Page 20 of The Seaside Supper Club

‘Tell Grandma I’ll be over on Tuesday, after school,’ called out Lily.

‘Will do, love.’

‘Well, thank you so much for this,’ added Will warmly. ‘And pass on our best wishes.’

‘I will. And you’re all very welcome.’ Anna gave a cheerful smile. ‘I’ve seen how much your friendship has meant to Lily these past months. And everything you’ve done for the village, with doing up the hall and the wonderful Christmas event. Well, today’s a bit of a thank you from me, really.’

‘No need at all. But thanks, we appreciate it,’ said Cath. ‘And I have a feeling we’re going to have a deliciously sociable afternoon.’

After delivering a top-up of freshly made sandwiches and the feta pastries, Anna made her exit. ‘Enjoy, folks!’

‘I’m sure we will!’ Nikki raised her Prosecco glass. ‘Thank you.’

‘You’re a star, Mum. Thanks.’ Lily gave her mum a peck on the cheek.

Talking of Lily’s grandmother and the Christmas event reminded Cath of her visit to the home earlier in the week. ‘Oh, by the way, I went to see Reggie and the residents at the care home on Monday. Think I’d better warn you, they keep asking for another “do”. They loved that Christmas party so much.’

‘Ah, it was such a brilliant day, wasn’t it? The Big Christmas Bash,’ Nikki remembered fondly.

‘Crikey, I’m still reeling from it now.’ Andreas wiped his brow, dramatically. ‘I’ve never cooked so many roast potatoes in my life, and don’t even get me started on the oversized turkeys …’

‘Aw, but it was lovely, though. You and Cath did such a great job, heading up the kitchen,’ said Nikki. ‘Even my lads liked helping out.’

‘It was a great day, and everyone who went said how much they’d enjoyed it,’ added Will.

‘It was like feeding the five thousand,’ Andreas declared with a grin.

‘Well, if we do have a round two, perhaps we need to think of something a little lower key this time,’ added Dan sensibly. ‘We have a busy summer ahead as it is.’

There were nods of agreement from around the table. Lily had her exams, Nikki her cleaning company work and hectic family life, Will his shop … and now the beach hut to renovate. Should she really push forward with this? wondered Cath. But then she remembered all those eager wizened faces in the day room, filled with the hope of something sociable to look forward to …

‘Well, it would be lovely to use the village hall again,’ mooted Cath, feeling the weight and the joy of their expectation, as she passed the pot of jam around, ready to top those fluffy soft scones.

‘We’ve done all the hard work with the renovations, so we may as well get the use out of it,’ said Andreas.

‘I’ve heard it’s doing well now, the hall,’ explained Will. ‘We’ll need to book a slot in early, if we intend doing something. The Brownies are using it regularly, and I believe there’s pilates and carpet bowls.’

‘Not to mention the “Pop in and Play” session for the mums and toddlers,’ added Dan, who’d chatted with several of the young mums in the shop.

‘Ah, that’s so cool. To think what we’ve started,’ said Lily with a smile, her hand hovering over a feta pastry.

With top-ups of tea served by Cath, fizz flutes refilled by Nikki, plates piled high with sandwiches, and scones dolloped with thick fresh cream and gloriously glossy sweet jam, the gang sat back in their chairs in the balmy sunshine, contemplating the idea of a new community task.

‘Hmm, I am pretty busy over the summer months,’ confessed Nikki, with an edge of reserve. ‘Just taken on an extra job with a holiday cottage too.’

‘And I’ve got my exams for weeks to come. Just saying …’ Lily added.

‘The shop’s full-on with tourists and locals at this time of the year.’

And Cath’s own online maths tutoring was finally getting established and building nicely, which, though very positive, meant she had less free time, especially during the coming exam weeks. Her brow creased as she considered the matter. Everyone seemed to have something on. Did their group really have the time or inclination to take on another community task? She really didn’t want to let the old folk down by disappointing them. But without her trusty team …

‘Sorry, guys, let’s put it on hold as an idea. I realise it’s a lot to ask … especially so soon after the last big effort from you all.’ Cath felt that was sensible in the circumstances.

‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, what are we all fannying about for?’ exclaimed Andreas. ‘We’re busy, yes, but who the hell isn’t these days? Dear Mama loved coming out for a treat, and so did all the others from her home. The oldies need us.’ His beloved mother, Maria, who’d spent many happy years at the Kirkton Care Home had sadly passed away just last year.

‘The care home residents were so happy that day at the Christmas party,’ added Lily.

‘And it brought everyone together, young and old,’ commented Will. ‘I’d be up to help,’ he offered, taking the lead.