Leanne stood outside the Bistro in her winter coat, a coffee in a flask firmly in her hands for the warmth. It was early morning and she and Nick had opened up the Bistro to prepare for Sally and Tim's over-the-top wedding celebrations later that day.
The Street was deserted and the curtains of every home were firmly shut; everyone was asleep and it felt as though the view was entirely her own. It was peaceful, calm and oddly beautiful taking in the Street, covered with the delicate frost of an early December morning. The houses and shops looked like they were dusted with icing sugar. She felt pretty content looking out at the quiet.
The door to the Bistro creaked open and Nick appeared alongside her with a matching flask. She turned around to him, raising a finger to her lips.
'Ssh,' she whispered. 'Isn't it lovely?'
He smiled, wrapping his free arm around her and pulling her closer next to him. 'It is. Who'd have thought this place could look so calm and quiet?' He matched her hushed tones.
She rested her head on his shoulder, taking occasional sips of her coffee. 'I'd like to freeze this moment and not have to deal with today.'
He chuckled as quietly as possible. 'I feel we've lost more sleep over this wedding than any of our own!'
She laughed too. 'Don't go off on one like your brother did the other night. Honestly! Today might just put me off weddings for life.'
He grimaced without her knowledge. 'I'm sure you don't mean that. I doubt our wedding will be as extravagant as Sally's made this one.'
This had caught Leanne's attention, and she moved her head off his shoulder to meet his gaze. 'Our wedding? Something you want to tell me, Tilsley?'
'No no, I just, well, there's no saying we'll never have another is all.' He laughed. 'Don't panic, I've not set a date.'
'Speaking of which, we need to get back inside and carry on setting up the tables, otherwise Sally'll have our guts for garters.'
Nick rolled his eyes. 'God I can't wait to lock this place tonight.'
'Come on,' Leanne reached for his hand, yanking him back inside. They shook off their coats and put them back inside the office. The clock read 6.15am.
The Bistro was littered with tables and chairs, all arranged into the orderly plan Sally had handed over weeks ago. They'd locked up the previous night and moved as much furniture as humanly possible, but the early start was required to decorate and ensure everything was in order for the wedding to take place at 1pm.
Leanne carried roll after roll of white table linen, each embroidered with delicate lace. It looked gorgeous, but so expensive. All for a day? It seemed a bit excessive. Sally had sketched an idea and made a mood board of how the Bistro ought to look, and it meant the pressure was on for complete perfection.
The last table was decked out with the table linen, before the handmade table settings were laid out with the name of each guest written in Sally's scrawl. There were forty-five guests in total; most of whom were already residents that had visited the Bistro countless times before. The vast majority of guests were Sally's friends from the factory and others, as all of the Platt's had received an invite - all but the children, who were being cared for by Bethany for the day, despite Kylie's protests.
Leanne set the table furthest from the bride and groom on the top table, and was intrigued by the place settings for Carla and Peter, who were placed directly next to each other. So they were officially back on. That must mean she wasn't sniffing around Nick. Surely?
The decorative strands of pearls and candle holders completed the all-white look of the tables. Meanwhile, Nick had spent the time lifting crates of wine, prosecco and bottled beer from the cellar; it seemed fairly important to boost the bar sales, especially given some of the guests. He'd seen Beth fly through the best part of a crate of bottled Stella once.
'Leanne?' Nick lifted the bottles on to the bar area. 'What's the plan with the staff?'
She rolled her eyes, adding the final set of table decorations for the guests. 'I did tell ya this last night, but you were half-conked. Shall I explain again? Get you a pen and paper? Inscribe it on the bar? Tattoo it on your forehead?'
'Sarcasm detected.'
'Anyway. Steph, Andy, Millie and Shane are on bar duty. Steph and Andy are cracking open the prosecco and topping the guests up. Millie and Shane are on bar duty - serving customers, taking the money.'
'Good plan.'
'Then that leaves me, you, Sam and Kathy to float on the floor and clean down the tables between courses. It'll be a tight turn around, but we can always rob some of them off the bar if need be.'
'This sounds seamless.'
'It will be,' Leanne began, reaching under the bar. 'If we communicate with these.' She held up several ear pieces and headsets.
'Are you on glue?' Nick looked baffled. 'This isn't the royal wedding.'
'No, it isn't. It's Sally flamin' Webster's wedding and I swear Nick, if one tiny tiny detail is out of place, she will never, and I repeat, never let us forget it. So, we're wearing these to ensure everything runs without a hitch. No pun intended.'
'Yes Sargent Major!' Nick saluted sarcastically. Leanne was not impressed.
'I'm serious here!'
'As am I. You've got all the hallmarks of a fascist dictator.'
'Well, say what you want about 'em, but everything always ran smoothly.'
Nick held his mouth wide open. Sometimes even he was taken aback with how blunt she could be.
Carla had enjoyed a rather leisurely morning to herself. The factory was shut for the day as Sally and Tim had invited all of the staff for the wedding celebrations, which meant an extra long lie in, and the time to ready herself for the day ahead. Peter had, rather sweetly, asked if she was comfortable with him attending too, and if so, if she was against them going together, as an official item. It was, of course, met with a definite yes. She was pleased with how her new relationship with Peter was faring, especially given the circumstances. He seemed more mature and definitely ready for whatever hurdles were ahead in their relationship. And hurdles were something Carla had in abundance. Their relationship was destined to become the 800m hurdles at this rate.
'Morning beautiful' Peter beamed, entering her flat just after 11.30am. He was already dressed in his smart suit and formal attire. His smell was divine.
Carla returned the smile; the pair like two giddy teenagers. 'Morning, handsome,' she gave him a light peck on the lips. Her hair was up in rollers and her make-up emphasised the glow of her skin, the bronzer delicately applied to her cheeks etched out the sharp cheekbones that defined her.
'Don't you look...stunning.'
Carla frowned. 'I'm in me dressing gown and I'm half-ready for this shitshow. I wouldn't exactly say I'm radiating natural beauty.'
'You are - you're practically glowing!'
She dropped her head, avoiding his loving gaze. 'Are you sure, y'know. Sure you're comfortable with us, going as- going together today?'
He held her head up to meet his own, cupping her face in his hands - deliberately avoiding messing up her make up. 'It's something I'm absolutely certain about. We're ready for it, aren't we? Unless there's something you're not telling me? Are you having doubts?'
She felt tears prick her eyes. God, she couldn't stop herself from being so emotional at the minute. 'No, I'm sure I want this too. I just didn't want you feeling trapped or backed into a corner.'
'Carla Connor, if you backed me into a corner now, would I stop you?'
She laughed. 'I dunno. Let's try it, shall we?' She planted another kiss on him.
Over at the Platt's, chaos reigned the house. Kylie sprinted down the stairs with half of her make up applied, whilst Gail sat at the table fixing her hair. Bethany was in the living room bobbing Lily up and down on her knee and screaming with laughter. Max had the TV blaring at a deafening level. David was upstairs frantically trying to get Sarah out of her bedroom. Again, more screams. Ah, just another peaceful morning at No.8.
David headed down the stairs, livid, as Sarah had once more, slammed the door in his face and refused to join the others at the wedding. She was permanently dressed like a slob, refusing to budge and engage with the others. He was certain she'd not been eating well or at all, and he'd very rarely heard his sister using the shower. Sarah had begun to slip away from herself; a tragic image of who was there just weeks ago.
'She's doing me head in, have a word will ya Mum!' David bellowed, running through to the kitchen. He caught sight of Kylie's half applied face. 'Jesus, is Tommy Cooper doing a set at the reception?'
Kylie frowned. 'Who?'
'David, why don't you help Kylie out? Instead of insulting your wife.' Gail suggested, combing her hair in her mirror. 'I wonder who Sally's wearing.'
'You are jokin?' Kylie quipped. 'She isn't a flippin Beckham.'
'I'm sure ya can read who she wore when Hello! comes out in two weeks.'
'I knew you've been reading my magazines!' Gail turned around to her son. 'I thought it was Bethany that had left the pages crumpled - it was you!'
'Max, mate, can ya turn it down a bit?' David rubbed his head with his hand. 'I can't think over the Scooby Doo theme.'
'David!' Kylie fumed. 'Where've ya put me foundation? I had it yesterday and I can't find it anywhere!'
'Me? Why would I touch it? I'm not the male hairdresser stereotype: I'm not reading her Hello! and snaffling yer foundation. Christ alive!'
Bethany sunk down on the sofa.
'Bethany?' Kylie headed into the living room. 'Is that my foundation you're wearing?'
The fifteen-year old looked away. 'I couldn't borrow Mum's, she keeps locking our room and mine's run out but whenever I go to ask for money, she doesn't seem to be listening.'
Kylie sympathised. Sarah had been a rather absent mother to the young girl since Callum's murder. She couldn't help but feel her own part in that had led to Bethany sneaking her make up. Kylie lowered herself to her knees to look at David's niece.
'Tell ya what,' Kylie started, tapping Bethany's knee gently. 'If I can just use it for today for Sally's wedding, I'll let you keep mine?'
Bethany nodded, flinging her arms around Kylie. 'Thank you Auntie Kylie!' She squealed.
The Bistro was alive with staff running around, making the final additions to the wedding festivities that were due to start in forty-five minutes. Nick and Leanne were in the kitchen with Robert and the chefs, frantically arranging the hors d'oeuvres and the other dishes that the guests were expecting.
Tim was pacing around the makeshift aisle in the Bistro, the tables scattered in the space around it.
'How do I look mate?' Tim asked Steve.
Steve gurned. 'Like Weatherfield meets 007.'
'Aw d'ya reckon mate?'
'I do mate.'
The men patted each other on the backs as Michelle watched on, cringing.
Carla and Peter came through the door, holding hands, greeted by the watchful eyes of Beth and most of the other factory staff.
'See, it is official.' Beth whispered, not-so discreetly to the others.
'They're gossiping.' Carla muttered to Peter through gritted teeth.
'Grin and bear it. Grin and bear it. We'll give them something to really gossip about.'
She clutched his hand that bit tighter when Michelle offered her a sympathetic smile. Carla had done her best to avoid Michelle over the phone, and in person, since their discussions the other evening. She'd already opened up a bit too much and she figured she was better saying nothing further, especially with what was at stake. Thankfully, there was no Johnny in attendance at the wedding. Peter gestured to their seats, the second row from the back, and miles from Michelle who was nearer the front. Michelle stood up and rushed over.
'Carla, are you alright? I've tried to call you after the other night. I'm worried about y-'
'Other night?' Peter was baffled. 'Why what happened? I didn't hear anything.'
Michelle glanced at Carla, sensing the secrecy in their newly-restored relationship. 'Carla?' Michelle pleaded.
Peter leaned nearer to his girlfriend. 'What's going on, is there something you're not telling me?'
Michelle folded her arms, glaring at her best friend. She loved Carla dearly, but surely after all the failed relationships and marriages she'd endured, now was the time for her to be wholly honest with Peter?
'It was a bit of a - a misunderstanding really,' Carla whispered. It sounded like a feeble attempt to sound strong.
Peter frowned. 'With who? Over what? Carla?'
Michelle hadn't budged. 'Apparently it was something with Johnny. A bit of aggression, a few ruffled feathers.'
Carla was somewhat crushed to hear Michelle belittle the attempts to open up to her the other night. Johnny 1 vs Carla 0. He'd managed to play another one close to her. How long before it was Peter he was cosying up to?
'I don't understand. You didn't say anything Carla. What happened? Why are you and Johnny at each other's throats?'
Carla resorted to the safest option possible. 'He was pissed I wanted him out, okay? He refused to budge and give me the other half back - even with the loan to get rid of him. He wants to stay around.'
Peter glanced away from Carla and looked at Michelle, who was still stood watching them. 'Yes, alright Michelle, you've said your piece. Thanks.' He hated the way Michelle managed to emphasise the bond he'd broken with Carla; she always turned to her first. Michelle was the first to know she was pregnant, and was there when Carla miscarried his daughter. It was like Michelle delighted in rubbing his face in his failure to protect Carla when she had.
'Is that all this is?' He probed. 'You've been acting a bit odd, and I'm just wanting to check there's nothing more to this. Or nothing you want me to know.'
She looked at him directly, the false sense of strength clear in her eyes. 'I said it all, Peter. So just drop it. I have.' She felt a shiver climb her skin as another lie left her body; wrapping her arms across her body and her stomach.
Eva and Aidan passed glances at each other throughout the ceremony, their seats just a row apart. That negative pregnancy test had enabled the fun to continue, and emphasised to Aidan how much he really did see a future with Eva.
The bride and groom had danced their first dance to Al Green's Let's Stay Together, and the other couples in attendance followed suit.
David spun Kylie around, and offered his wife a smile. 'That was a good thing that you did for Bethany before.'
Kylie shrugged. 'Kid's got enough on her plate. No thanks to me. I still can't believe Sarah is still locked up in her room.'
He rolled his eyes, dodging Beth and Kirk who were dancing next to them. 'She's been hiding away from us all for weeks Kylie. She could have a fella holed up in there for all we know.'
That gave Kylie food for thought. 'What if she is keeping something from us all? It's like she's depressed or consumed by this whole thing.'
'She needs to calm it. The others are getting suspicious.' David and Kylie pulled one and other closer, the concern written across their faces.
Carla and Peter were sat at their table alone, whilst the other guests bopped away. She offered him her best smile. He stroked her hand.
'Oo, I love your outfit Carla,' Steph interrupted excitedly. Carla was wearing a navy jumpsuit and grey heels that made her tower next to Peter. 'Prosecco?' She gestured towards the empty champagne flute in front of Carla. She'd not touched a drop all afternoon. Peter hadn't paid much attention until then.
Carla shook her head. 'Thanks chick. I'm good thanks, none for me.'
Steph nodded and headed off to top up Gail's glass.
Peter frowned, staring at Carla.
'Did you just reject alcohol?'
She hesitated. 'What?'
'You. Then. Steph offered you prosecco and you said no.'
Busted.
'Well I thought now we're moving forwards,' Carla began, pausing to figure out where her mind was going with the lie. 'That I'd be more supportive of you and being teetotal. I don't mind going without it. Y'know, some things are just...some things are just more important.' The last part, she knew, wasn't a lie.
He ruffled her tousled curls and beamed. 'D'y know how much I love you?'
He'd changed subject. Thank god. 'A lot, I'd hope.'
'An awful lot, Carla. I hope you know that.' His eyes were glossy and brimming with adoration. 'I don't know where I'd be without you.'
She felt the territory was safe enough to test the waters. If it was the response she wanted, perhaps letting him in a bit wasn't the worst thing, after all? She tightened her hold on his hands. 'I love you an' all. Enough to be foolish and dive head first into this. Y know, me and you, developing and moving a bit more?'
He grazed her hands with a kiss, tilting his head to look at her. 'Me too. But ey, there's no need to rush, is there? Things are good as they are. Let's not go and complicate things too quickly. Right - I need a fag. Will you be alright in here?'
She didn't look up as he got up from the table. 'I'll be fine,' she lied, holding in the tears.
Meanwhile, Eva and Aidan were dancing away, completely oblivious to the others around them. She had her arms looped around his neck, whilst he had his hands around her waist, rocking gently to Spandau Ballet, True.
'Eva?' Aidan said. Her eyes were already firmly clasped on his.
'Yeah?'
'Y'know the other night, with the whole-'
'Me givin ya the willies, saying I could be pregnant.'
He laughed, she had the most amazing sense of humour. 'I think it was the other way around, but look, I know it was all a bit manic and we weren't sure whether it was something we both wanted, or what we'd do, but, I think I want to be with you.'
'What? Like properly? Not just foolin around?'
'Well, we can still do all that. Only, it'd be a mixture of that and the dates we've had.'
'So what are you saying? If this is some friends with benefits with a bit of the good stuff on the side, you can count me out. I've been messed around enough for one year darlin.'
He shook his head. 'That wasn't what I was saying, no. I want the good bits and the moments like the other day - the serious stuff too.'
She giggled nervously. 'So?'
'Eva, will you be my girlfriend?'
The giggles couldn't stop. 'Of course I will, ya daft boot.'
His smile reached his eyes and she could tell he was delighted. They shared a kiss, rousing a 'swit-swoo' from everyone around them.
Nick and Leanne watched on from behind the bar, leaning against each other in exhaustion. He planted a kiss on the top of her head, making her turn around and smile back at him. He slipped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, 'You're amazing. Do you know that?'
She couldn't help but smile, even as he brushed against her headset. 'You're not half bad yourself. Even if you couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery.'
He laughed and lifted off his headset. 'I can organise things. Not all of us stomp around in jackboots.'
'I'm in heels,' she rolled her eyes, looking up at him, facing the wedding party.
'You're quite the dictator,' he laughed. 'God help whoever has the next wedding you organise.' She couldn't see the smile that was plastered across his face, as her back was flush against his front.
'Well I can tell you now, I highly doubt it'll be you doing the organising when the booking is made. Like I said, you couldn't organise diddly-squat.'
'Hmm, we'll see.' He muttered to himself, watching the wedding celebrations going on.
Hello!
I'm back again this week! I bet you're all sick of the updates, haha!
A big, big thank you once again for all the reviews and support - it's so nice to hear people haven't given up on this! Keep them coming!
This is a bit of a filler chapter, but it was nice being able to put all the frontrunners in the same place, and have their stories overlap a bit.
There will be much more drama and excitement to come as we draw nearer to Christmas 2015; there are lots of secrets and surprises still to come!
I used to offer little hints/spoiler type clues at the end of each chapter, so I'll leave you all with a few of these as you await Ch.40.
Here's what's to come soon:
What is Nick up to? Will his secretive behaviour lead to an unlikely alliance?
Carla is forced to confess a secret - who does she tell - and what is the reason why?
Can David and Kylie get to the bottom of Sarah's problems?
The characters celebrate Christmas; expect presents, snow, kisses, happiness, bombshells and revelations!
Stay safe everyone, and I'll be back soon!
