Page 39 of Ask Another Day

Holly doubted that, but with no other options, it was all she could do but try.

‘I’ll head down and see if Dad needs any help with anything,’ Luke said, before leaving them to attempt to cobble something together.

*

After a frustrating session of trying on Hannah’s clothes, the two quickly came to the conclusion none of the dresses Hannah had brought over, worked. They just about fit, but were either too short or the wrong colour for her. Nothing felt right.

As Holly was about to throw the towel in and head to her party in the old jeans and faded t-shirt she had on, Hannah said, ‘There’s one option left. But you’re going to have to trust the process.’ Picking up what Holly had assumed was a black skirt, Hannah handed over what was in fact, a black satin corset.

‘I can’t wear that!’ Holly gasped. Not only was it too daring for her, she was a little distraught at the prospect of wearing something her soon to be sister-in-law had possibly worn to seduce her brother.

‘Trust the process, remember. Now find me your favourite jeans.’

At Hannah’s no-nonsense tone, Holly dutifully rummaged through her drawer, until her hands found the soft dark denim of her Diesel jeans.

‘Perfect,’ Hannah cooed as she saw them.

A few minutes, and some rough pulling of laces, later, Holly had to smile as she looked at herself in the mirror.

‘See. The process can be trusted.’ Hannah grinned from behind her. ‘And don’t worry, this is new. I haven’t worn it for L–’

‘Don’t finish that sentence. I’ve been battling with my subconscious to banish visions of you, and Luke, and corsets.’

‘But I was saying I haven’t worn this one for him.’

‘Eugh, but you said this one. Which suggests there had been others.’ Holly grimaced, flexing her hands into fists as she worked to block any would-be images from sneaking in.

Hannah laughed. Holly turned from the mirror to look at her. The devilish glint in her eye surprised her, but made her realise this was just another reason why Hannah and her brother were so perfect for each other. At Holly’s expression, Hannah laughed again before schooling her features.

‘Sorry?’ she offered.

‘She’s not,’ Luke teased from the doorway. ‘I know that tone, she’s definitely not sorry.’

‘I’m starting to see why you two are so good together,’ Holly said, looking between them, and then directing her next words to his fiance, ‘You really aren’t as squeaky clean as you seem, are you?’

‘No comment,’ she said as she looked up at the ceiling to avoid further eye contact.

‘Ready for the ball, Cinderella?’ Luke said as he offered her his arm.

Holly gratefully took it, and with the teasing completely gone from her voice she said, ‘Thanks, Hannah. You really saved the day.’

‘Don’t mention it. I was happy to help.’

‘Who fancies a drink downstairs before we head to The Dolphin?’ Luke asked.

‘Can’t. I want to be there early. You know, in case anyone turns up… early.’

Luke stared at her. He always knew when she was withholding information. Under his appraising stare, she caved.

‘Alright. I might have passed a message on to Seb saying that if he fancies me as much as I do him, he should meet me at The Dolphin at 7:30.’

‘Oh, I love that,’ Hannah said at the same time as Luke said, ‘Sounds a bit complicated.’

‘Luke,’ Hannah playfully hit his arm, ‘it’s romantic.’

‘Wish me luck?’ Holly asked in earnest.

‘Not that you need it, but good luck,’ Hannah said, as she leaned in and kissed Holly on the cheek.