Page 16 of Never Too Late to Date

‘That’s a fancy name for it.’

‘I can remember your popular numbers clearly, what with my brother blasting them out from his bedroom all day long…’

‘Let’s not do that one again.’

‘Agreed. Although … it was always you and Kim Wilde he fancied the most. The blonde and the brunette. And Kim’s still going strong, touring and performing like a Trojan. Surely you can take heart from that.’

The big difference between her and Kim Wilde was that Kim had only had short spells away from performing, not a huge hiatus, but it wasn’t helpful to point that out.

‘Suppose so.’

Vicky gave Suzie a sideways look.

‘So, the million-dollar question. Are you going to do it?’

Suzie laughed into the still warm air.

‘OK, you’ve helped me make up my mind. Yes!’

‘Hooray!’

Suzie turned to face her new friend.

‘But it’s all your fault if it goes horribly wrong. If I forget the words, fall off the stage or make a complete fool of myself, I’m blaming you.’

Vicky turned her mouth down.

‘Mean. Shall I get us one more round?’

Suzie waved her hand at a passing waiter.

‘These are seriously on me. We’re going to have to find a secret place to practice, well away from everyone. I couldn’t bear to be overheard until I’ve done some work on my voice. Now you’ve persuaded me into it⁠—’

Vicky slapped the table hard with her hands. ‘Ow, that hurt. I have a sneaking suspicion you were going to do it whether I stuck my nose in or not … but yes, I’ll keep an eye out for a suitable space. There’s probably somewhere at the sanctuary.’

‘That’s a good idea. The acoustics are often so much better in the open air. And…’

Vicky leant forward.

‘And what? What horror have you got in store for me now?’

‘You have to help me choose my stage clothes. I’ve got a load of my old stuff hidden away in the loft at the flat.’

Vicky clapped her hands together.

‘Ooh, goodie. I love playing dress-up. I’d always fancied being a stylist in another life, dressing actresses for awards ceremonies, that sort of thing.’

‘Calm down. You’re not going to be troubling the Oscars just yet. Most of it’s black leather or denim, plus white T-shirts and biker boots. And tight black leather at that… It’s more that I’m not sure if I can get away with it anymore.’

‘Course you can. We might have to make some minor adjustments, but don’t forget – you’re Suzie Sessions, rock chick.’

Suzie tried out her stage name in her head. It would be weird to go back there. Back to some of the happiest, and unhappiest, days of her life. But it was her name and no one else’s. It deserved one more turn around the block.

‘It would be nice to chill out with her again, I’ll admit.’

The two women grabbed the bottles that had arrived at the table and clinked them together before downing most of the contents.

Suzie reached for Vicky’s hand.