Page 33 of My Summer of Magic Moments

‘Yes, Bella’s Babes it is!’

They chinked their glasses together. So, it was a night of cocktails, champagne, dancing on the tables and the newly founded Bella’s Babes were all systems go for their first charity run.

14

‘Don’t miss a single sparkly moment.’

Anonymous

‘Oh my God, I’m going to die,’ Andrea gasped.

They had reached half a mile on their first jog and Andrea was clinging onto a brick wall beside the pavement for a breather. Just a breath, in fact, would be good. Claire’s chest was feeling tight and she’d been glad of a reason to stop, and although Lou hadn’t complained, she was standing there looking a bit pale too. This was harder than any of them had bargained for.

‘How come I can walk for miles, but when I run it’s like my lungs are being compressed and my leg muscles turn to lead?’ Claire questioned.

‘No idea.’ Andrea pulled a face.

‘Shall we walk a bit, at least keep moving?’ said Lou, ever sensible.

‘That’s probably a good idea,’ Claire agreed.

Andrea looked as though she wanted to slide down onto the pavement whether or not it had dog wee or spat-out chewing gum on it. ‘Okay,’ she managed bravely, peeling her fingers away from her support.

They walked on, heading for the open common land where the cattle grazed, believe it or not, right in the middle of the city.

‘Watch out for the cows,’ Andrea commented, ‘or we might have to run again, and I honestly don’t think I could do it. I’d just be trampled over by hooves and have to surrender. That wouldn’t do the charity cause any good at all, would it?’

‘Don’t worry,’ Lou grinned. ‘They see joggers and walkers all the time round here. I don’t think they’re that bothered to be honest.’

‘Weird why they’re here, isn’t it?’ Andrea remarked.

‘Must be some kind of ancient right over the land. The right to graze cattle in the middle of Newcastle City,’ Lou mused.

‘Right, come on then, girls.’ Claire tried to rally Bella’s Babes. ‘It’s just half a mile back. We’ll walk fast, then try a little jog at the end.’

‘Aaagh, I knew you’d be a slave driver, Claire Maxwell.’

‘No pain, no gain! Just imagine all the extra stamina you’ll have for your sexual athletics with Danny once you’re fit!’

‘Hah, and in the meanwhile I’ll not be able to walk let alone get into the missionary position.’

They laughed a little and then managed to put on a pacy walk to the end of the Town Moor. They agreed to jog again once they got back to the pavements of Gosforth. It would help their street cred if they looked like they were running at that point, or so they hoped. Though Claire’s and Andrea’s bedraggled appearance and wobbly legs – Lou still looked fresh, believe it or not – as they got back to Claire’s street probably gave the game away!

15

A kitten to curl up with

Buzzzz. She was knuckle-deep in dough again, having decided to have another dabble at bread baking. She was making a couple of ciabatta loaves, one of which she was going to give to Sal as a thank-you for having her over so much recently. Damn the doorbell.

Claire hastily rinsed her hands and headed down the hall to open the door. It was Paul. It seemed a bit odd seeing him standing there on the doorstep. It was still half his house, after all, but she had to admit it was more polite than just barging in. That would have definitely annoyed her.

‘Hi.’ He seemed slightly awkward.

‘Hi. Come on in … You okay?’

‘Yep, fine. And how are you keeping?’

‘Good, thanks.’