*****
Later, I phone Liam to say I’m still thinking about mypossible radio debut –ha ha!– and that I’ll let him know one way oranother when I see him at the painting party on Saturday.
I figure it’s only Monday now, so that gives me plenty oftime to decide.
But what with working at the café and scraping off a ton ofwallpaper, getting the house ready to be painted – plus deciding what paint andsnacks to buy and food to make for the night-time party, as well as working outhow much booze I’ll need – I have precious little time to think about it. I phoneDorothy and she seems quite excited about being on the radio, but I’ve still todecide if I’m going to join her.
And then, almost before I have a chance to draw breath, it’sSaturday and the day of the painting party...
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
I’m up early, feeling a mixture of excitement and vagueterror at the thought of the day ahead.
I love that people are rallying around and helping me withthe decorating, but I’ve never had to organise an event like this before, andit’s taken a great deal of planning. I’ve had to work out how much paint I’llneed (I’ve gone for a neutral shade, somewhere between cream and off-white) andhow many paint brushes and paint trays to buy. And deciding how much drink toorder and quantities of minced beef, green peppers and tomatoes for the hugechilli I’m going to make for the evening has totally boggled my decidedlyun-mathematicalbrain!
My head is so full of numbers right now, there’s no roomleft for any more calculations. So maybe, I think, I should just relax and letit happen. (I can always nip out to the shops later if I’ve missed anything offmy list.)
Maddy designed a fun invitation to give out, just so peoplewould know exactly when it was happening and where and what to bring.
SIPS AND SPLATTERS!!!
You are invited to a fabulous painting party onSaturday at Sycamore House, Sunnybrook.
Turn up any time after 10am. Paint brushes and paint trays provided.
Bring a dust sheet and lots of enthusiasm, and I will provide the party!
Love, Lottie xx
Knowing she was bored being at home, I askedMaddy if she wouldn’t mind delivering the invitations to everyone in person,with Jack’s help chauffeuring her around, and she agreed happily. Although whenI phoned her last night to check numbers, she was a bit vague saying she’dgiven out ‘about ten invitations’ but that I should probably plan for morebecause a few of the girls had asked if they could bring their partners alongto help. And Ellie was bringing her mum, Rose, and daughter Maisie.
Consequently, I’ve really no idea how many people are goingto turn up today!
By ten, I’m all set, although my stomach is rolling aroundlike a washing machine. But then my mobile rings and it’s Shalini, phoning towish me luck for today. And in just a five-minute conversation, she manages tomake me laugh and calms me right down.
‘Just think!’ she says. ‘By tonight, the whole house will lookfresh and gorgeous. And after a drink or two at the after-party, you won’t evencare that you’re going to die from the toxic paint fumes!’
I snort with laughter. ‘My bedroom is the only room thatwon’t be painted. I’m sleeping in there tonight.’
‘Good plan.’
‘But I’m worried the chilli I’ve made won’t be enough.’
‘Oh, it’ll be fine,’ she says airily. ‘Make sure there’senough wine, play great music and they really won’t care what they’re eating!’
I come off the phone feeling so much better but wishingShalini could be here. It’s her mum’s fiftieth birthday today, though, so herwhole family are having a get-together down there. But after talking to her,I’m feeling so much calmer...
Jen and her boyfriend are the first to arrive, and I runoutside to greet Jen as she’s getting out of the car.
‘Hi! Thanks so much for coming!’
‘Lottie, hello. This is Harlyn and we hope you don’t mindbut we’ve brought the dog as well?’
‘No, that’s fine.’ I smile and shake hands with Harlyn, whohas a good strong grip and piercing blue eyes.
‘Yeah, I didn’t really want to leave him at home on hisown,’ he says. ‘He’s a rescue dog so he can get a bit nervous.’
Jen opens the door to the back seat. ‘Lottie, this is Rolo.’
