‘ You look so handsome in black tie,’ Jess enthused to her preening husband. ‘In fact that is exactly what you were wearing on the night of my fortieth. You didn’t look half bad then either.’
‘I should have got you a Wonder Woman outfit for later,’ Sam said. ‘God I fancied you then, I can’t believe it took me so long to unleash my own Lasso of Truth and tell you.’
Jess wriggled into her cocktail dress. The silky fabric accentuated her curves and the plunging neckline showed off her ample bosom. She had chosen electric blue to highlight her eyes, and had had her hair blow-dried especially for the night’s festivities. In short, she looked simply stunning. Sam kissed her gently on the cheek so as not to smudge her lipstick. ‘You look beautiful darling. In fact you still easily pass for forty.’
Guests started to filter in through the back gate: a plethora of penguins and fancy frocks. Blue flares lit a pathway down the garden, to the entrance of the marquee. A jazz band had started up in a corner, while chattering partygoers mingled over their first glass of champagne, and nibbled on elaborate canapés. Jess radiated happiness. Here she was surrounded by everybody she loved, at a party just for her. She had made sure her dad and Maria were comfortable at a table near the bar and had a laugh with Phoebe about not believing how old they both were. She was in mid conversation with Karl and Shelley about whether they would ever take the plunge to have kids, when Sam walked over to her.
‘All OK?’ Jess enquired. Sam put a loving arm around this wife.
‘Fine, fine. Charlotte just called though, the babysitter let her other half down. He’s trying to find another one but she’s definitely going to be late.’
‘No worries, they are staying over anyway aren’t they? So we’ll have plenty of time to catch up with them over the weekend,’ Jess replied.
The 80’s band suddenly came to life belting out a Duran Duran favourite. ‘Her name is…’ Hope sang, as she shimmied over to Jess. ‘Darling girl, you surely can’t possibly be fifty, you look so young.’ They both laughed out loud. Hope looked about thirty-five now. Her recent boob job, collagen-pumped lips, and regular botox injections made sure of that.
‘Nice frock, love,’ Jess exclaimed. ‘Did you leave the other half of it in the shop?’ Hope laughed again.
‘Darling, if you’ve got it flaunt it, I say. And if you haven’t when you get to our age, you should bloody flaunt it anyway. Now are there any potential men here for me honey? I’m feeling hungry.’
‘Hope Adams, you are the most insatiable woman I’ve ever met.’ Jess smiled. ‘I’ve got somebody in mind for you though.’ She pointed over to the left speaker. ‘In his mid-forties. He’s a complete Jack-the-Lad but has a big heart to compliment yours.’
Hope ogled across the dance floor. ‘Hmm, check him out. Let’s hope everything else is big on him too.’
‘Hope!’ Jess exclaimed.
‘You love it really,’ Hope chuckled and walked seductively towards her prey.
The dark-rooted blonde heading up the band launched into ‘Call Me’ by Blondie and Jess caught Emma’s eye as she to her side. The two friends began to dance wildly, mouthing all the lyrics that they had both learnt off by heart in Emma’s parents’ bedroom, when they were just thirteen years-old. They breathlessly walked to the bar and got themselves a large wine each.
‘Jess, you look stunning, mate. I saw the Golf on the drive too, what a cool present.’ Emma panted.
‘I know I feel thoroughly spoilt. I do really love Sam you know. I also had a good think about what you said, and you’re right. There is no way on earth he would have an affair.’
Sam waved over to them both from the other side of the marquee. Jess smiled widely, and blew him a kiss. By 11 ‘O’clock the party was rocking, Madness, The Police, The Jam, Prince, and Wham aided the celebrations. Suddenly, the music stopped with a groan from the revellers. However laughter soon resumed, as Sam appeared carrying a magnificent cake in the shape of a star, ablaze with fifty candles. He cleared his throat and addressed his audience.
‘Now I’m not one for speeches and I know you want to carry on enjoying yourselves but, before you do that, I just wanted you to join me in wishing my beautiful wife a very happy birthday.’ The audience looked on happily. ‘Jessica Beresford has been a shining star in my life for the past ten years and I hope she will be until eternity.’
Sam certainly wasn’t renowned for his outpourings of affection, and a tear fell down Jess’s cheek. An ‘ah’ resounded around the marquee, before a drunken rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ commenced.
‘Three cheers for Jess,’ Sam shouted
He didn’t notice the mini-skirted blonde staggering across the marquee towards him. ‘Hip hip bloody hooray,’ Cherry angrily spat in his ear. ‘You better be leaving her on Monday.’
Sam, now white with shock, ushered Cherry quickly outside of the marquee. ‘What the fuck do you think you are doing here? Turning up at my private home, to my wife’s special party. How dare you!’ Cherry was clearly very drunk.
‘I was sat on my own at home and thought fuck it, if he’s having a good time then
I should be too.’
‘I’m ringing you a taxi now,’ Sam said sternly. ‘And on Monday we shall talk as I promised.’ He physically marched his mistress to the front gate. ‘Now you wait here until the car arrives.’
Cherry fuelled by alcohol saw no sense or reason. In witnessing Sam’s outpouring of affection to his very attractive wife, she realised that the chance of him ever leaving her, were probably very remote indeed. She burst back into the marquee and marched straight over to Jess. Jess, who was now mid conversation with Hope was oblivious to what was to come. Culture Club’s ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’ filled the air.
‘Happy birthday, Jess. Really pleased to meet you.’ Cherry held out her hand in greeting.
‘Hi there and thanks,’ Jess hesitated as she looked Cherry up and down. ‘Sorry to be rude, but I’m not sure if we’ve met before?’
‘No, Jess, we haven’t. My name is Cherry and I’m having an affair with your husband.’