and was back to a size six within two months of having the baby.’ She ghosted a hand over the billowing front of her dress. ‘I was all right after Mason, but this time it’s been a struggle.’
‘Oh, Danni.’ Taking the glass from her sister’s hand, Tasha set it aside then gathered her close. ‘You are beautiful, and your curves suit you.’
Danni gave a half-sniff, half-laugh. ‘That’s what Stu says, but I think he’s just being nice to me.’
‘You pushed an entire human being out of your vagina less than six months ago, Danni, he damn well better be nice to you!’ They exchanged a look and both started cackling.
‘You’re right, I did,’ Danni said between giggles. ‘And for the second time, as well.’
‘You deserve a drink for that!’ Keeping one arm around Danni’s waist, Tasha retrieved the half-full glass and handed it to her sister.
‘I miss you.’ Danni sounded so sad as she rested her head against Tasha’s shoulder.
‘I’m right here,’ Tasha said, but she understood what Danni meant. They messaged and video-chatted all the time, but it wasn’t the same.
‘Sometimes I hate Jonny for what he’s done. Things would be so much better if he’d just behaved himself.’ Danni’s sadness had turned to anger. It was a familiar refrain and one Tasha had repeated herself in the early days, but she knew better now.
‘Jonny and I would never have worked out. If he hadn’t cheated on me, he’d have found another way to try and undermine me. That’s just how he operates.’
