I can’t help but gasp as we enter, taking in the extensive grounds that stretch on for miles, adorned with balloons, fairy-light-strung trees, and row upon row of deluxe tents, each boasting ten feet at least. We walk past a few of them, all clearly labelled for different functions, from drinks, to shisha, to hair braiding, to massages and more. Crowds of people frolic among the flowers and ornate statues, posing for pictures in beautiful boho gowns despite the seven-degree weather and popping multivitamins in their mouths for videos before promptly spitting them back out. I look down at my flared mini dress and platform cowboy boots, and silently thank Evie and Anika for preparing an outfit for me to change into in the car. I felt so unlike me when I first put it on, but, being among the rest of Brooke’s guests, I can see how needed it was. Who cares if the wind is using my few inches of exposed thigh to chill me to the bone? At least I fit in here, which I certainly wouldn’t have done in my button-down tunic dress, tights and loafers.
‘She’s certainly gone all out,’ Aiden says. ‘I’d expect nothing less.’
I nod back, still busy surveying the events around us. ‘How similar is it to last year’s Summer Splash?’
But before he can answer, Evie comes bounding out from a tent towards us. She’s still dressed the same– flowy boho dream of a dress, long wavy hair and Chanel slingbacks– but she seems to have acquired some new accessories. Her eyes, partially hidden behind sunglasses, cautiously glance to each side as she scurries our way, using one hand for drinks and the other to clutch the neck of the scarf wrapped around her head so as to remain inconspicuous. I try to stifle my laugh. She is Evie Eesuola at a high-profile influencer event. She couldn’t be more conspicuous if she tried. But I appreciate her commitment to the cause and her willingness to skulk around as if she’s gone undercover.
‘There you are!’ she says, three circular Martini glasses balancing awkwardly under her grip. ‘Here, try this.’
We quickly take them from her, avoiding probable disaster as she looks on at us expectantly. I stare down at the liquid. It’s pink and glittery, the cool winter sunlight painting iridescent swirls that float around the glass. It’s harmless. . . probably. It doesn’t exactly look tasty, but it certainly looks Instagrammable, which I suppose is the point.
Aiden sips quickly, pushed by the force of Evie’s impatient foot-tapping. He holds it in his mouth before gulping, tilting his head and taking another swig.
‘This is your “Pink Dream” cocktail.’
‘YES, IT IS! From last year’s Summer Splash!’ She flails her arms and lets the headscarf drop to the grass. ‘IknewI wasn’t imagining it.’
‘You’re not. This is exactly it.’ He downs the rest as Evie beams triumphantly.
I give it a sip and have to stop myself from recoiling as an all-consuming rush of sugar hits my tongue.
‘Is that candyfloss?’ I ask.
Evie nods. ‘Yep. And tequila and prosecco and sherbet and raspberry. The trick is to drink it fast without really thinking.’
‘It’s absolutely awful,’ Aiden grimaces.
‘Uh-huh. Butsophotogenic!’ Evie says. ‘This one won’t be getting a photo, though. Did she really think putting it in a different glass would make it a different drink? That little. . .’
‘Evie!’ a voice exclaims, as Evie’s face shifts from mad to glad in an instant.
‘Brooke!Beautifulparty!’ she says, throwing her arms around Brooke in an embrace. ‘Though seems kind of familiar.’
‘Yes, glamping’s all the rage right now!’ Brooke ignores Evie’s thinly veiled snide remark entirely.
I’ve seen Brooke Tennerton online of course; she’s quite hard to miss with her endless campaigns with every skincare, make-up and toothpaste brand known to man. But much like Evie, seeing her in person is a considerably different experience. Her skin is just as smooth and smile is just as bright, but she seems smaller– more muted. . . More human.
‘Ah, let me introduce you to my team! You already know Aiden, but this is Maddison,’ Evie says, as Brooke follows her gaze over to me. ‘Look out for this one– she’s gonna be the next big thing in events.’
She finishes her sentence with a proud smile towards me and a wink that sends a flush of warmth through my body. It sounds true when she says it. Maybe Icouldbe the next big thing in events. All that’s left in my way is the Summer Splash and my unwanted co-organiser.
‘Nice to meet you, Maddison!’ Brooke comes in for a hug. ‘And, Aiden, always a pleasure.’
‘The pleasure is always mine, Brooke– you know that.’ The pair exchange a look that’s a little too sultry for a professional event.
I try to stop my face from going sour, but I feel my cheek muscles twitch and know it’s pretty much inevitable. What is it with these women and Aiden? First Pippa, now Brooke. . . Are we interacting with the same man?
‘This is a beautiful event!’ I say, eager to break the tension. ‘And I’m excited to learn more about “Salyva”. What an interesting name.’
‘Thanks, sweetie!’ Brooke happily turns to me. ‘I just think that “saliva” is such a pretty word with an unfair reputation. I’m working to change that.’
‘There’s none in the gummy, right?’ Aiden asks.
‘Of course not!’ Brooke gushes before biting her lip in worry. ‘At least, I don’t think so. . . I don’t know. . . You’d have to ask the lab, I guess. Evie, can I borrow you for photos?’
‘Of course, babe!’ Evie replies. ‘You two explore and have fun; I’ll catch up with you in a bit.’
They’re less than a metre away before Aiden springs into action, grabbing my glass and dumping it on a nearby barrel-turned-table.
