On The Cover The Hen Party

The best friend of the bride has a very different agenda – but she finds she has lots of back-up

been a little shamefaced or repentant, but he had winked at her over the cornflakes, while sitting in Bev’s kitchen!

Even so, Jess would have probably left well alone if the Todd incident had been isolated but when she’d mentioned it to Fran, the other bridesmaid, Fran said that he’d had a crack at her too. Jess had whispered her misgivings to Kate, and Kate confided that none of the family liked him much either.

“He owes me money,” said Bev’s aunt. “I paid for the wedding cake. I wouldn’t mind but he’s always taking about how much he earns, yet he never spends a penny. He has short arms and low pockets.”

Jess didn’t bother saying that he definitely had quite long arms – about eight of them, in her experience.

“He didn’t notice that Bev has lost insistent that they were women’s work.

Jess agreed they probably were, since they were about communication, concern and care. Bev’s dad was a good bloke, though. Despite finding the labelling of the concept a bit awkward, there was never any doubt that he’d attend. He was definitely an involved dad, and had been before it was fashionable or credible.

It was a good thing that he had come along. He had a calming presence. His wife of forty-two years said he couldn’t get into a lather, not even in a bath full of Imperial Leather body wash.

Bev was likely to get upset, offended. Things might turn nasty. The truth about Todd was most likely humiliating for Bev. Humiliated people often turned angry.

“And he has shifty eyes,” concluded Mrs Davis, Bev’s mum’s next-door neighbour. Bev and her son had gone out with each other for two years when they were teenagers. Mrs Davis had always hoped it would come to something and had never liked any of Bev’s boyfriends since, even the ones she’d never met, but still no one disagreed with her.

OK, so we have our reasons,” said Jess, more to convince herself than anyone else. The crowd were baying for blood, but Jess knew it wouldn’t be easy. She knew how much Todd meant to Bev, and how much time and effort Bev had put into planning the wedding.

The wedding, which was due to take place next week. There was a string quartet, a sit-down, three-course meal for eighty, a live band, fireworks and six small bridesmaids. Oh lord – if the wedding was cancelled Bev’s nieces would never forgive Jess.

Jess had long suspected Todd was not the right man for Bev. Bev never seemed relaxed and happy in his company; more often than not they were rowing, or Bev was walking on eggshells.

But they’d rubbed along for months, and months turned into years, and then years turned into an engagement. Todd didn’t go down on one knee and produce a ring, nothing as formal as that.

tumbled out. “The wedding is off.”

Stunned silence.

“Did you find out he made a pass at Jess?” asked Kate.

“No.” Bev shot a quizzical look at Jess. Jess shrugged.

“You know he owes me money?” asked Aunt Lil.

“No,” Bev looked mortified. “I’ll pay you back.” “You’re sick of his moody, greedy, rude behaviour?” said Jess. “No,” said Bev firmly. “Well, yes. The thing is, I’ve been offered a job abroad and it’s a brilliant opportunity. Todd wouldn’t even hear me out when I started telling him. Kept saying I was ruining his career progression. He’s a mechanic – that is a transferable skill. He could get work elsewhere. He didn’t even ask me what country the job’s in.” “What country is it in?” asked Bev’s mum and dad simultaneously. “Australia,” said Bev sheepishly. They looked horrified. “It’s only for a year to start with. We’ll see how things go.” “Won’t you be lonely?” asked Kate. “Well, I’m hoping you’ll all visit.”

“You said “we’,” pointed out Jess.

Bev blushed. “Oh yes, my colleague Rob is going too. Actually, he’s just outside in the car. I’ve been wanting you all to meet him. No time like the present.” Jess reached for the bottle of bubbles. “Looks like we have a lot to celebrate,” she said, relieved.

Adele Parks’ latest novel Just My Luck is published by HQ, HarperCollins on May 14, HB, £12.99. Also available as ebook and audiobook. After a multi-million pound lottery win, Lexi and Jake soon find their lives unravelling – especially when former friends claim they’re owed a share. Gripping and tense, this is another winner from the Sunday Times bestseller.

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