Second Chance - Jane Green [30]
And he is always charming when he is faced by someone he is seeking to impress.
‘I thought your husband was supposed to be an arrogant wanker,’ Saffron says.
Holly should be upset, but she has long suspected that people secretly think this, and so it has ceased to bother her. ‘Most of the time he is but, as you can see, he can also be devastatingly charming.’
‘Was it just me or was he a little star-struck?’ Saffron giggles.
‘Yes, well. It seems Marcus isn’t quite so cool and collected when faced with genuine celebrity.’ Holly rolls her eyes as she links her arm through Saffron’s. ‘Anyway, who told you he was an arrogant wanker?’
‘Am I allowed to drop Tom in it at his own memorial service?’
‘Figures.’ Holly snorts, and they join the hordes of people as they start walking up the driveway.
‘So did Marcus see Lady Chatterley? He probably fancied me rotten when I played Lady Chatterley.’
‘I think everyone fancied you rotten when you played Lady Chatterley.’ Holly laughs. ‘Whoops, careful. Your head seems to be expanding.’
‘Oh God. Don’t be silly. It wasn’t me; they all fancied my character. First time I ever did full nudity and I’m still paying the price. I can’t seem to meet a man these days without his tongue hanging out.’
‘Sounds good to me. Seriously, though, Saff, if you want Marcus you can have him.’
‘Thanks,’ Saff peals with laughter, ‘but my hands are perfectly full dealing with P.’
‘Is that what you call your luvver whom you refuse to talk about? P?’
‘Easier than his full name, and no one would guess if they overheard anything. I… Oh God. You can keep a secret, can’t you?’
‘Of course.’
‘He’s famous. Incredibly famous, so you have to swear not to tell anyone.’
‘Cross my heart and hope to die.’
Saffron leans forward and whispers a name into Holly’s ear.
‘But… Isn’t he married to… ?’
‘Exactly. That’s why it’s so secret. Sssh,’ Saffron puts her finger to her lips as they approach the door, ‘I’ll tell you more later.’
They step into the cool lobby and follow the crowds into the church. Standing room only. The place is packed, several hundred people crowded in.
‘Where are his mum and dad?’ Holly whispers, looking towards the front.
‘We’ll find them later. I haven’t seen them for years, have you?’
‘No. I just keep thinking how awful for them to lose a son.’
‘What about his wife? Sarah, isn’t it? Is she here with the kids?’
‘She’s got to be here. Excuse me. Excuse me. Sorry.’ They shuffle past huddles of people expressing the same shock and bewilderment, until they can just get a glimpse of the pulpit.
‘Let’s stay here,’ Saff says. ‘At least I can breathe. Do you think your husband will be able to find us?’
‘I hope not.’ Holly sighs, and Saffron frowns at her.
‘Is everything okay with the two of you?’
Holly’s laugh is hollow. ‘I’m just being silly,’ she says. ‘Ignore me.’
‘Holly Macintosh? Saffron? Oh my God!’ Holly and Saffron find themselves looking up at a tear-streaked face, a huge dramatic black hat, a skin-tight fitted suit, and high heels with scarlet soles that immediately give the shoes away as Louboutin.
‘I don’t believe it!’ the girl says, sweeping first Holly then Saffron into a giant hug. ‘I haven’t seen you since school, and isn’t it so awful that this is the first time we see one another? Can you believe it? Poor Tom. And poor Sarah. I can’t even think about the children, it’s just too heartbreaking.’
Holly sneaks a look at Saffron, a look that says, Who the fuck is this? But Saffron seems to know, or, at the very least, is doing a wonderful job of hiding that she doesn’t. ‘I can’t believe how wonderful you look,’ Saffron says. ‘You haven’t changed at all.’
‘Now I know you’re lying,’ the girl says, leaning forward slightly with a whisper. ‘My nose was about the size of this church at school. Thank God for plastic surgery and husbands willing to pay for it! Speaking of whom,