A Greek Odyssey - Jason Fic

CHAPTER 69

The following morning they set off down the A14 towards Bury St Edmunds, a pretty market town approximately 30 miles from Cambridge. Anna had the day off that day so Jason asked if she would like to accompany them on their day out.

'You don't want me tagging along with you and Lexi, Jason!'

'We wouldn't ask if we didn't want you to come along Anna. I've discussed it with Lexi and she's cool about you coming.'

He was conscious that Anna and Joe had said that they wanted to contribute something to their big day. Joe wanted to pay for the entire wedding, but Jason knew that even though Anna and Joe were by no means poor, it would be stretching their finances to pay for the whole thing. In the end they agreed that Lexi and Jason would choose the venue and then depending on the cost of the various bits and pieces they would come to an arrangement. Jason was worried about looking flash by offering to pay for too much, but he also didn't want to dent Joe's male pride as he got on well with his future father-in-law and the last thing he wanted to do was upset him.

They arrived at their first venue Hengrave Hall, Lexi's first choice, bang on time and the Wedding Co-ordinator was waiting for them, a welcoming smile on her face as she walked out to greet them.

A look of surprise crossed her face as she saw Jason get out of the car. 'Oh my god...' she muttered to herself as she came face to face with one of her idols. She'd seen him at Wembley twice, two years ago during The Circus tour and he was her favourite member of the band.

'Oh shit...' Jason murmered, immediately recognising the expression on her face as one of a fan. The last thing he needed was a wedding co-ordinator who was a fan.

'What?' Lexi asked, looking at Jason in confusion. 'Don't you like it?'

'No, it's fine....' Jason trailed off, through gritted teeth.

To her credit, the Wedding Co-ordinator recovered her composure and stepped towards them, her hand outstretched to shake both their hands.

'Hi, I'm Sarah. You must be Lexi and you must be Jason.' She tried valiantly to keep the nerves out of her voice, thinking she'd never wash her hand ever again as Jason shook it firmly.

'Yes, nice to meet you Sarah. I'm Lexi and this is my mum Anna.' Lexi pushed her mum forward to meet Sarah who said hello and shook her hand too. 'If you follow me I'll show you around,' she indicated with her arm that they follow her and started to walk towards the gardens. 'So, what sort of wedding were you hoping for?'

'Something fairly small and intimate, we don't want anything showy.' Jason replied, his eyes appraising the carefully manicured gardens with their wide open spaces.

'We can manage that Mr Orange.'

Jason smiled and took Lexi by the hand so they could walk together. Sarah firstly showed them around the small church explaining that it had room enough for 120 guests or if they preferred they could arrange civil weddings in four other locations around the hotel. They continued through the gardens until they reached the rose-garden which Sarah pointed out contained over 1000 famous roses. She said it was often used by wedding parties to take their photos or if they preferred they could have them in the courtyard or any other location around the grounds.

Lexi's eyes were the size of saucers as she she took in everything, from the gorgeous little church, to the stunning gardens and the gorgeous hall itself. It was just what she wanted, but she kept quiet not wanting to influence Jason.

'The house would be at your disposal all day and evening so you can choose to be outside in the gardens most of the time, or if the weather is bad then we can have most of the reception inside. Most couples tend to have their photos done outside and unless the weather's perfect they then have their reception in the Banqueting hall, where we open up the inside of the house so your guests can wander into the Long Gallery instead. Whatever you wish we can normally accommodate.'