“How does this feel?” Georgie asked, adjusting the ties on the back of the white basque Megan wore. “Too tight?”

“No it’s fine. It kind of feels like it’s holding me together.” Megan huffed at her silliness but it was the truth. With all the emotions rolling about inside her—apprehension, excitement, awestruck—the basque was like wearing a hug. It was comforting and made her feel secure.

“Your new husband will love that later,” Brendon said, crawling off the bed and nodding approvingly. His gaze took in Megan standing in her sexy underwear. “My, my, if I wasn’t into men, my sweetpea, I’d do you.”

“Well thanks, I think.” Megan giggled and reached for a pack of unopened white stockings.

“Who are you kidding, Brendon?” Georgie said, before picking up her champagne and taking a sip. “I shouldn’t think you’ve got the energy for any of that after last weekend.”

“Last weekend was a business trip.” Brendon scowled.

“Hah, business, yes, if you’re in the business.” Georgie rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows that you and Timothy Hung-like-a-Donkey Curtis weren’t interested in checking out that hotel in Brighton for a possible gig, you were just on a shagathon trip.”

“Well, I take great offence to that, Georgie Porgy Pudding and Pie, because actually that’s exactly what we did. Prada is looking at holding a launch party there for their new line of summer purses”

“Yes, we’ll believe it when we see it.” Georgie laughed and set down her glass.

Normally Megan’s ears would have pricked at the mention of Prada summer purses—she loved purses for all seasons and all occasions—but not today.

“You want me to do that, Megan?”

“No, I can manage.” The wrapper on the stocking box was proving tricky and her hands were a little shaky.

“Here.” Georgie took the package and deftly opened it.

“Thanks.” Megan smiled. She was so happy that her two best friends were with her today. She couldn’t have done it without them. They were her rocks, her pillars of support, her port in a storm. They’d met over five years ago at a mutual friend’s party, all newly single and all wanting to have some fun. Before long they’d been partying hard, but also kicking back and putting the world to rights together. Now they spoke or dropped in on each other most days, did lunch or met for cocktails every week, and tried to get away at least once each summer to worship the sun on some tropical beach.

“Don’t look so worried,” Georgie said with a slight frown.

“Yeah, are you okay?” Brendon asked.