by Katie Ginger
‘It’s lovely, isn’t it? I’m so lucky,’ said Selena, joining Jeremy and gently touching his arm ‘Would you like a beer?’
‘Yes, please. That’d be great.’ Selena turned and flashed her eyes at Sid as his cue to go and get one.
Sid went to the kitchen and poured the drinks. He heard Lottie and Selena laugh at something Jeremy had said and felt himself shrink. He didn’t like to admit it, but he was a bit intimidated by Jeremy. They must be about the same age but he just seemed so much more together. Sid reminded himself that, if his parents’ deaths had taught him anything, it was that the quality of your life, not how much you had, was what was most important. He took the drinks back out.
‘Here you go,’ he said to Lottie. ‘I bought a bottle with a koala on it.’
Lottie laughed and took a sip. Selena stared at Sid as he explained that Lottie always chose wine based on the picture on the label.
‘Great idea, Lottie,’ Selena said before turning to Jeremy. ‘So, Jeremy, have you had an exciting week?’
He took his beer from Sid and went back to the window. ‘I wouldn’t say exciting. Busy. But not exciting. Lots of meetings and site visits.’
Sid gestured for Jeremy to take a seat and joined him on the sofa. ‘Are you working on a lot of projects at the moment?’
‘Most of my time is going on a big office block. It’s a pretty big job. But I’m not as busy as Lottie. Every spare minute goes on the theatre, doesn’t it, honey?’
From the corner of the room, Lottie smiled but didn’t join the conversation. Sid wanted to find out more about Jeremy and his business, just to put his mind at rest, so pressed on. ‘Do you only do one project at a time then?’
Jeremy shook his head. ‘No, I’ve got some smaller ones on the go too. And my team are always on the lookout for new opportunities.’
Hoping he’d say theatres, or something to prove his suspicions Sid said, ‘Anything interesting?’
‘Not really.’ Jeremy eyed Sid then took a sip of his beer.
‘And do you only work in London? That’s where your office is, isn’t it?’
Jeremy nodded and had another drink. ‘That’s right. Tell me, Sid, have you covered any interesting stories lately?’
Sid paused as the back of his neck burned. He didn’t think ‘drunk man tries to ride dog’ really qualified and swallowed down his humiliation. ‘Not much. It’s quiet at the moment.’
Lottie went to sit next to Jeremy but as she lowered herself down, Selena said, ‘Take a seat, Lottie, won’t you?’ Causing her to stop halfway then wobble and flop down in an ungainly manner. Jeremy put his arm around her shoulders. The way they were looking at each other made Sid feel slightly queasy. ‘So, let me open my presents then,’ he said quickly, before they could start kissing.
Lottie smiled and collected the present from the chair before handing it to him. ‘Here you go.’
‘Hang on, you’ve got to open mine first,’ said Selena.
‘But you got me this shirt,’ Sid replied. ‘You didn’t have to get me anything else.’ He certainly hoped it wasn’t any more clothing.
‘But I wanted to,’ she said and leaned down to kiss him. ‘Wait here.’
Selena disappeared off to the bedroom and Sid was left with Lottie and Jeremy. Even though she was wearing jeans and a top, she’d done that weird eyeliner thing again and her eyes looked bigger and bluer. A weird silence descended. They’d always been able to talk about anything and everything but it was like being strangers and having to make awkward small talk.
‘How are the rehearsals going?’ asked Sid.
Lottie rubbed her forehead as if the very thought gave her a headache. ‘They’ve not quite come to blows yet but it’s got close. We’ve upped the number of rehearsals now because we were making so little progress and I’m just praying it gets better once they’re practising on the bandstand.’
‘I was telling Lottie,’ said Jeremy, ‘that she’s doing a brilliant job and they’ll settle down once they get used to working together. Don’t you think?’
Sid nodded. ‘I’m sure it’ll all be alright. They were going to have to perform sometime.’
‘Here you go,’ said Selena, coming back in with a small flat parcel. Sid slid on to the floor. It was the only place to open presents and it made him feel like a kid again. Selena perched on the arm of the chair on Jeremy’s other side, their arms almost touching. She’d bought expensive patterned paper and tied it with a bow.
Sid opened it, unsure what it would be. As he peeled back the paper he saw it was an envelope. Why would you wrap up an envelope? When he finally got through the wrapping, he saw it was two cinema tickets.
‘There’s the new Batman movie out soon,’ Selena said. ‘You said you wanted to see it. I know you and Lottie were going to go but I thought as Lottie’s so busy with the theatre, you and I could.’
‘Brilliant. Thanks,’ Sid replied. He got up and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It was such a thoughtful gift. Lottie looked at her wine. Selena was probably right, Lottie wouldn’t have the time for Batman with everything else that was going on.
‘What did you get me then, Lots?’ he asked. She smiled and handed him the present. It was a fairly big box and it rattled. For some reason he loved a rattly present. She’d also wrapped it in kids pirate paper which made him giggle.
‘I thought you’d like that paper after you were swashbuckling the other day.’
He grinned before ripping off the paper. As he read the words on the top of the box he had to swallow down the enormous laugh that was eking out. It was the best present ever, bar none. The new Star Wars board game and he couldn’t wait to play it. ‘This is amazing. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you, Lots.’
He shot up and wrapped her in a hug. He’d wanted this game as soon as they’d said it was coming out. Lottie’s arms squeezed him in return as she said, ‘I’m glad you like it.’
Sid let her go and resumed his place on the floor to start unpacking all the pieces. Lottie shuffled onto the floor too and together they began reading through the different cards and the enormous rulebook. ‘Look, there’s a death star!’ said Sid and Lottie giggled.
‘Wow,’ said Jeremy. ‘I didn’t realise you guys liked Star Wars so much.’
Sid studied a tiny TIE fighter and said, ‘Lottie and me always go and see the new ones at the midnight showing. It’s a tradition.’
‘Right,’ said Jeremy and Sid saw the smile on his face. As a journalist, Sid prided himself on being able to read people but he couldn’t determine what was going on in Jeremy’s head right now. ‘Well, maybe I could join you two next time? There’s a new one next year, isn’t there?’
‘That’d be lovely,’ said Lottie, shooting Jeremy a smile. ‘Wouldn’t it, Sid?’
He had no choice but to nod. ‘Yeah.’
‘Do you like Star Wars, Selena?’ Lottie asked.
‘Not really, but I’d go for Sid. It can be a double date.’
Sid pulled out a small model stormtrooper from the box and showed Selena. She didn’t look as impressed as he and Lottie did, but Star Wars just wasn’t her thing. She flicked her hair over her shoulder and said, ‘That’s so kind of you, Lottie.’
Sid smiled at Selena. She was being so sweet towards Lottie, knowing how shy she normally was.
Selena went off to the kitchen but not before Sid spotted a sullen pout forming on her mouth, and confused, he followed. When he came in she was stood by the sink drinking her wine, her arms crossed over her chest. ‘You like Lottie’s present more than mine, don’t you?’
God, he was such an idiot, making more of a fuss of Lottie’s present than his own girlfriend’s. He cupped her face and kissed her, then her neck. ‘I love your present and Lottie’s. And I can’t wait to go to the movies with you. We haven’t done that yet.’ Selena bent her head giving him more of her neck to nuzzle. ‘I’m sorry if I was insensitive. I’m an idiot when it comes to all this boyfriend business.’
&nb
sp; ‘You are,’ she replied, giving him a playful punch on the chest. ‘But you’ll get better. You just need some training. Now, help me serve up dinner.’
Sid smiled as he grabbed the plates but he couldn’t stop himself glancing through the open doorway to Lottie sat on the sofa. She’d been watching him and looked away quickly as Jeremy showed her something on his phone. It was Sid’s turn to look away as Jeremy kissed her passionately on the mouth, his fingers caught in her hair.
Sid looked at the weird starter Selena was serving up and the large bowl of salad. Tonight was going to be even more painful than the restaurant.
Chapter 22
The sun shone down on the tall white columns of the bandstand and Lottie lifted her head to feel the heat on her face. The weather had turned from a week of summer drizzle and a gusty breeze, to long days full of warmth and light. Hot in her jeans, she uncrossed her legs and studied the width of her thighs, for once not caring how big or small they were. Voices rang out from the bandstand. The first dress rehearsal was underway and so far, it wasn’t going terribly well.
Lines were forgotten, if they’d been learnt at all, and Conner was finding it hard to make some of the actors listen to his direction. Lottie sat on the grass bank taking a break before heading back into the fray and sorting them all out, again.
‘Working hard, then?’ asked Sid, coming to join her.
Lottie ran her hand over the short newly cut grass feeling the spikes on her skin. ‘Just having a breather.’
‘I might join you. It’s been a shocking day on my feet.’ He sat down and groaned.
‘It’s a Saturday, what have you been up to?’ Lottie asked, and then, remembering he’d probably been with Selena, wished she hadn’t.
‘Shopping.’
She spied at him from the corner of her eye. ‘Shopping? You hate shopping.’
‘Yeah, but Selena doesn’t.’ He leant forwards. ‘My feet are hot.’
‘If you take those trainers off I’m leaving.’ Lottie held her nose to emphasise her point.
Sid playfully batted her hand down. ‘If I take my trainers off it’ll be like unleashing a chemical weapon. I’d kill half of Greenley.’
‘Only half?’ Lottie smiled and watched the cast, admiring their new costumes. Sarah was quite pretty in a white silk dress and something about her seemed different since she joined the group. Even Debbie, clad in grey servant’s clothes, appeared very much the part. If only she would speak clearly enough for the crowd to understand her. ‘I still can’t believe Mrs Andrews said yes.’
‘Sometimes, you just have to ask nicely.’
‘So you didn’t have to sleep with her then?’ A part of her worried he actually had as he seemed to be so desirable these days.
‘Nah. Just the promise of an announcement in the paper, a mention on the programme and a special thank you on each night of the performance. Not much really, considering.’ Sid crossed his hands behind his head and lay back into the grass. Lottie examined the face she had seen a million times. Even with his eyes closed he looked cheeky and she suddenly wanted to lie down next to him.
Lifting her face to the sun Lottie felt the heat renew her failing energy levels. As it began to set in front of them, the sky was painted a deep golden yellow and the breeze from the sea carried its warmth. There was a swell in the voices again.
‘Why don’t you just—’ said Gregory.
‘Leave it out,’ shouted Lee.
‘If you touch me again, Cecil, I swear I’ll—’ said Mrs Andrews through gritted teeth.
Sid opened his eyes and sat up.
‘Listen to them,’ said Lottie, crossing her legs and hunching forwards. ‘This is going to be an absolute disaster. Half of them can’t remember their lines and the other half are too busy arguing to actually recite them.’
‘At least they look good.’ Sid said, trying to make her laugh.
Lottie wanted to but couldn’t. There was nothing funny here. With only a week to go, how could it suddenly all slot into place? ‘We’ve only got two more rehearsals. No one knows where they’re meant to stand and Conner hasn’t got the bottle to really take charge. He’s so young, I knew this would be too much for him. Do you think we should cancel?’
‘What? No way,’ said Sid. ‘You’d lose all the public support you’ve got so far and then everyone will lose interest.’
‘You’re right,’ Lottie replied, putting her head in her hands. ‘It’s all a disaster.’
Sid nudged her shoulder. ‘It’ll be fine, Lots. Just go in there and give them what for.’
Behind her Lottie heard the slap of leather to foot. She glanced over her shoulder to see Selena looking gorgeous in huge sunglasses, a short white sundress and matching sandals. Her flawless skin glistened in the sun and her legs, long and bronze, marched towards her as briskly as anyone can in flapping footwear.
‘Hi, honey,’ Selena said, kneeling down and kissing Sid. Lottie heard a muffled ringing and Sid pulled his phone from his pocket.
‘Are you joining us?’ asked Lottie, trying to be friendly but struggling to keep the chill from her voice. She felt herself bristle whenever Selena was around, waiting for the next backhanded compliment.
Selena removed her sunglasses and stared at Lottie, her tone sharper, beating Lottie’s for coldness. ‘Am I interrupting something?
‘Not at all,’ Lottie assured her.
Sid put his phone away and lay back down again. ‘We were just talking about the play.’
Selena curled her legs underneath her. ‘Oh. It’s not going very well, is it?’ Her voice was all sympathy but something about it riled Lottie. There was definitely a bitchy tone there, another passive aggressive comment very well hidden.
Gregory flounced off stage. ‘I need some time to be at peace’.
Sid nudged Lottie again. ‘I’m sure it’ll be okay.’
‘I hope so,’ Lottie replied. ‘Everyone’s working really hard. They just need a bit more time.’
Selena put her sunglasses back on. ‘Hmmm. But there’s not long to go is there? Isn’t the first performance next week? You really don’t have much time at all do you? Poor thing. Sid and I are coming though, aren’t we, honey?’ She gave Sid another kiss. ‘Wouldn’t miss it, would we?’
Selena smiled but even behind the sunglasses, Lottie could tell it didn’t reach her eyes. Lottie had no idea why Selena had such a problem with her and stood up. ‘I’d better head back.’
‘Good luck,’ said Sid and as Lottie turned to him she could see he really meant it.
‘Yeah, good luck.’ Selena gave Lottie a sweet smile and stretched out her long legs. ‘Shall we go now and have a quick drink before we meet my friends?’
‘Do you want me to hang on?’ Sid asked Lottie, standing up. ‘See if I can help?’
‘Oh, sweetie, we’ve only got half an hour,’ Selena interjected before Lottie could answer.
Sid threaded his thumbs through the belt loops of his jeans. ‘I’m sure your mates wouldn’t mind if I missed it. It’s you they want to see anyway, I could stay here and help Lottie.’
Lottie really wanted him to stay but wasn’t going to get in the middle of this.
‘Honey,’ said Selena getting up and wrapping her arm through his. ‘We really can’t. They’re dying to meet you. We’ve cancelled once already when you said you were poorly.’
Lottie wondered if that was like the time he was poorly when he had a root canal appointment? He’d cancelled that with the same excuse until the pain had got so bad, she’d dragged him to the dentist and sat with him through the procedure. Sid looked at Lottie, his eyes imploring her to say yes but Selena looked at her too and her eyes didn’t implore anything. Lottie felt a bit scared. ‘It’s okay, there isn’t much you can do but thanks for the offer.’
Selena smiled triumphantly. ‘Come on, honey, or we’ll be late. Good luck, Lottie. I’m sure you won’t need it.’
‘Thanks,’ Lottie replied, but she had a sneaking suspicion t
hat Selena didn’t mean a single word.
Chapter 23
After the disastrous dress rehearsal, Lottie buried herself in preparations for the play but even so, the first performance came around faster than expected. Lottie’s stomach fizzed. She hadn’t been able to eat all day.
When she’d finally fallen asleep last night, she’d tossed and turned, the fear in her stomach rolling from side to side as she moved. This morning, though bone tired, nervous energy pumped around Lottie’s system. She couldn’t sit still but couldn’t stop moving either and as the moment of truth came nearer she felt sick. The curtain was up in forty-five minutes and the Greenley Players were dressing in the makeshift backstage area – a white marquee erected a few metres away from the bandstand.
Lottie checked around for Sid. She’d thought he would be here, backstage, supporting her – or if nothing else, to at least capture the action for the newspaper – but he was nowhere to be seen and without him, her nerves intensified. She scanned the crowd assembling in the evening sunshine. Blankets and picnics were spread out as people chatted and laughed. Happy couples and groups of friends giggled, enjoying the anticipation, opening bottles of champagne and cheering at the pops. Even the mayor had arrived in his finery.
If only Jeremy could be here, Lottie thought. She missed him. He’d been delayed in London again and as sorry as he’d been, he wouldn’t get there until late, hopefully before the end of the show. Lottie checked the time on her phone; there was no putting it off any longer, she had to go and see the players.
‘Where’s the blush? I must have the blush,’ demanded Mrs Andrews.
‘I think you’ve got enough on, dear,’ said Gregory. ‘They’d be able to see your cheeks from space.’ He turned to Cecil and whispered, ‘But at least it’ll draw attention away from her squinty little eyes.’
‘How’s it going, everyone?’ asked Lottie, feigning cheerful excitement. ‘Everybody ready for opening night? Our first performance! Everyone excited?’ The players stared at her as if she’d gone mad. Some were white from too much make-up, others from fright. Sarah looked like she was about to throw up. ‘Okay,’ continued Lottie, clapping her hands together. ‘Good luck, everyone.’ She turned to leave just as Sid entered. ‘Oh, hello. I wondered where you’d got to.’