“The one on the inside of your wedding gown. You know, the so-called heirloom that you never actually wore?”
“That doesn’t mean your father and I aren’t–”
“Don’t lie to me, Mum.” I couldn’t believe she thought I was that stupid.
“Tess, I’m not lying. Me and your dad are most definitely married.” She picked up her handbag, found her purse and began rifling through it. Pulling out a photo, she handed it to me. “That’s me and your father. On our wedding day.”
I stared at the snapshot. With no Princess Diana dress in sight, Mum wore a cream skirt and jacket, while Dad had on navy trousers, white shirt, and a tie. They stood smiling, with their arms linked.
“Don’t get me wrong. It might not have been what I dreamt about as a young girl growing up, but it was good enough for us. As for your wedding, I wanted more for the both of you. A proper celebration.”
“So where did the wedding gown come from?” I asked.
“I bought it to wear that day.” Mum indicated the picture. “But everyone said I’d look daft walking into the registry office in an all-singing all-dancing dress. Which is why I wore the cream suit instead.”
“So why lie about it?” I glared at Mum, before waving my hand, dismissive. “In fact, don’t answer that, I don’t care what your reasons are. You’re just a bully. Not only with me, but with everyone.”
“Come on, Tess,” Leo said. “That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?”
I turned to him. “How can you keep being so understanding? Not only has she manipulated everything about our wedding, Leo, Dad can’t share his new-found hobby with the rest of his family because of her. After all, being married to a trainspotter is far too embarrassing.”
I looked at Mum. “You know what? Forget it. I’m done.”
“Tess, you don’t…” Mum said.
“What? I don’t mean it?”
“Tess?” Leo looked at me, confused. “What are you saying?”
“You need to leave,” I said to my mother.
“But…”
“Please, Tess,” Leo said. “We need to talk about this.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. What did he think I’d been trying to do?
“Tess…?”
Ignoring Leo’s protests, I sat arms folded, waiting for Mum to get up from her seat. However, with no movement forthcoming, it seemed I’d no choice but to rise to my feet instead. “Looks like I’m the one who’s going then, doesn’t it?”
Chapter 51
Passing through the house, I grabbed my keys and bag, before storming out to the car. However, with no idea where I was going, as soon as I climbed into the vehicle, I regretted it. I started the engine regardless and, chewing on the inside of my cheek, considered heading to Sal’s. But while my sister understood how frustrating Mum could be, I could already hear her laughter over Mum’s ordination. She and Ryan would, without doubt, find Mum’s latest stunt funny, rather than see it as the self-centred action it was.
I pictured Mum’s smug expression and knowing she hadn’t hit the internet out of respect for Grace’s faith like she claimed, I scowled. Having spent a full evening competing with Leo’s mother, Mum had done it out of one-upmanship. Pure and simple. I felt angry. Infuriated with Mum for ruining everything about my wedding. Plus, I was mad at myself for not being more forceful with her from the beginning. I sighed, knowing that in my resentment I’d also hurt Leo. When I’d lashed out and said I was done, my sole intention had been to upset Mum, not him, and I hated myself for not having thought before I spoke.
I wished I could head south to Cornwall or north to Scotland. But with Chloe’s pregnancy and Abbey’s renovations, even though they’d welcome me with open arms, I knew it wouldn’t be fair. They had enough to contend with without me and my woes.
Needing to get out of there regardless, I slammed my foot down on the clutch, I grabbed the gearstick, and rammed it forward. The resulting crunching and grinding as it refused to do as I wanted only increased my frustration. I tried again but the noise continued, forcing me to repeat the process for a third time.
I jumped as my door suddenly opened.
Leo stood beside me. “Move over. You’re in no state to drive.”
Though annoyed at the intrusion, I had to admit he was right. I was way too incensed to be behind the wheel and forced to inch over into the passenger seat, I frowned as I reached for my seat belt. “Come on then,” I said, as Leo prepared to set off. “Let’s go.”
Pulling away, we drove in silence, with me peering out of the side window and Leo staring at the road ahead. Watching the countryside go by, I wanted to say something. But as had kept happening of late, I tried and failed to come up with the right words.
