Dating isn't easy. Finding love is harder. But being a Delaney makes it all a thousand times worse because let's face it, with parents like theirs, the NextGen never stood a chance.
11 short stories following the disastrous love lives of:
Seraphina...
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Inside the V&A Museum is a sight to behold. The theme of this year is Casablanca, in honour of the 100th year of the film's UK release and I have to admit, with all the Moorish architectural pieces laid out, including columns and double-tiered arches, I feel like the set design for the installation is more of a wow factor than all the beautiful 40s vintage and inspired garments on display.
Weaving through the throng of guests, I lead Spencer through a labyrinth of set pieces. When I see an outfit that I knew had come from Léa's great-grandmother's collection, I point it out to Spencer, although from the way he gives a casual tilt of his chin, I can tell that he isn't all that interested. Still, when we catch up with my cousin somewhere near the tail-end of the lit pathway, he starts to rattle off all the things he loved about the show, detailing word for word many of the things I'd said to him as we passed each section.
"You were listening, then," I can't help but tease as we follow Léa into the main area of tonight's lavish party. The space was decked out like the café from the Casablance movie, with round tables, wooden chairs and white cloths everywhere. Instead of floral arrangements on each table- which we couldn't have, anyway, on the account of Sophie's allergies- just as in the film, eclectic lamps took pride of place, while a piano was strategically placed at one of the tables closest to the stage. Before taking the last step into the crowded room, I pull Spencer to one side. "I just wanted to say, before you commit further, that it's not too late to change your mind. We've done the entrance, the paparazzi have their photos, so if you want to save yourself and go home, I really wouldn't blame you."
Untangling himself from my grasp, Spencer winks at me before he steps into the party, making a beeline for where my brothers are stood, laughing and joking at something that poor Joss doesn't seem to understand. When my favourite brother spots Spencer, he smiles genuinely and starts to animatedly talk, gesticulating with his hands. It is unnerving how at home they both appear to be in each other's company but I don't make a big deal about it; I know they've been texting these past few days although I note that Spencer had made sure to delete all their conversations from my phone. He even deleted them from my cloud back up too. Slightly suspicious but also understandable. Joss can be very private about things and he'd hate it if I ever knew what he and Spencer had discussed.
From my vantage point in the shadows, I watch all the guests mingle. I spot all the models who are here tonight, cuddling up to whichever fashion designer had paid for their seat at the table, while all the A-list superstars crowd in the centre of the space, James Saylor taking pride of place as he emphatically relays one of his classic stories. The roar of laughter coming from his captive audience makes me smile.
I've known James since I was practically born and he's one of my favourite people in the world. It blew my mind when I was six and realised that Piggle, the main character from Porcupine, was voiced by my sister's best friend. Ever since then, I've been in awe of him. Yes, to many, he's just an actor but seeing how he prepares for every single Spymaster movie he's appeared in makes me want to give him a huge pat on the back. As he films all the gruelling stunt sequences for each sequel, he pushes his body to the absolute limit. It's no wonder, now that he's in his mid-forties, he's considering hanging up his Spymaster gun holster. It'll be a sad day when he's no longer in that role.
