by Katie Ginger
Lottie smiled. Well done, Conner. She looked at them all. ‘Are we all agreed then?’
Everyone cheered but Lottie couldn’t shake the feeling of dread lurking in the pit of her stomach. It was all happening too soon. Too fast. She tried to remember which one Much Ado was and if there’d been a film adaptation she might have seen, but so far she was coming up blank.
‘So, for casting,’ said Gregory, pulling a list from his book and lifting his finger to start pointing.
‘Hang on—’ Lottie interrupted, holding up her hands. She really didn’t want to embarrass him but her annoyance was rising. He could have spoken to her before the meeting. They all had her number. ‘I’m happy to listen to your ideas, Gregory, but I’d really like to have the final say on the casting once I’ve discussed it with Conner. Especially as he’ll be directing.’
‘Me?’ Conner asked, looking up from under his fringe with bright eyes.
‘Yes,’ Lottie said. ‘You said you wanted to do the directing and behind the scenes work rather than act. You don’t have to though, if you don’t want to do it just yet.’
‘No, no. I do. That’d be great.’ Conner rested his phone in his lap.
‘Great,’ said Lottie, excited by his response. ‘Then Gregory, you tell us your ideas and once Conner and I have had a chat about it, we’ll confirm parts.’
To Gregory’s credit he didn’t sulk or moan. He gave Conner a reassuring grin and nodded to Lottie that he’d understood. ‘I was thinking lovely young Sarah could be Hero, Mrs Andrews I suppose will have to be Beatrice and—’
‘I don’t see why she gets to be Hero, and I have to be Beatrice,’ said Mrs Andrews, standing up and pointing an accusatory finger at Sarah. ‘She’s a singer, not an actor, like me.’
Sarah stared like a rabbit in headlights under Mrs Andrews’ glare.
‘Because,’ interrupted Gregory, ‘Hero is supposed to be young and beautiful, and you’re, well …’ He waved his copy of Much Ado up and down the length of her body.
Lottie took a deep breath. ‘Now, now, everyone, if you’re—’
‘In the old group,’ Gregory interrupted, ‘your nan was always happy to listen to my ideas and—’
‘I appreciate that,’ said Lottie, cutting him off in return. ‘But this is a new group now.’ Lottie’s heart fluttered unpleasantly as she spoke but she had to press on. ‘As I was saying, if you’re all going to be like that we might as well not bother. With any luck we’ll be doing lots more plays and everyone will get a chance to be in the spotlight.’ She looked at them all the same way her nan did before saying, ‘I’m not cross, I’m just disappointed.’ Mrs Andrews crossed her arms over her chest. ‘Carry on, Gregory.’
‘And I thought Lee could make love to Sarah and be Claudio—’ Lottie bit her lip as Sarah blushed furiously at Gregory’s choice of words. ‘I’ll be the evil Don John and poor Cecil will have to be Benedick.’
Lottie remembered now that Benedick was in love with Beatrice. Oh yes, poor Cecil. Mrs Andrews was not amused and her angry eyes focused on Gregory who continued to name cast members. When he’d finished Lottie said, ‘Thanks, Gregory. I’ll email you all tomorrow to confirm your parts once Conner and I have discussed it, but next time, we’ll hold auditions so everything’s fair, okay?’
On hearing the door squeak, Lottie turned and her mouth dropped open. Sid held out his hand to a beautiful woman who was smiling and laughing at something he’d said. She had perfectly pruned eyebrows and her hair was long, silky and dark. As Sid walked her down the aisle towards the stage he placed a hand in the small of her back. It was the woman he’d been talking to in the pub after the Big Clean. Lottie hadn’t realised they knew each other so well.
Some women looked glamorous no matter what they did, and for others, like Lottie, it was a promised land. The girl wore tight skinny jeans, a white T-shirt and trainers that, unlike Lottie’s, were not coated in mud and assorted debris. Her stomach was flat and smooth, and her breasts high and perky. Lottie wrapped her cardigan around her and the players went back to chatting.
‘Afternoon,’ said Sid. ‘This is Selena. I brought her in to see the theatre. You don’t mind, do you?’
‘Hello,’ Selena said, wrapping her arm through Sid’s. ‘You’re Lottie, aren’t you? Sid’s told me so much about you.’ She gave Lottie a dazzling smile.
‘Hi, yes I am.’ In shock she looked to Sid then back to Selena. ‘Nice to meet you. So how do you two know each other?’
‘Oh, I’m his girlfriend,’ Selena said, then turned to Sid and smiled up at him. ‘Aren’t I?’
Sid looked down at her and said, ‘Yes,’ then gave the soppiest smile Lottie had ever seen. Her stomach fell to the soles of her shoes. Girlfriend? When did all this happen? How? How did this happen?
‘What are you guys up to?’ asked Sid.
‘Umm, we were talking about putting on our first production and how it should be directed,’ replied Lottie, happy that she sounded lofty and theatre-ish. Feeling small and dumpy next to Selena, her insecurities were making her defensive. Plus, Sid had a girlfriend and he hadn’t even told her he’d had one single date.
‘Wow, that’s exciting. I nearly auditioned,’ Selena replied.
‘Really?’ Lottie always thought girls who looked like Selena did exactly what they wanted, having a self-confidence Lottie could only dream of.
‘Yeah, but then I thought, you’re probably not going to want someone who only dances, are you? Although I could probably act if I put my mind to it. I’ve never tried.’
Lottie nodded along with what she was saying, still taken aback by the idea of this gorgeous woman being with her Sid. ‘We’ve got all sorts of talents in the players. Maybe you can audition next time?’
‘Yes, maybe.’ Selena shrugged a shoulder.
Sid wandered off to talk to the players and was immediately grabbed by Mrs Andrews, leaving Lottie alone to chat to his new girlfriend. She still couldn’t believe he’d got one. She’d always thought she’d feel happy for him when the day came, so why didn’t she? ‘So, what do you do?’ asked Lottie.
‘I work in the beautician’s in town.’
‘Do you like it there?’
‘Yeah, it’s nice. I get a free mani every week.’ She waved her fingers at Lottie to show off perfectly shaped and painted nails. ‘You should get your nails done. I could give you a discount, you know, mates’ rates.’
‘Oh, right, thanks.’ Lottie glanced down at her hands to see chewed, uneven nails at the end of her short stubby fingers. She glanced at Selena’s nails. They were more like almond-shaped talons. Selena was being so friendly, Lottie felt even more intimidated. ‘So how did you and Sid meet?’
‘We were at university together. I moved away afterwards but now I’m back. You’ve known Sid for ages, haven’t you? He told me you’re basically like his sister. That’s why I was so excited to meet you.’
Sister? Sister? They weren’t like brother and sister, they were best friends. How on earth could he say sister? Their relationship was so much more than that. It was indefinable. It transcended so simple a label.
Lottie nodded but it felt like a siren was going off in her head. ‘How long have you and Sid been seeing each other?’ she managed to ask. Lottie knew she sounded like a mum or nosy great-aunt at a wedding but she couldn’t help it. Seeing as Sid had never said a word she had to find out somehow. Why hadn’t he told her?
‘We’ve been out on a few dates. We’re going for dinner tonight as well.’ She flicked her hair back over her shoulder and Lottie nearly had to duck as the long soft tendrils flew through the air. ‘And he said he’d tell the waiter what I want. I’m not very good at saying things in French or Italian, or whatever language it is.’
Lottie smiled. That was so like Sid, even though he couldn’t speak French or Italian either. From the corner of her eye she studied Selena’s perfectly made-up face. For some reason Lottie had always thought Sid would end up with someone more relaxed an
d low maintenance, like she was. But not her, obviously, because she’d never felt that way about him. Selena just didn’t seem his type. What on earth could they have in common?
‘What do you think of my best friend here then?’ asked Sid, joining them. The use of that term stung Lottie.
‘She’s lovely,’ replied Selena, giving a dazzling smile.
‘And what do you think of my girlfriend? Aren’t I the luckiest man in the world?’ He stared down at Selena. Sid had never looked at anyone like that and it made his face seem different.
‘You certainly are,’ Lottie replied. She wished they would go away and soon. She needed to process this new, world-shattering news. It was like Greenley was in a snow globe and someone had just picked it up and shaken it around. ‘Where are you off to now then?’ she asked, hopeful they would take the hint.
‘I’ve got to be back at the salon in twenty minutes,’ said Selena. ‘Just enough time for me and Sid to get a bite to eat. Have you been to the new salad bar in town? It’s awesome.’
‘But Sid hates salads,’ announced Lottie, before she could help herself. He did though. He was always moaning whenever anything resembling a vegetable landed on his plate. It was shocking that he didn’t have rickets.
Selena gave her a smile and put her arm through Sid’s again. ‘I bet you don’t have time for lunch at the moment, do you? You must be so busy. I think you’re doing amazing by the way.’
‘Th—thanks,’ mumbled Lottie. Selena was talking so quickly and Lottie had no idea what to make of this whole situation let alone the fact that Sid now seemed to enjoy eating lettuce.
After another one of those soppy grins, Sid looked at Lottie. ‘Isn’t she the best? Come on, honey, we’d better get moving.’
‘Don’t forget about mates’ rates,’ Selena called over her shoulder as Sid led her away. ‘You should treat yourself!’
Lottie folded her arms over her chest and scowled as the door revolved slowly behind them. Sid had a girlfriend. She uncrossed her arms to pull her cardigan tighter and stared at the fading murals on the ceiling. How could that have happened without him saying anything? They saw each other all the time, he could have said something whenever he wanted! But they weren’t seeing each other that much now, were they? Most nights after work she had to dash off to committee meetings or work on the theatre plans, or research this and that, and at work all she did was talk about the theatre too. With a sinking feeling Lottie realised that she and Sid had spent very little time together over the last month and now it looked like he wouldn’t have the time to see her.
The voices in the background came into focus and she took a deep breath. Mrs Andrews was still arguing for being Hero and Sarah looked like she was about to cry. Cecil was stamping his foot having a tantrum and Gregory was waving his copy of Much Ado in a rather threatening manner. With a heavy heart she headed back to work.
At least she had her date with Jeremy to look forward to, which, come to think of it, she hadn’t told Sid about either. But even though it was Jeremy he’d be pleased for her, wouldn’t he?
Chapter 15
‘You look wonderful,’ said Jeremy when he met her outside the restaurant. It was like he knew she hated walking in on her own and was already there waiting for her. The Courtland was small and intimate with a large glass extension. Rustic tables were covered with plain white tablecloths, and flickering tea lights gave a quiet refined glow.
‘Thank you,’ replied Lottie. She gazed up at the dim evening sky where a few stars were starting to twinkle against the deep blue, and a dull moon hid behind the greying clouds. She’d purchased a black pencil skirt and chosen a plain black, long-sleeved silk top. It was simple and elegant. She would never think she looked beautiful, not like Selena, but she was at least presentable. The skirt skimmed her rounded stomach and hugged the curves of her hips and the long sleeves of her top hid wobbly upper arms. ‘You look very nice too.’
‘What this old thing?’ Jeremy joked, brushing his hands down his jacket. ‘I’m afraid suits are my normal everyday attire. I didn’t make it down last night, something came up. Sorry if I’m a little crumpled.’ His eyes skimmed up and down her body and knowing he was looking at her sent a heatwave through her.
They went inside and the waiter showed them to a table and took their drinks order. Lottie, thinking of the bill, ordered a small glass of the second cheapest white wine.
‘Shall we make it a bottle?’ asked Jeremy as he took off his jacket and hung it on the back of his chair. Lottie admired his toned torso beneath the close-fitting shirt and caught his hopeful smile. ‘Yes. Why not?’
The waiter disappeared and Lottie picked up the menu. She’d been so nervous all day she hadn’t eaten anything and now, sat in the restaurant, the delicious smells made her absolutely ravenous.
‘How are things going with the theatre?’ Jeremy asked.
Lottie smiled, thinking of the fun she’d been having – before Selena arrived, that was. ‘Not bad, there’s a lot to get my head round.’
Jeremy poured them both some water and took a sip. ‘Any luck with the council and investors?’
Lottie shook her head. ‘I haven’t spoken to Roger yet. There’s a committee meeting coming up next week. I’ll speak to them then.’
The waiter came back with their drinks and poured a small amount of wine in each of their glasses. Jeremy took a sip, swilled it around his mouth and then swallowed. ‘Lovely.’
The waiter stared at Lottie who quickly did the same then nodded. Jeremy poured them both quite large glasses and said, ‘You really do look very beautiful tonight.’
Lottie felt her cheeks get hot and hoped she wasn’t blushing too much.
‘So, tell me all about Charlotte Webster.’
‘What do you want to know?’ she asked nervously, but Jeremy’s smile was reassuring and he sounded genuinely interested.
‘Tell me everything. Were you born here?’
‘Yeah. I got a job on the local paper when I was twenty-one, just after I finished university, and well, I’ve never left.’ Lottie thought how sad and provincial that sounded and took a large gulp of wine. Every time she glanced down she could see her cleavage. It was unnerving.
‘What did you study at uni?’ Jeremy asked, taking a sip of his wine.
‘Photography. Unsurprisingly.’ Lottie felt dull and inwardly groaned. If her personality was a Dulux colour chart she’d be various shades of magnolia, or worse, grey. Everything about her was boring. The nerves rolled around in her stomach again and she reached for her wine. Jeremy waited patiently not pushing or rushing her and she relaxed a little more. ‘I’ve been taking photos for as long as I can remember. I’d always planned on getting some exhibitions but there aren’t many galleries around here.’
‘You should try somewhere bigger,’ Jeremy said when she’d finished. ‘London, maybe? There are so many galleries, even small ones, who must always be looking for new talent. It’s a big place with lots of opportunities.’
‘I’ve thought about it, but not enough to actually do anything about it.’ She was definitely going to put all those random photos of abandoned buildings into a portfolio and start showing it around. Why was her glass half empty?
Just as the conversation began to flow and Lottie felt more at ease, the waiter returned to take their order. She ordered a steak and fries, her favourite.
‘Don’t you want a starter?’ asked Jeremy.
A horrible cold shiver ran up the back of her neck. She hadn’t thought about a starter. Had it really been so long since she’d been on a date, or even eaten out with anyone other than Sid that she’d forgotten what to do? Idiot. ‘Umm, no – no thanks. I get too full otherwise.’
‘Me too,’ said Jeremy, smiling, refilling their glasses.
She took another large drink, her hands clammy on the cold glass.
‘I think I’ll have the soy-flavoured salmon with green beans but can I change the new potatoes to a salad?’
The
sullen waiter nodded, scribbled on his pad and departed.
‘Do your parents live here too?’ Jeremy asked. He loosened his tie and Lottie’s heart gave a double beat.
She shook her head. There was still a pang of bitterness towards her parents and even after all these years she hadn’t got over it. She hadn’t forgiven them for missing Nan’s funeral either. ‘My parents moved away when I was a teenager.’ Seeing the same confusion on his face everyone showed when she said this, she added, ‘My dad’s a diplomat and travels a lot. It was my nan who raised me.’
‘I’ve been meaning to say how sorry I was to hear about your nan,’ said Jeremy. His eyes were sparkling even brighter with the concern evident in them. ‘It sounds like you were very close.’ He placed his large, warm hand over hers, gave it a squeeze then removed it. She liked the feel of his strong but gentle grip as she felt a prick of sadness pierce her buoyant mood. He must have sensed her feelings, or read it on her face as he said, ‘So how are the Greenley Players shaping up?’
Unnerved by the softness of his voice and the way her skin was tingling, Lottie took another gulp of her wine. ‘Good. We’re planning our first production – Much Ado About Nothing. We’re all very excited.’
‘That sounds great. I’m sure it’ll be a huge success. I used to be in an am dram group at university.’
‘Really?’ Lottie smiled at the idea. It was difficult to picture him on a stage, playing a part; he seemed so confident just being himself.
‘I loved it,’ he replied, meeting her eyes and with a playful smile. ‘I was awful though. Dismal. I really can’t act.’
‘No?’
‘No. I got relegated to painting the scenery.’
Lottie laughed. ‘Well, if we need a hand I’ll know who to ask.’ She felt her muscles unwind and she leaned forwards resting her arms on the table. She hadn’t meant to flash her cleavage but as Jeremy’s eyes darted down and then back up again, Lottie found she didn’t actually mind.
Jeremy stared at Lottie’s face as if studying it and her stomach flipped over. The waiter brought their food and the more they talked the more she relaxed. She drained her glass and frowned at the empty bottle sitting on the table. Jeremy ordered another. ‘Do you come down every weekend?’ Lottie asked.