Page 28 of Never Too Late to Date

Suzie looked down at her cut-off denims and vest and up at Vicky.

‘I certainly won’t have anything that fits you. Maybe you can ask Maeve?’

‘I suppose I’ll have to.’

‘At least I’ve prevented you from being hugely embarrassed.’

‘True.’

‘So, I’ll keep practising here every day around one, and if you can join me, great. Otherwise, we’ll meet at the fancy ice‑cream shop by the square on Friday evening.’

‘Oooh, the organic one with smoked hazelnut flavour.’

‘Don’t even think about wandering around with an ice-cream during the procession. You’ll be lynched by the locals.’

‘Fine. See you there.’

Work at the sanctuary had kept her busy every day since they’d last met; sick animals took no heed of Holy Week. Vicky had only managed to join Suzie for one more practice session at the ruined mansion. But her friend had obviously been working hard. Even she could see, or rather hear, the progress.

Begging Maeve for help with the clothes for the Good Friday meet-up, she’d ended up in a shapeless black linen dress several sizes too big, with a black shawl to cover her shoulders, and some sensible dark, flat lace-up shoes. It was a bizarre get-up, but better than her other option, a spaghetti strap dress covered in strawberries with hot pink sandals.

After doing the last round of animal feeding, she’d rushed like a maniac to reach the ice-cream shop in time to meet Suzie, so now she could add sweating profusely to her unusual look.

The bells had rung mournfully all day long, in every church in every village and town on the island and were still giving it their all. Around her, groups of people were converging on the town centre, smartly dressed in dark colours and with solemn faces.

‘Vicky?’

She looked up to see Alex standing with a group of men in suits.

Oh yes, she did have to bump into him dressed like an extra from Fiddler on the Roof, didn’t she? All she needed was a headscarf, and she could enter stage right. No chic little black or navy dress and kitten heels for her; it was Russian peasant all the way.

‘Alex, hi.’

‘Are you OK?’

Why wouldn’t she be?

The group of men he was standing with were looking her up and down in fascination, obviously wondering how they knew each other.

‘Yes, I’m fine, just waiting for my friend.’

‘If you’re sure.’

She’d never been so happy to see Suzie, who took in the situation immediately and whisked her away, giving Alex a little wave as she went.

A few steps on, Vicky pulled her friend into a side street, thankfully devoid of people.

‘Stop a moment.’

Her encounter with Alex had left her hot with embarrassment. Already clammy, her forehead was now running with sweat.

Suzie handed her a tissue and gave her a proper once-over as Vicky took a few deep breaths while holding onto the wall.

‘What the hell are you wearing?’

‘Don’t. Just don’t.’

Suzie held her arms out in front of her, folded them and took a few steps one way and then the other.