Page 78 of The Seaside Supper Club

‘Ah, I won one on the tombola,’ said Lily.

‘And the other was a gift from your neighbours, Mary and John, as a thank you for all our hard work,’ explained Dan.

‘Aw, how sweet. Well, don’t forget to take them home,’ said Cath.

‘You keep it, Cath.’ Lily offered hers kindly.

‘Yeah, and hold on to this one, too,’ said Dan.

‘But that one was to share,’ she countered.

‘Hmm, then perhaps we can use them when we next get together?’ suggested Andreas. ‘Maybe another trip to the beach hut? I’d love to go back there, while we’ve still got some summer.’

‘Yeah, it’s such a cool place,’ added Lily.

‘And, fingers crossed for that clear result for Will. Hopefully we’ll be celebrating some good news by then,’ said Nikki.

‘Yes, absolutely.’ Cath knew that the test was due in a couple of weeks, another hurdle. Not wanting to dwell on that, she moved the conversation on. ‘And hey, have you lot just invited yourselves over?’ Cath smiled, but felt mighty awkward. It would be down to Will, if he wanted the group to visit the bungalow again. But oh my, how would things be for the two of them? ‘Ahm well, yes, that sounds a lovely idea,’ she added feeling flustered, and hoping it didn’t show.

Why did everything have to be so damn complicated? If this was it … and Will had made his mind up, that they were no longer to be a couple, it didn’t bear thinking about. Dancing with him, being back in his arms, had made her miss him even more. And if it was a bit of a mess between the two of them, how the hell did that leave them all as the supper club? Cath felt a wave of nausea.

The friends collected their bags, and any cooking utensils, food storage boxes and spare ingredients they’d brought with them. The last of the takeaway cartons were gathered up, too. It was time to head home.

‘Well done, team supper club. Thank you so much!’ Cath said, putting her personal worries aside for a moment.

‘We did it!’ said Nikki.

‘We did indeed. Tilldale à la Ritz.’ Andreas beamed.

‘Your school band were brilliant,’ added Dan.

‘And the Brownies, they were so cute,’ said Lily.

‘Oh, and Reggie and Co. dancing the jive.’ Cath grinned, remembering the moment fondly. ‘I thought his hips might go at one point.’

Five minutes later, as Cath stood on the hall’s steps, about to place the big old key into the lock of the oak door, she gave a sigh. It had been a wonderful, if tiring – and for her and Will, an emotionally confusing – day.

The rest of the gang were gathered outside, ready to drift off up the street on their respective walks home.

‘Well done, guys, great job. See you, Cath,’ called out Lily.

‘Thanks again for all your help, everyone. You’ve been brilliant as always,’ she responded warmly.

‘Thanks, chief. See you soon.’ Dan gave a mock salute.

‘Bye, my loves. Been a pleasure,’ added Andreas.

‘Awesome cake.’ Nikki’s Scott, who’d been waiting outside on the wall with his brothers, sponge crumbs tellingly smeared across his lips, grinned.

‘Don’t talk with your mouth full,’ Nikki scolded, shaking her head.

The young lad merely raised his eyebrows, while his brothers sniggered.

Kev reappeared then, adding, ‘Cake? What cake? Where’s mine?’

‘All gone, Dad.’ Hamish grinned, exaggeratedly licking his lips.

‘You didn’t save me any. Darn it!’