Fair-Weather Friend (5 page)

A sunbeam danced through the stained-glass window just as Carlos placed the wedding ring on Sophie's finger. She smiled at him and felt as though her heart would burst with happiness. It was so hard to believe that she was standing beside him and the
priest was blessing them as man and wife.

The past year had flown by. In fact, it was a year to the day that Melissa Harris had swanned off to Marbella and left her to holiday alone. What a difference a year makes. It had been the happiest year of her life.

She and Carlos had got on like a house on fire. He had a great sense of humour and delighted in teasing her. He had taught her Spanish. She could now speak it fluently. He'd shown her all around the beautiful island of Majorca, taking her to hidden beaches and whitewashed villages never seen by tourists. They'd fallen in love easily, with humour and affection. She had never felt more comfortable with anyone in her life.

She turned and smiled at her parents and sisters. It was wonderful to
have them here. Juan and Elena had been so kind. She could hear Elena's baby boy cooing happily. He was a little angel. She couldn't wait to have a baby herself. Carlos loved children and they loved him. Maria was their flower girl. Sophie smiled at her husband and he smiled back. ‘Hi, wife,' he whispered.

‘Hi, husband,' she whispered back, squeezing his hand.

They kissed each other. It was the most perfect day of Sophie's life.

‘What do you mean you're going up to Deya with that guy you met on Saturday?' Ann Kelly stared at Melissa in dismay.

‘Oh sweetie, don't be like that. He's gorgeous. He's spending a fortune on me. Come on, I need to find a nice
man after the rats I've been with,' she pouted.

‘But you came on holidays with me. You
asked
me to come. What will I do by myself?'

‘Look, I'm not your
nanny
,' Melissa said crossly. ‘I'm going to Deya with Ramon and that's it. Deal with it.' She marched across the room, grabbed her case and walked out of the apartment.

Ann sat on her bed, stunned. Melissa had been a wagon from the moment they had come on holidays. It was clear she didn't care a bit about Ann or her holiday. Melissa wanted a man. She had gone all out to get one. She certainly wasn't going to let a so-called friend stand in the way.

Ann shook her head. It was starting to dawn on her that she had been used. Was this what had happened to Sophie Mason? Had Melissa treated her like
dirt too? Most likely, Ann thought glumly.

It looked like she was on her own. She'd have to make the best of it. She packed her beach bag and headed for the sea.

Later, she strolled down to the marina. A wedding group passed by, car horns tooting and beeping. The bride looked radiant. Ann looked at her with a tinge of envy. Her eyes widened. It was Sophie Mason. Today was Sophie's wedding day. What a coincidence. It was a pity Melissa couldn't see her. What a kick in the ass that would be for the skanky slapper.

At least Sophie had had a happy ending, surrounded by family and friends. It was more than Melissa Harris would ever have. She didn't know the meaning of the word ‘friend'. That would be her loss in life.

Look at how Sophie Mason's life had changed after coming on holiday with Melissa Harris. Sophie had been in the same boat as she was. Something good might happen to her too, Ann thought excitedly. Feeling happier, she joined in the cheers of the onlookers as Sophie and her husband drove past waving.

OPEN DOOR SERIES

SERIES ONE

Not Just for Christmas
by Roddy Doyle (
TG
)

In High Germany
by Dermot Bolger

Sad Song
by Vincent Banville (
TG
)

Maggie's Story
by Sheila O'Flanagan

Jesus and Billy Are Off to Barcelona

by Deirdre Purcell

Ripples
by Patricia Scanlan

SERIES TWO

No Dress Rehearsal
by Marian Keyes

Joe's Wedding
by Gareth O'Callaghan (
TG
)

It All Adds Up
by Margaret Neylon

Second Chance
by Patricia Scanlan (
TG
)

Pipe Dreams
by Anne Schulman

Old Money, New Money
by Peter Sheridan (
TG
)

SERIES THREE

The Builders
by Maeve Binchy

Letter from Chicago
by Cathy Kelly (
TG
)

Driving with Daisy
by Tom Nestor

The Comedian
by Joseph O'Connor

Has Anyone Here Seen Larry?

by Deirdre Purcell

An Accident Waiting to Happen

by Vincent Banville

SERIES FOUR

Not a Star
by Nick Hornby

Mad Weekend
by Roddy Doyle

Fair-Weather Friend
by Patricia Scanlan (
TG
)

Stray Dog
by Gareth O'Callaghan (
TG
)

The Story of Joe Brown
by Rose Doyle (
TG
)

Mrs. Whippy
by Cecelia Ahern (
TG
)

(
TG
):Teacher's Guide available at
www.gemmamedia.com