by Katie Ginger
A round of applause gathered pace as she said her nan’s name. They remembered her. Tears threatened her eyes and Lottie tried to hold it together. ‘But she believed in this town and felt the theatre could and should be at the heart of our community.’
The Greenley Players shuffled onto the stage to stand behind her. ‘We know we’re not perfect.’ The group nodded and laughed self-deprecatingly. ‘But we want to be able to entertain people and as we practise we’ll get better and better, but we still need the support of every single one of you. We need you to come and watch our performances, we need you to support us on social media, and we need your help to get the theatre back up and running, because, it doesn’t just have to be a theatre, it can be a …’
She was rambling now. Shit. What could it be? Mayor Cunningham’s blingy necklace shone in the light. He was looking around at the reaction she had caused.
‘It could be a … a bingo hall.’ Unable to control her enthusiasm, Lottie loosened her hands from in front of her and gestured as she spoke. ‘We could have a youth theatre, or it could be a place for after-school clubs. We could have school visits so the children can learn about the building and acting workshops and—’
‘Could the photography club use it?’ shouted a man in the crowd.
‘Yes,’ cried Lottie and the mayor scowled.
‘What about playgroups?’ asked one mum, bouncing a baby on her lap. ‘It’d be great to have somewhere to meet other than coffee shops.’
‘Of course.’ Lottie beamed. ‘The point is the theatre isn’t just a building. It can be something that touches every single person young or old, whether you come to a production or just use the space. It can be a living, breathing place again. But it won’t be unless we all pull together to make it happen.’
Lottie stepped back to breathe. The Greenley Players were clapping furiously as were the crowd. Even Mayor Cunningham was forced to join in. She looked to the sideline. When Sid’s gaze settled on Lottie she saw a light in his eyes again. Conner was standing next to him and she realised there was something else she needed to do.
‘There is one more person I need to thank for making tonight happen, and that’s our director, because without his hard work, the players wouldn’t have any lights on them, or music to sing to, or anything like that. Please give a big round of applause for Conner Shaw.’
Sid pushed Conner onto the stage and he nodded to the crowd as he stumbled his way to the middle, then as soon as possible, hid behind Lee. After Lottie finished the thank yous, the audience left and the players gathered backstage, congratulating and complimenting each other.
Sarah had colour in her cheeks again and approached Cecil. ‘I thought your song was brilliant. You’re so good.’
‘Me? Darling, are you kidding, your voice is in-cre-di-ble! I nearly cried.’
‘You did cry,’ said Mrs Andrews.
‘That’s because I have a soul, dear.’
Lottie worried the arguments would start again but the twinkle in Cecil’s eye showed that he was teasing and Mrs Andrews responded with a hint of a smile, or as much of one the fillers would allow.
‘Well done, mate,’ said Lee to Conner, patting him on the back.
‘Yes, well done, young man,’ said Gregory. ‘I think great things are in store for you.’
‘You organised it all brilliantly,’ Sarah offered.
Lottie wanted to celebrate and as they’d started the performance early enough to attract families it was only nine o’clock. ‘Shall we head to the pub?’ asked Lottie, on a high from her first real success.
Everyone cheered except Sid who said, ‘I’m sorry, Lottie. I’m meeting Selena.’
She opened her mouth to convince him to stay but couldn’t form the words. And just like that Lottie was reminded again how different life was for them both now. But at least she had Jeremy. Wherever he was.
Chapter 36
‘I’m so sorry, darling,’ Jeremy said, planting a kiss on Lottie’s forehead. ‘Damn builders keep trying to build what they want instead of what I’m paying them for. I had to meet with the foreman and sort it out. But, I heard you did brilliantly without me.’
Lottie smiled but tiredness kept pulling the corners of her mouth down. ‘I don’t know if it was as good as you’d have done. You’re better at public speaking than me.’
Jeremy was less polished today, more rugged, and his eyes were ringed with dark circles. ‘I heard you were amazing.’
‘I just spoke honestly. People seemed to like it by the end.’
‘Well done, you clever girl.’ He took her hand and kissed it. ‘Shall we find somewhere for dinner? If we’re quick we can squeeze in before closing time.’
‘Yes, let’s,’ replied Lottie. ‘I’m starving.’ After two large glasses of wine with the players her head was swimming.
They left the comfort of the pub and walked onto the seafront, along the promenade. The rough sea had turned brown from the silt brought up by the current and the seagulls had disappeared inland. The cold autumn air helped clear Lottie’s head and she looked at Jeremy. He really was very sexy in his suit, his hair ruffled by the wind and a thin spread of stubble over his chiselled jaw. He pulled her closer.
They settled on a quiet restaurant set back from the seafront in the old part of town, nestled amongst the small side alleys. It was still virtually full and Lottie watched delicious meals being brought out of the kitchen as they were led to their table. Lottie sat down, her legs aching from how tense she’d been all day. Jeremy immediately ordered a bottle of red wine which the waiter delivered with frightening efficiency.
‘How are you feeling after your victory?’ Jeremy smiled before taking a large gulp of wine.
‘I wouldn’t quite call it a victory, but at least we showed them we’re not complete idiots, and proved the Greenley Players have some talent.’
‘Are you okay?’ asked Jeremy. ‘You seem a bit down?’
Lottie wondered where Sid and Selena were. Were they at his flat? No, she didn’t want to picture that. She chased the image away but her hackles rose as if she were jealous. Were they out for dinner, gazing into each other’s eyes as she and Jeremy should be? And why didn’t she want to gaze into Jeremy’s eyes tonight? The low candlelight was doing nothing to help her feel romantic. All she wanted to do was eat carbohydrates and go to bed. She looked up to see Jeremy staring at her. ‘I think it’s just a comedown from all the adrenalin. I’m really tired.’
Jeremy nodded and she went back to reading the menu.
A moment later he said, ‘Lottie?’ and she looked up. Jeremy nodded towards the waiter stood by their table.
‘Oh, I’m so sorry.’ She ordered some kind of mushroom pasta thing and told herself to concentrate.
‘Well, I’d like the sea bass.’ He smiled at the waiter then turned back to Lottie. ‘Let’s have a drink and a nice dinner then we’ll head back to yours, shall we?’
They always seemed to go back to hers. Considering his house was in the posh part of town, it was off they’d never really gone there. Lottie nodded, but deep down she wanted to be on her own tonight. She took a sip of wine. Was that three large glasses or four? No wonder reading the menu had been a challenge.
After a bowl of olives and some small talk, Jeremy took her hand and stroked it. ‘I’m so glad things went well today because I’ve had the best idea. I’ve been mulling it over for a while, but now I’m positive this is the right thing to do.’
Lottie could hear the excitement in his voice but couldn’t match it with her own. For some reason she felt a heavy weight on her mind but she didn’t know why. ‘Oh yes? What’s that?’
Jeremy glanced at her then back at his wine. ‘I was thinking that, as there’s still a lot of work to do, I’d buy the theatre and make a real investment in the property.’
Lottie paused. The sentences jumbled in her brain, but all with the same question. ‘What? I – so – so, you’d own the theatre?’
He grabbed her
hand again. ‘Yes, well, my company would. But don’t you see, Lottie, then we could really invest in the place. You wouldn’t have such a shoestring budget, you’d be able to really kit it out. Isn’t it a fantastic idea?’
Alarm bells were sounding in her head, or was it just ringing from the amount of booze she’d drunk? She looked around at the laughing, smiling diners. That should be us, she thought. After how well today had gone why did she feel so down about everything?
The waiter delivered their food and Jeremy laid his napkin in his lap and picked up his knife and fork. ‘I can’t wait to take it to the committee, but I’ll need your support, Lottie. You’re the chairman. We make such a good team.’ He gave her a warm smile. ‘This just makes sense, don’t you think? We can do so much for Greenley with this.’
Lottie’s brain felt like someone had put it in a blender, whizzed it up, then poured it back into her head. ‘Jeremy, I – I suppose it does, but—’
‘I can’t see the council objecting especially if I have the full support of the committee. It means there’s public support. And you, Lottie. Your nan was such a pillar of the community, your support is invaluable. I mean, the council want it off their hands and I want to buy it, it’s a win-win.’ He watched her and took a sip of his wine before speaking again, talking quicker and quicker. ‘We could get a conservationist in to repaint the ceiling properly and we can find similar wallpaper to what it had before. We can install new lighting and make a decent backstage area. We won’t need to cut corners or do things on the cheap. You could really put Greenley on the map with this, Lottie.’
Lottie nodded along, feeling tired and numb. For some reason, Sid’s words spoken angrily months ago echoed in her mind. He’d said that they might be a tiny committee but they were all the theatre had.
Jeremy put down his cutlery and took her hand again. ‘I know, let’s finish dinner and we’ll talk some more later.’
Lottie placed a forkful of food in her mouth but couldn’t taste anything. Did she want to put Greenley on the map? Despite her fear, in Jeremy’s eyes she read only a genuine wish to help. She was just tired and a bit muddled from drinking on an empty stomach, that was all.
There couldn’t be anything to worry about, he wanted to keep it as a theatre which meant he wasn’t in league with Mayor Cunningham to try and knock it down and build houses. He wanted what she wanted. And saving the theatre for good was exactly what her nan had wanted too. How could she even think of saying no?
No, this was a good idea. How could it be anything else?
Chapter 37
On Monday morning, when Lottie climbed into Sid’s car, he watched her double take and the way she exaggeratedly checked she was in the right one.
‘You’ve cleaned up,’ Lottie said, but she didn’t seem that pleased about it.
‘I had to,’ Sid moaned. ‘Selena said she wouldn’t get in if I didn’t.’
‘Oh.’ Thankfully, Lottie didn’t say anymore. ‘Where are we off to today?’
‘You won’t believe me when I tell you.’ Sid grinned.
‘Go on.’
He looked at her and wondered why she wasn’t smiling. ‘I’ll tell you the title I’m going to use first.’
The most pathetic smile Sid had ever seen Lottie give crossed her face. ‘Okay.’
‘Morris Dancer Gangs in Big Bin Bust Up,’ he announced proudly. It had taken him ages to come up with it.
‘What?’ Her tone was flat and Sid hesitated. He’d expected more. Normally she would have been in hysterics.
Sid gave a huge grin trying to cheer her up. ‘Okay so, Keith and his gang of Morris dancers from Greenley got into a huge row with Eric and his lot from Denton at the folk festival on Saturday. They’d all had a few too many and decided to have a dance off when Keith fell, or was pushed, into a bin. So he picked it up and threw it at Eric, thinking Eric had put his goons up to it. Then they had a massive bundle on the green.’
Lottie laughed. ‘No way?’
‘Yes, way.’ Sid could see she was finally starting to enjoy this.
‘In all their gear?’
‘Bells, whistles, and everything. We’re off to interview Keith, Eric and some witnesses today.’
‘Awesome,’ said Lottie, but the smile he’d seen moments before quickly faded.
Sid started the car and drove off. ‘I know. I bloody love my job.’ Lottie turned away and she stared out of the window, chewing her fingernails. Sid tried to start the conversation again. ‘You look nice.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Selena and I watched Sunday’s showcase. It was just as good as the Saturday one.’
‘Oh, thanks.’
‘And I’m glad you did the speech again that night too.’
Lottie nodded but didn’t reply. Something was bothering her. Sid gave a couple of sideways glances but she still didn’t speak. ‘Are you alright?’
Lottie gave a tight smile and she emphatically nodded yes. Sid feared the distance that had grown between them meant she wouldn’t confide in him anymore, but having asked a few times, he didn’t know what else to do so chewed the inside of his cheek before turning on the radio to fill the silence.
They interviewed Keith of the Greenley Morris dancers first who assured Sid he hadn’t started the fight. But apparently, when you were pushed arse first into a bin, you couldn’t take it lying down. Or sitting down, thought Sid. Next, it was a ten-minute trip to Eric, the rival gang leader.
‘You were very quiet in there,’ said Sid when they were back in the car.
‘Was I? Sorry.’ Lottie was keeping her eyes down and her voice was small and quiet.
‘Are you sure you’re alright?’
Lottie nodded and went back to opening and closing the camera lens.
Unsurprisingly Eric of the Denton Morris dancers was adamant the other lot had started it. He’d dressed in full Morris dancer gear for the interview, and had a black eye. But Lottie was still distracted throughout the interview and Sid had to prompt her to take the pictures.
When they were in the car on their way to visit a witness she suddenly took a deep breath and said, ‘Jeremy wants to buy the theatre.’
Sid almost stamped on the brake and performed an unscheduled emergency stop. His stomach lurched. ‘Hey?’
Lottie pulled her coat tighter around her. ‘Jeremy wants to buy the theatre. He said he’s already put so much into it because of the roof and – and he wants to buy the land so we can take the theatre to the next level.’
Sid drove on in silence. He didn’t feel confident in opening his mouth and having anything other than expletives come out.
‘What do you think?’ asked Lottie, turning to him.
From the corner of his eye he could see her watching him. He didn’t like it. Not one little bit. Jeremy had edged towards this, donating money here and there. Just as Sid had finally begun to believe that maybe Jeremy was genuinely interested in Lottie, this happened and it was a worrying development. One that made him angry. She wasn’t going to like what he had to say but he’d been honest with her before and had to be again.
He took a deep breath. ‘I don’t like it, Lots. He’s a property developer. He develops property for a living. He does it up, then sells it off. And now he wants to buy the theatre? How do we know he won’t do the same? Just because he says he’s never dealt with theatres before doesn’t mean he isn’t interested.’
‘He said he wouldn’t,’ Lottie replied. ‘He said he wants to re-do the ceiling and put Greenley on the map.’
Sid’s mind was stuck on a cycle of swear words and insults. ‘I don’t trust him.’
‘But why would he have given us so much money already if his intention was to pull it down and build houses?’ From the tightness of her mouth she was getting cross with him again, but she’d seemed bothered by this for some reason, like she wanted his approval or something.
‘Maybe he wants to use the building for something else? I just don’t believe his reasons are innocent.
’
‘Well, you don’t know him,’ said Lottie, heatedly. ‘He’s taking his idea to the committee and he wants my support.’
‘Will you give it?’ Sid asked coldly.
‘I think so.’
‘Then why are you even asking me?’
Lottie gave a half-hearted shrug as if she didn’t know herself. ‘I just wanted to know what you thought?’
Sid gripped the wheel. ‘You know what I think.’
They drove on in silence past the newly built cul-de-sacs and retirement flats. Sid’s fingers hurt from holding the wheel so tightly. He couldn’t wait anymore. He needed to do something to wake Lottie up. To make her see. He could be wrong about Jeremy, he knew that, but something wasn’t quite right here. Even though he was now the hero of the town Sid just couldn’t believe his motives were innocent. And what did Lottie expect him to say?
‘I can’t see how it’s not a good idea,’ said Lottie.
Sid tutted. ‘Well, on your head be it.’
‘On your head be it?’ Lottie echoed, her voice coming alive with annoyance. ‘I’m sorry, did we just take a left into the nineteenth century?’
‘I just mean that—’
‘I know what you mean, Sid,’ Lottie replied, folding her arms over her chest. ‘You mean that if I agree and it all goes wrong and he buys the theatre then sells it, or it gets knocked down, then the whole town will blame me. Isn’t that it?’
‘Yes,’ he answered before he could stop himself, but he was angry. ‘You’re saying it, Lottie, but have you really thought about it? About what would happen if you’re wrong about him?’
‘Of course I have.’
‘And?’
Lottie’s voice rose. ‘And I believe him. This could be the solution Nan was always looking for.’
‘I don’t think it is.’ Sid shook his head in disgust. He couldn’t think of anything Elsie would want less. She’d want the community to always be involved and there was too big a risk that that wouldn’t happen if a corporation took over. Deep down, Lottie knew that too.