Love Me Or Leave Me. Claudia Carroll

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       THREE YEARS AGO …

       Chloe.

      ‘Shh, shh, shh,’ I can hear my best friend Gemma saying, as she hands me a fistful of Kleenex and purposely avoids hugging me, so as not to crumple the wedding dress. Even though it makes shag-all difference now. My perfect wedding dress too; the one I spent long months trawling just about every bridal shop the length and breadth of the country to find.

      ‘It’s all right, sweetheart. Just try to tell me what happened.’

      Right then, I think, staring dully back at her. You asked for it. So here it is; here’s what I can remember from just minutes ago, before the skin got ripped off the surface of my life, exposing nothing but raw flesh underneath.

      The killer is, I’m just a nice, ordinary, normal girl. This isn’t the kind of thing that’s supposed to happen to nice, ordinary, normal girls, now is it?

      So I took a deep breath and began. Gemma says nothing, just nods silently and waits till I’ve finished.

      ‘You’ll be okay, you know.’

      ‘Will I?’

      She paused for a beat and I was so grateful to her for at least answering me honestly. But then, Gemma is one of those people who physically gets heartburn when required to lie.

      ‘I only wish I could say yes.’

      * * *

      ‘And two hearts will beat as one.’

      Dawn Madden and Kirk Lennox-Coyningham

      Would love you, as one of their dearest friends,

      To celebrate their fusion

      At Mount Druid,

      On the feast of Midsummer, June 21st.

      Blessing in the unconsecrated chapel

      At two o’clock.

      Feasting at The Old Gazebo,

      Followed by a tree dedication ceremony on the grounds.

      Please don’t RSVP by post, as we believe all paper is wasteful. And know that vegetarians, vegans and all on a gluten-free or lactose intolerance diet will be well catered for.

      Organic and unfermented wine freely available.

      No gifts please. Donations only, if necessary, to the National Forestry Society.

      Accommodation isn’t a problem at Mount Druid. But please let us know if you’d prefer a Mongolian yurt, a shepherd’s hut or a self-catering cottage (running water available here. And eco-loo facilities).

      (This invitation has been printed on 100% recycled organic paper and no trees were harmed in its manufacture.)

      * * *

       Jo and Dave

       Cordially invite you

       To celebrate their marriage

       On fifteenth of February

       ST MARY’S CHURCH, 2.45pm sharp, for a prompt 3pm start.

       Dress code: strictly black tie, floor length dresses for ladies. Absolutely no cocktail dresses please.

       Reception to follow at the Radisson Blu hotel punctually at 7pm.

       Full wedding list available at Brown Thomas (no off-list gifting permitted).

       Kindly note:

       Thank you for your prompt reply and looking forward to seeing you on our special day!

      * * *

      Lucy and Andrew

      Are getting married!!!

      And they request the pleasure of your company,

      At the mother of all parties to celebrate

      On New Year’s Eve,

      Pichet Restaurant, СКАЧАТЬ