Feeling embarrassed

Mid-way through the afternoon, Harmsway tells us that Maffew, Jose and myself are going to have to compete for the positions of his Best Man and his Usher. We are told that we 'will be set challenges', the outcomes of which will be judged by him, his Fiancee Laetitia, and David (who has already accepted the role of Witness). I begin to feel that I've stepped into an episode of Friends. Best Man Challenge? Could we be any more American?

I wonder why he's doing it this way. Al, the notable fourth contender, is absent, and it's my opinion that Maffew should be the Best Man anyway. I wonder just how Harmsway is planning on embarrassing us.

We've gathered to celebrate Harmsway and Laetitia's engagement. It's our first such reunion in nine months, and everyone's in good spirits. The new couple look very good, and very happy together. We sit on a crowded waterfront all afternoon, enjoying the return of summer.

A table of bunny girls celebrate a hen night across the restaurant from us. A challenge is set to obtain one pair of bunny ears and a fluffy tail. We do so, but only at the cost of a pair of underpants, and suitable embarrassment.

We share a toast with another of our absent friends, who is currently driving a truck-load of people around Equador.

We leave the restaurant, and I manage to embarrass myself by walking across Bristol with a fluffy bunny tail pinned to the back of my shirt. Many photos are taken.

I fall over whilst walking downhill, and because I'm drunk what should have been a simple tumble turns into several forward rolls. Somehow I manage to finish the move back on my feet, which is a display of drunken athleticism completely out of character. I sprain my ankle, so it's not all good.

We're told later in the evening that Maffew will be Best Man (like I said, not a total surprise), and the rest of us will be Ushers. At a French wedding. Should be amusing. Despite the fact that my CV says basic French, the truth of the matter is that I speak French like Derek Trotter. I have a year to brush up.

Getting a taxi at the end of the night is a veritable free-for-all. Nothing cheers up standing around for half an hour like an attractive bunny girl who's lost her ears and can't get home. Sadly, I'd thrown away my fluffy tail when I realised that I'd walked across Bristol as Bunny Boy, and she's going to the opposite side of Bristol to us, so I can't help her on either count.

The following day we have a barbecue and slowly boil in Harmsway's Sun-trap garden. Laetitia discovers that Worcester Sauce and cheese on a salmon grill is not a delicacy.