Page 81 of Second Chances at the Board Game Café

‘Are you sure you want to be a model? Some of your new classmates will be there this evening,’ she said. ‘I don’t want you getting teased on your first day.’

He shrugged. ‘Mum, if it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen. I’m doing this with Harry.’

Jo and Kate were standing in one of the classrooms sorting out the clothes rails. Max made a beeline for the book corner, as the three women began to look at the garments.

‘So many,’ said Jo. ‘You’ve only booked the hall for an hour.’

‘What?’ said Taylor. She looked at Kate in a panic. ‘An hour?’

Kate slapped Jo playfully. ‘Behave.’ Then she put an arm round Taylor and said, ‘She’s kidding. We have to be out by eleven so we don’t disturb the neighbours, but we’re starting at seven so there’ll be loads of time. It’s going to be great. Don’t worry. It’s your big moment and it’s going to be perfect. Is your Etsy shop up and running?’

Taylor nodded. It had been a struggle, but she’d photographed all the garments she’d made, every intricate detail, and uploaded them to the site. ‘It is. I’m not sure any customers have found it yet.’

‘They will. I’ve printed flyers for you and we’ll put them on every chair tonight. And we’re going to get loads of photos that you can use on social media.’

‘Flyers?’

‘Yep.’ Kate rummaged in her handbag and pulled out a slightly crumpled piece of paper. ‘Sorry, this one’s a bit bent, but the rest are in a box in Jo’s office, and they’re one hundred per cent perfect.’

Taylor took the flyer.

Taylor-made Designs, it read. Unique, handmade and sustainable clothes for every occasion.

The website address of Taylor’s Etsy shop was there at the bottom along with her social media handles, and there were three photos of garments Taylor had made. The cashmere cardigan with the giant flowers, the flowerpot dungarees and Harry’s jeans.

‘The jeans?’ Taylor said. ‘How did you get a photo of those? I haven’t a clue who bought them.’

Kate tapped her nose. ‘I have my ways.’

Taylor looked at the flyer again. Apart from the creases, it was perfect, printed on really good quality paper too. ‘What do I owe you for these, Kate?’

Kate shrugged. ‘Nothing. The printer owed me a favour.’

Jo laughed. ‘She had her way with him too.’

‘Jo.’ Taylor frowned, glancing at Max, but he hadn’t heard. He was sitting in the book corner on a huge pile of cushions, engrossed in a book.

‘We need to get the clothes in the correct order, and into the male and female changing rooms,’ said Kate.

‘Changing rooms?’ said Taylor.

‘Otherwise known as the Year 3 and the Year 4 classrooms,’ said Jo, ‘but maybe Taylor would like to check out the hall first.’

Taylor followed Jo down the corridor, Max trailing a little way behind as he studied the display boards on the walls.

A tall man met them beside the reception desk.

‘Hi, Max. Hi, Ms Sweet,’ he said. ‘I’m Mr Morgan, the head. We’re very excited about the show tonight and we’re even more excited to welcome you to Year 4 on Monday morning, Max.’

He held out his hand, shaking Max’s hand first, Taylor noticed, before her own.

‘I’m one of the models in the show,’ Max said.

‘Are you? I’m sure you’ll be great,’ Mr Morgan said.

‘Now, are you ready, Taylor?’ Jo’s eyes were twinkling. ‘Drumroll please, Mr Morgan.’

Mr Morgan obliged with a drumroll on the reception desk, as Jo opened the double doors that led into the hall. Taylor peered in. As Jo had promised, a catwalk had been created down the middle of the hall. Three people were arranging chairs on either side.