'Yes, it couldn’t be better. I’ve had a lovely morning of peace and quiet.’
'You are funny, wanting to spend the morning on your own.’
Nina nodded. 'Yes, I just wanted to have a bit of time to myself to think about everything that’s happened and make the most of it, you know. As my mum likes to constantly tell me; I’m a bit odd.'
Sophie agreed, 'Nah. I do know what you mean about peace because I never have any these days. It’s a big day. I’m so excited; I’m beside myself. I’ve had to calm myself down.'
Nina laughed. 'I haven’t been like that at all. I’ve been calm and serene. It’s been lovely.’
‘Have you heard from Robby?'
'Yes, he texted me while I was in the bath. He said his mum is driving him round the twist.'
'I bet. She did seem a bit full-on when I met her at the hen do.'
'Yeah, anyway, all good. I’m just going to get my hair and make-up done and then I’ll be good to go. Colin is picking me up and dropping me at the registry office, and then we’ll be on the boat to arrive at The Summer Hotel on the jetty.'
'How fab this has turned out to be. It’s the loveliest wedding ever. We are all so excited, even Nick!'
'How appropriate, the loveliest wedding in Lovely Bay. Too funny.'
'The weather is performing for us. Fancy waking up to this, eh?'
'I know, right? I just had a double-check earlier this morning when I got up, and it’s going to be a beautiful day.'
'Yeah.’
'How are the children? Everything alright there?'
'Yes, everything is done and dusted. All the outfits are sorted, and Nick is in charge for thewholeday so that I can have a bit of time off and enjoy your wedding.'
‘Right, well, see you there then.’
‘Yep, so excited! See you soon.’
Nina stopped outside the chocolate shop and smiled as Millie came to the door. She remembered the first time she’d been inside, at the back, and even though she was used to seeing clutter and junk from that end, from the front, it was immaculate, with nothing out of place; she still couldn’t quite compute the two. Millie opened the door, leant on the architrave, and smiled a broad beam.
'Morning, how are you? Nice rollers.’
'I’m good, thanks,' Nina smiled back.
'Ready for the big day?'
'I am.’
‘How’s our Robby? Is he good?'
'Heisgood, yep. Just hope he turns up,’ Nina joked.
Millie batted her hand. 'Don’t be ridiculous, of course he will. How is everything with you? Have you had a busy morning already?'
'No, I haven’t, not anything like it. I’ve had a lovely peaceful morning on my own.'
Millie chuckled. 'I see. I thought maybe you’d be with someone. You’ve got a best friend who lives nearby, haven’t you? Or I thought you might be with Nancy or something.'
'I made an executive decision that I wanted the night on my own, and it was a good one. I’ve just had a nice bath, and now I’m on my way to see Bianca. I’m so chilled and happy.'
'Bianca will do well with you. Sounds like you don’t have to worry about anything.'
