Jordan took it all in her stride. “I was briefly, in my youth, but modelling wasn’t for me. Too much standing about and posing. Plus, far too many lecherous men everywhere you turned.” She stowed her handbag at her feet. “I prefer my current line of work any day. As a professional bridesmaid, my job is to deliver happiness. That’s something nobody offers you as a career in school, is it?”

Delta snorted. “That’s quite a ticket you have on yourself.”

Abby kicked her under the table. So much for playing nice.

Delta flinched, but said nothing, scowling at Abby.

Abby glanced at Jordan. If that comment had irked her, she was giving nothing away.

The waiter brought over the bottle of sauvignon blanc Abby had ordered earlier, along with four glasses.

Abby gave the bottle to Delta with a pointed stare.

Delta poured with a flourish.

“A professional bridesmaid.” Gloria was still transfixed. “How did you go about getting that job, if you don’t mind me asking.”

Jordan shook her head. “It’s a valid question. I kinda fell into it when a friend of mine, Catherine, asked me to be her maid of honour. We were friends, but not particularly close, so it felt odd. If my flatmate Karen asked, that would be normal. We’re best mates.

“When I asked Catherine why she chose me, she admitted it was because I’m organised and unflappable, and she wanted someone who would take charge of the hen do and help her out. So when I was made redundant from my job as an events planner months later, I put up an ad on Gumtree offering my services doing just that for other brides, and woke up to 20-plus emails. That’s when I knew it was a viable business.”

“Wow.” Gloria took a sip of her wine that Delta had just finished pouring. “And you’ve done how many other weddings?”

“This is number 28. Lucky number 28, of course.”

There was a lull in conversation as everyone took that in. Abby was keeping a close watch on her mum and Delta. Mum seemed smitten. Abby knew Delta would be harder to win over. She might say she was fine with the situation, but Abby knew she’d get jealous. She’d already proved that with her snark. Abby hoped these drinks would put Delta’s misgivings to bed.

Abby glanced Jordan’s way, taking in her perfect make-up, her styled hair. When she took a deep breath in, she could smell her perfume. It reminded her of summer days.

“Have you been asked to do anything weird in your role?”

“Delta!” Abby hadn’t expected that question this early on.