Tenth anniversary

Maggie's marriage had reached a life-changing milestone

Well, what do you think?' Tracy asks, and interrupts my daydreaming.

She' s holding a mirror up to the back of my head and, as usual, I' m not quite sure what I' m supposed to be looking at. I smile and say it' s perfect anyway.

The front is nice and tidy, a fringe just long enough to cover those pesky worry-lines that' ve sprung up almost overnight, and that' s all that really matters.

Where does the time go, eh?' she asks when we' re at the counter, and I' m digging through my purse for a tip.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. Me a nervous wreck because it was my first wedding, and you every inch the perfect bride, trying to calm me down like it was my big day!'

She doesn' t need to paint me a picture. I can see it as clear as day in my head. Straighteners trembling dangerously close to my neck, the two of us barely more than girls. I don' t know where the time has gone either. Ten whole years.

Maggie!' She calls after me when I' m almost out the door. You' ll be needing this tonight!'

Somewhere along the trip down memory lane I' d managed to forget my purse. Honestly, my head these days. I don' t know where it' s at.

I' m so jealous of you.'

One last sigh from Tracy as we say goodbye for the second time.

A night of wining and dining in Scallini' s. You' re a lucky girl!'

The only thing I love more than Italian food is a fancy Italian restaurant, and Scallini' s fits the bill. The prawn linguine is to die for, and has a price to match.

Six years we' ve gone there now, it' s basically a tradition. It' s the kind of place that requires a new outfit every time. Any excuse to spoil myself, Scott would always scoff.

That colour is just perfect for you.'

The shop assistant smiles at me.

The dress I' m examining is emerald green. With my pale skin and almost-red hair, I know I' d look a perfect picture in it.

It' s smaller than I' d buy usually, but it' s not the size that worries me I' ve lost a few pounds recently, and I' m sure I could squeeze into it it' s the two zeros on the price tag.

Go on, then,' I say, when I' ve decided. It is my anniversary, after all.'

I hand the credit card over with a smile.

It' s only when I step outside and check the time on my phone that my stomach lurches.

The excitement, the longing, the anticipation has all shifted to one side and made room for something else, a feeling I can' t quite put my finger on.

In a mist of panic, I consider calling up and cancelling the table. I' m just about to hit dial when I have a better idea.

The candles, the music, the flowers on every table, no wonder Scallini' s is known as the most romantic spot in town.

It' s beautiful, isn' t it?' my date for the night asks.

I nod and smile, chest all warm from the chianti.

Ten years¼ .'

And over just like that.'

I sigh.

Men,'' Tracy tuts. If it' s not their eyes that are wandering, it' s their hands!'

Before I can reply, a bowl of food is placed in front of me, and the appetite that s been so lacking recently is back.

Don' t be silly!' Tracy says, when I tell her not to worry about the money. I can' t have you paying, not after all you' ve been through.'

You' re doing me a favour!' I insist. This table has been reserved for months. If it weren' t for you, I' d be sat here alone.

Can you believe it? I was actually going to come here all by myself. What was I thinking?

Besides, I' m not paying for dinner,' I smirk.

I wave his credit card between two fingers. A fancy frock and a slap-up dinner is the least I deserve after what he' s done to me.

How about a glass of champagne before we go?' I ask, eyes still sparkling. Or even better, how about a whole bottle?'

To moving on!'

We both raise our glasses, and I mean every word.

I smile at Tracy and scan the room for the last time. So many memories in every corner, but I know I' ll make new ones somewhere else.