Page 43 of Never Too Late to Date

‘Mama?’

‘Yes. Frank, can I introduce my son, Gianni. He’s a lawyer in real life, but he’s acting as my temporary manager this week.’

Giannis raised his hand in the air in greeting, which was eventually returned by Frank.

‘Ah, yes, I remember the separate room for your manager. But I had no idea it was your son.’

It was really none of his business, but she’d enjoyed shocking him.

‘Tell you what, Frank, I’d love a glass of brandy before I go on stage. Is that possible?’

It had always been her traditional tipple to soothe her throat and her nerves.

‘Brandy? Of course, babe. You always loved it.’

Frank turned to Giannis.

‘Would you like anything?’

‘No, I’m good, thanks.’

Frank disappeared in the direction of the bar, and Giannis mouthed ‘babe?’ at her, barely bothering to cover his snort of laughter.

‘Oh, don’t take any notice of him. He’s a bit old school. Thinks it’s fine to speak to a woman like that.’

‘He’s more than a little creepy, Mama. I’m glad that I’m here.’

‘Oh, I can handle Frank, don’t you worry. He’s all mouth and no trousers.’

The thought of Frank without trousers made her want to gag momentarily. Giannis just frowned.

‘What the hell does that mean? Is it another of your weird ancient British sayings?’

‘It means it’s all bluster. He’s about as dangerous as a⁠—’

Just as she was about to say ‘fly’, Frank appeared at the door again, two brandies in his hands. She hadn’t heard his approach, but she knew from experience he was an expert at appearing out of nowhere. Hopefully he hadn’t heard the rest of the conversation.

He handed her a glass.

‘Thought I’d join you, for old times’ sake.’

Suzie clicked her glass against his.

‘Cheers.’

‘Cheers yourself.’

It was true that they’d often shared a drink before a performance, but it felt a little uncomfortable with her son looking on. It was the reality of her two worlds colliding. She hadn’t thought it through properly, but it was happening right in front of her, so she’d better get used to it.

The shot of Dutch courage definitely helped. Her heart still beat painfully in her chest as she waited to go on, but the warm feeling the alcohol produced in her stomach propelled her forward after the act before her, a big old rocker called Sam, had given her a high five as he made his way backstage.

A big cheer from the audience encouraged her even further when the MC called her name. Her son blew her a kiss from the side of the stage, and the house band launched into the first bars of her most famous song, the one that got her on Top of the Pops.

Half an hour passed in a flash, and her voice held up, no problem. It was only when the audience clapped and hollered her name again that she realised it was all over, for tonight at least. It had gone better than she could have hoped, and, more importantly, she’d enjoyed it. She took a bow and rushed into the arms of Giannis, waiting in the wings.

‘Mama, you were amazing. I had no idea you could sing like that.’

The admiration in his voice was the icing on the cake. She was doing this for herself, but it would do no harm for her son to see what she was capable of. She’d also instructed him to take some video to show Kostas waiting at home.