"It's lush, isn't it?" I said, turning to my best friend and bridesmaid. "It's almost a shame to share it with you." I winked so she'd know I was joking. Sammy was spending my last night of singledom with me, keeping me prisoner in my room, so that I wouldn't run the risk of seeing Steve, my fiance, the night before the wedding. Steve was in the same hotel but sequestered in another wing with his friends. He and I had made a pact that he could have the bar while Sammy and I would stay in my room, pampering ourselves with the most luxurious and expensive room service available.
As soon as we'd unpacked our bags and I'd hung my wedding dress on the back of the wardrobe door, Sammy ran to the minibar. "Look at these!" she said, holding up two small champagne bottles. "Aren't they cute?"
I was busy checking out all the posh products in the bathroom. "Look at this!" I said, surveying a large wicker basket packed with luxury shampoos, conditioners, massage oils, and facial masks. "We've got our own personal spa tucked in here! There're enough lotions and potions to keep us busy all evening."
"Not that you need it, Polly," said Sammy, her eyes shining. "You've never looked more beautiful than you do tonight." I was touched by her compliment. I'd been dieting, working out, looking after myself in the approach to my big day, and it was nice to feel appreciated. I'd also gotten long, blond hair extensions, which made me feel like my fantasy woman, a princess with a fairy-tale hairstyle for my fairy-tale day. "Seriously," she said, stroking a strand of hair that had fallen across my shoulders. "Steve's a lucky, lucky man."