Knight In Shining Armour (The Wedding Series #1.5)

Chapter Five

I had just put my foot in it. Not for the first time. Probably not for the last. But apparently I couldn't stop myself.

In my head, I searched for how to rectify the situation. After all, I did just make an unnecessary quip about her drinking alcohol at this time of the morning. Especially after I noticed how much of a big deal it was for her to order the beverage in the first place. I deserved her glare.

I clearly was a complete nobhead.

"The drinking," I stuttered, attempting to cover my tracks and explain myself, without upsetting her even more. To give me time to rationalise my thoughts, I nodded towards the space where the employee stood, and I checked my watch. "It's rather early for you to be drinking champagne, isn't it? We all know what you're like when you've had bubbles."

"Can you not keep your opinions to yourself for once in your life?" She snapped in a fierce growl and my eyes widened a little. It appeared I was not successful in removing my foot from my mouth.

To avoid making the situation worse, I opted for not saying anything at all. That was a safe bet. If I said one more comment she perceived as unhelpful, I would hazard a guess that she would blow up in my face, and I would more than likely deserve it. Besides, my mouth was full of my foot, anyway.

Soon enough, the employee came back with a bottle of champagne sat atop a silver tray, along with four pristine flutes. She placed it on the coffee table in front of us and she took a flute and filled it with the golden liquid. Almost as soon as the glass touched down on the tray, Felicity grabbed it and took a large gulp. I worried for Felicity with how much she took — not that I had any issue with her actually drinking, she could do what she wanted regarding that — but I didn't want to be so awful to her that she thought the only way to get through this day with me would be to drink.

Surely, I wasn't that bad?

I debated grabbing a glass in solidarity, to show her that drinking champagne during an errand like this was not only accepted, but encouraged. But I realised — almost too late — that I had driven here. Some people would have no worries drinking a glass of bubbly and jumping behind the wheel after it. But one glass would lead to two and so on, so I thought it would be best to just leave it completely. Besides, there was a chance I'd be taking Felicity home, so I didn't want to risk it all, knowing someone else would be in the car with me. Especially when that person was Felicity.

Eventually, Gloria and Jennifer came back, clad in their bridesmaid dresses, and I was thankful for the distraction. They stood on top of the podiums, so we were able to spend some time making sure everything was okay. Although, admittedly, I had no idea what I was looking for.

"Oh gosh, I hope Layla's dress doesn't need adjusting," Felicity muttered from beside me and I almost sensed her tense up with fear beside me. She tapped on the side of her glass with a long, manicured fingernail. "This is the last chance for alterations."

Not sure how to respond — or if she even expected a response — I settled for a standard and hopefully soothing, "I'm sure it'll be fine."

She took another sip of champagne, and I wondered whether that would be the only reply I would receive.

"Well, we'll have to hope so," she shrugged, surprising me again. Her face then changed completely and her eyes now took a playful glint. I braced myself for what was to come. "Well, seeing as you're stepping in for your sister, maybe you could, you know, try the dress on yourself?"

I didn't want to bring attention to the fact that she'd changed tactics, in fear of this playful demeanour slipping away. I also wanted to attempt to ease her worry, because there was literally nothing to be done about my sister's dress. So why worry about something that was out of our control?