“She’s brilliant. I love her to bits. And Emma and Mags. The four of us have been close since university. I couldn’t imagine not living in the same city as them.”

Scott nods. “They sound like your family.”

I know he’s remembering my outburst on the plane. If he brings up my parents now, I’ll throttle him.

“They’re better than family,” I mutter. “Mine, anyway.”

8

Arriving at the wedding venue is like stepping onto a movie set. The scene seems too gorgeous to be real. Scott and I are directed along a path lined with lanterns glowing faintly in the fading light. Surrounding us on every side is a mass of trees aflame with autumn colours. I’ve never seen anything like it and for a moment I simply have to stand and stare.

“Wow,” I breathe.

“It’s pretty impressive,” says Scott.

“That doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

We wander past a still pond reflecting the oranges, reds and yellows of the trees, over a small curved red wooden bridge, to a traditional three-storey Japanese pagoda. Lined up facing the pagoda are rows of seats with starched white covers and lavish crimson bows. Most of the guests have already arrived and we find a seat in the back row. Scott waves to a few people who glance our way and they make little effort to disguise the fact they’re checking me out.

“You OK?” asks Scott.

I nod quickly. “This is the most incredible wedding I’ve ever been to.”

He puts a hand on my thigh and squeezes gently, then quickly lifts his hand away and turns as someone taps him on the shoulder. He leaps to his feet and throws his arms around a slim man in a dark blue suit.

“Harry!”

The two men hug each other enthusiastically.

“Thanks for coming, man,” says Harry once the hug is over. “It means a lot.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” says Scott gruffly. “Shouldn’t you be up front?”

Harry screws up his nose. “Suppose.” He glances at me and holds out his hand. “Hey, I’m Harry.”

“Trish, this is the groom, Harry. Harry, this is Trish.”

His palm is clammy as we shake.

“Pleased to meet you, Trish. Thanks for coming.”

“Thanks for having me – assuming you even knew I was coming?”

Harry laughs. “Scott did inform me a few hours ago he was bringing someone along. Lizzie had a mild panic, but she’s recovered.”

“I bet she did,” says Scott, and even though he’s smiling, I can tell it’s forced.

Harry winks at me. “Lizzie will be the one wearing the expensive white dress.”

“Right, good tip.”

Harry glances towards the pagoda and takes a deep breath.

“Better get on with it.” As he adjusts his tie, his hands shake with nerves. “Catch up with you later?” he says to Scott.

“Good luck.” Scott slaps his friend on the back.