My old Tara is definitely back.
“That’s one of the reasons I came to see you, apart from I’ve missed you, of course. Will you and Tom come to our wedding?”
“I’d be bloody insulted if you didn’t ask us!”
“No, I mean just you and Tom. We’re going overseas in December. We don’t want people to know, but I want somebody I’m close to with us.”
“Not your mum or dad?”
I run my finger around the rim of the water glass. Yes, I do, but how is that possible? “I think if my family were seen heading to the same part of the world as Dylan and me, when we’ve never spent time together before, somebody would figure out what was happening. I want this private, not celebrity story of the year.”
“Right.” She pours herself more wine. “The situation sucks.”
“Yeah. So, are you up for a trip to Bali in December? All expenses paid, first-class of course.”
“Serious?” Tara’s mouth drops open, forkful of food in front of her lips.
“Come on, Tara. Who else would I ask but you?” I’m alarmed when her eyes tear. I swallow back my own emotion. “Tara...?”
“Jeez, Sky, do you know what a fairy tale this is? Of course I want to be part of it! My best friend getting married and tohim. Does this mean I can help out with wedding plans?” She straightens. “Oh! Wedding dress. I bet you can buy whatever you want. Can I help choose? Please? And you won’t make me wear something weird will you?”
I smile at her burbling; warmth spreading across my chest at seeing my friend so animated. Six months ago, I thought I’d lost her forever, and now she’s an important part of my future. “You can help with whatever you want, Tara. All that matters is you’re there.”