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have to go now. If I don’t make an appearance everyone will think Karen’s right, that I want Ed back, that I can’t bear seeing the two of them together.’
    Pandora’s eyes are soft. ‘But it’s true, isn’t it? You
do
want him back.’
    I say nothing, just stare down at the floor. Of course it’s true, but I’m not admitting it to anyone, especially not Pandora.
    ‘I don’t want to be poor old Julia, the girl whose best friend stole her boyfriend, for the rest of my life,’ I say in a rush. ‘No, I’m going to find a really cute guy, wear a knockout dress and spend the whole night snogging the face off him in front of everyone. Then no one will feel sorry for me and I’ll be able to hold my head up high and forget all about Lainey bitch-face Anderson and Ed bastard-features Powers.’
    Pandora looks doubtful. ‘Are you sure? Hearing them exchanging their vows might tip you over the edge.’
    I nod vigorously. ‘Positive. It’ll be my Ed swansong. But I have to look amazing.’ An image floats in front of my eyes – me wafting into the church in the Faith Farenze dress and everyone gasping at how stunning I look. ‘And I have to wear the Farenze. I just have to.’
    Pandora sighs. ‘Don’t be daft, Jules. Where are you going to find twelve hundred euro? You already owe Dad a grand from your New Zealand trip.’
    Trust old elephant memory to bring that up. Ancient history. I’m hoping Dad’s forgotten all about it. ‘Please, Pandora? I’m begging you, hold the dress for me until I think of something.’
    She throws her eyes to heaven. ‘You’re living in cloud cuckoo land, Jules, but I’m willing to humour you for exactly one week, otherwise it goes back on the floor. But I’m really not sure you’re strong enough for the wedding. Even in the Farenze, with Johnny Depp himself on your arm, it will still be difficult.’
    ‘In that dress I can cope with anything,’ I say with more confidence than I feel.
    She strokes my head and for once I don’t pull away. ‘Just think it through properly, Boolie, that’s all I’m saying.’ I look at her. She hasn’t used Mum’s pet name for me – Boolie, short for Julia Boolia – for a long time. We lock eyes for a second and then I pull mine away.
    ‘I’ll put it on the rail in the office in case you think of something, OK?’
    I smile at her. ‘Thanks, Pandora.’
    While she takes the dress to the office, I sit down on the velvet-covered chair in the changing room and put my head in my hands. Seven days to come up with twelve hundred euro. Pandora’s right, I do need to think. Think, Jules, think!
    When I get back from lunch Pandora is twirling in front of one of the shop’s mirrors, in the Faith Farenze.
    ‘What are you doing in my dress?’ I demand. ‘I have it on hold, remember?’
    She sighs. ‘Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Jules, I’m just trying it on.’
    Lenka is slouched over the desk, gazing at Pandora admiringly. ‘You look a million dollars,’ Lenka says. ‘The colour really suits you.’ She walks towards Pandora and pulls at the front of the dress. ‘But maybe a padded bra, yes? Or chicken fillets?’ Lenka thinks you’re not properly dressed unless you’re showing a cleavage worthy of Dolly Parton. As soon as she’s saved up the money, or can cajole her latest boyfriend into paying for it, she’s straight off for a boob job.
    ‘It’s irrelevant,’ Pandora says glumly, slapping Lenka’s hand away. ‘Someone like Sissy will end up owning it. Besides, I’d have nothing to wear it to.’ She runs her fingers over the chiffon. ‘But it is stunning,’ she adds wistfully.
    ‘When Jules buys the dress, you can borrow it, Pandora,’ Lenka says brightly. ‘Is good idea, yes?’
    Pandora smiles in an annoyingly condescending way. ‘Like that’s going to happen. I’m just humouring her, Lenka. There’s no way she’ll come up with the money in a week.’
    I scowl at my sister. Great to see she has so much