‘Rick Astley.’
‘We don’t know what that is.’
‘Neither do I.’
But every person is entitled to their own wedding song choices. There are rumours there may be a routine for us to learn. With the dog. Good luck with that, guys, because we have trouble telling Dave not to eat out of the bin.
‘Come practise with me.’ I grab two cushions and place some Haribo gummy rings on them. ‘One for you and one for you, the trick is to hold the cushion super super straight. If we lose the rings, the wedding will be ruined.’ Their eyes widen to hear of such responsibility being placed on their tiny shoulders. ‘I mean, it wouldn’t be ruined-ruined, but it’s an important job, and Sonny gave it to you guys because he knows you’ll be awesome.’
They high-five each other and walk down the stretch of their living room, maybe a bit too slowly like they’re on a tightrope, but it makes me grin from ear to ear to see them looking so earnest. As they reach a bookshelf at the end of the room, the sound of a key goes in the door and Brett and Tina walk in, the boys rushing over to their parents, cushions and jelly rings falling on the floor. Let’s hope the actual day doesn’t end like that.
‘DUDES! How’s it going?’ Brett says. ‘What are we doing?’
‘We’re learning how to carry rings, it’s the most important job of the day,’ Vinnie tells his dad.
‘That it is,’ his mum says, kissing him on the cheek. ‘Have you been good for Aunty JoJo?’
‘They’ve been the best,’ I say.
‘Aunty JoJo watchedAnt-Manwith us,’ says Xander.
‘She does that so we don’t have to sit through it, this is why we love Aunty JoJo,’ Tina replies. ‘Come, I have leftover treats. Help me with these bags, lads.’ The boys do as they’re told, and head on through the flat as I follow. ‘Thank you so much for babysitting, you are a lifesaver,’ she says to me.
‘How was it?’ I ask.
‘They were just super grateful we could step in at the last minute, it was easy – little christening buffet and the baby was super cute,’ she says, pouting. ‘Boys, there are some sausage rolls, help yourself but use a plate.’
It is always a joy to see Tina as a mum. Back in the day, she was a rebel who wore a lot of camo, accessorised with military boots and goggles, and once burned down a sports equipment storage shed as she was that opposed to track and field athletics.
She opens up a container of pink iced cupcakes and puts the kettle on.
‘Brett! You want tea?’ she shouts into the hallway.
‘Always!’ he echoes in response.
‘Help yourself, I also have finger sandwiches,’ she says, getting some mugs out of the cupboard. ‘We also need a catch-up – I feel I haven’t seen you in an age. What’s new?’
I give her a look as she leans against the countertops. ‘You mean, how’s my new boyfriend? The one you’ve told your sons about?’
Vinnie and Xander, mouths full of sausage rolls, suddenly look sheepish and go and find their dad.
‘Keep using those plates, boys!’ their mum shouts before returning to me.
‘Did Mum tell you?’ I ask Tina.
‘Who else? She wanted to know if I had gossip. They like him. He came to the hospital, that’s like huge brownie points. Who is he?’
‘His name’s Cameron. I met him at Sonny’s party.’
‘THE GHOSTBUSTER!’ Brett suddenly says from the hallway.
Tina’s jaw drops. ‘That became a thing-thing? Josie, shame on you for not telling us.’
‘I generally don’t broadcast these moments, you know me well enough for that. After he rang the restaurant that night, we went out for a few dates.’
Both of their eyes widen, large and hopeful. Josie’s back in the ring, how many rounds will she last this time?
‘You know, Brett and I were in the kitchen that night watching the both of you. We left you to it because we were working and professionals, but even we could see a spark. Tell us more.’
