Tomas has hired some staff for the evening, and one of the waiters brings over a glass of prosecco. I swore I wouldn’t drink too much as I want to remember everything that Zuzana says about Aunt Grace when I speak to her. I have scanned the room but there is no sign of her so far. I have to find out when she will be here.
‘Is Zuzana here? And Albert?’ I ask.
‘They’re coming together. In fact, they should be here by now. They can’t be too far away.’
We both look towards the door as it opens with more guests, but it is another couple who walk in and then wave to Tomas.
‘I wish Zuzana and I could understand each other better. I’m sure she has stories about Marek and Grace. It would be so good to talk to her if only we could chat properly instead of just smiling, but I know you’re a bit busy to help with translating everything this evening.’
‘I’m never too busy for you.’ Tomas repeats his habit of putting his arm around my shoulders, and I feel joy in being so close to him again.
‘Gosh, I forgot to thank you for this incredible jacket,’ I say, as Tomas almost gets tangled on a sequin. ‘What a wonderful surprise! It really is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe you bought it for me.’
‘Only the best for you. It’s to thank you for coming into our lives. We’ve loved having you. You also worked your magic helping me here.’ Tomas strokes the top of my shoulder, and I feel like grabbing hold of him but refrain from doing so. He needs more time to sort his life out.
The bar is almost full to capacity when I see Albert walk in with Zuzana. As soon as I finish the smoked salmon canapé I am nibbling, I plan on saying hello. However, for the next ten minutes, Vlad and Eric chat away telling me stories about the history of Prague and asking what I think of the city they are so proud of. They recount funny stories about their school days and include me in their conversations as though I know the people they talk of. Vlad and Eric are so warm and make sure to look at me as they chat away. Despite not knowing them, they make me feel as though I am one of the gang.
I laugh along with their jokes and tell them how fantastic I think Prague is and how it compares to Wales. They are so entertaining that I could spend the whole evening with them.
However, Vlad spots someone he knows, and so he and Eric both leave us alone for a moment. I’m about to tell Tomas what lovely friends he has when he spots one of his suppliers who has been invited. I decide that it is probably the time to excuse myself and head over to Albert and Zuzana.
They seem pleased to see me and hug me, just as they did at the restaurant.
Albert and I chat as Zuzana smiles. I wonder how I can find out what she felt Aunt Grace and Marek should do together. I think how Aunt Grace obviously respected her.
‘Zuzana’s so lovely, Albert. I can see why you’re such good companions.’
I consider Tomas’ friends too.
‘Your family have so many lovely friends. You’re all so close.’
I am embarrassed when I consider the friends that I have neglected. I feel nothing but shame and regret. They were there for me and offered me a hand when I was at my lowest, but I shunned them all.
Zuzana smiles at me. She is so glamorous, and just like Aunt Grace, her make-up is impeccable. Had they ever met, I know they would have been best friends if they could converse.
Albert speaks in Czech, and then Zuzana replies and nods her head at me.
Albert and Zuzana talk, and Albert translates for her.
‘Zuzana is saying she wishes she’d met your aunt if she is as nice as you are.’
‘Thank you. That’s so sweet. I know, it’s such a shame my aunt never came here. She’d have loved it.’
‘I hope so,’ says Albert.
‘You know, I was thinking I want to do something to bring my aunt and Marek together so that their love can last forever.’
‘Marek would have liked that,’ says Albert.
‘Right, well, I’m definitely going to try to think of something.’
Tomas comes over and joins us and tells me that it is time for me to make a wish for the new year.
‘It’s a tradition in our family,’ he explains.
He leads me to a bronze bell in the corner of the bar. I thought it was a bell for telling the punters that it is time to go home when I first saw it, but Tomas assures me that it is a very important piece of equipment that can make dreams and wishes come true for the year ahead. Can a bell in the corner of a bar cause magic to happen? Probably not, but I am willing to join in on the tradition for a bit of fun.
I ring the bell and the crowd cheers.
