Rob's Best Friend

April’s reaction is understandable – but can the father of the bride save the day?

- Teresa Ashby

As soon as Phil saw April’s car coming down the road, he sprinted to his armchair, settled into it and closed his

eyes. Maybe if he pretended to be having a doze, she wouldn’t make him go for his father-of-the-bride outfit fitting.

“Don’t worry, Dad,” April had said. “You’ll look great in a kilt and Rob’s family will appreciate it when they come down for the wedding.”

His arguments about knobbly knees had got him nowhere.

“You don’t really mind, do you, Dad?” she’d asked and his heart melted along with his resolve.

“Of course I don’t,” he’d lied. Now she stormed into the living

room and declared, “Don’t bother getting ready. The wedding’s off!”

“Off?” No point him pretending to be asleep then.

She burst into tears and Phil put his arms round her. His heart was thumping almost as hard as she was shaking.

“What’s happened, love?” he said, but she couldn’t speak.

Phil had never seen her cry as much as this before – ever.

“You know how Rob’s been dithering about choosing a best man?”

“Yes,”

Phil said. “He’s gone and chosen his best friend from school.”

Phil felt all the tension leave his body.

“Is that all?” he asked in relief.

“All?” April repeated with distraught emphasis. “She’s called Janine.”

“She?” Phil breathed.

“Apparently…” April’s voice cracked.

“She looks absolutely great in a kilt.”

She tried to laugh, but the tears came again and Phil gave her a squeeze.

“Lots of people have friends of the opposite sex,” he said.

April glared at him.