‘Wow, you don’t look like anyone’s mother-in-law tonight!’ Chloe sidled up to her with a laugh. Her son’s striking blondepartnerwasTaylor Swift in a gold tasselled minidress and thigh-high sequined boots that sparkled under the lights. ‘It’s just as well Toby’s working — he’d be fretting about us both. He’s such an old woman sometimes.’ She said it lovingly, but turned pink when Tamara didn’t answer. ‘Has he been in touch? I’ve done my best to—’
‘I’ve tried to contact him, but haven’t had any luck so far.’ She told herself that he’d come around when he was ready.
‘I’m sorry. I’ve told him he’s being an arse, but he refuses to talk about it.’
‘It was a shock. I get that. I should’ve handled it better.’ She tried to smile. ‘Or not snogged Gage like a randy teenager in full view of half the village.’
Chloe spluttered. ‘Looking at it that way, I suppose his point of view has some validity.’
‘Yeah. He’s used to me being Mum and not much else all these years.’ Her cheeks burned. ‘But it was one kiss. That’s all. Yeah, Gage is staying with me, but there’s nothing going on.’ It was starting to sound like an empty declaration, although it was basically true.
‘I’ll have another go at Toby. Promise.’ Chloe grasped her arm. ‘Anyway, let’s forget him for now and enjoy ourselves.’ She checked Tamara out again. ‘Gage is pretty gorgeous, though, and I predict he’ll drop to the ground when he sees you — like Danny Zuko falling at Sandy’s feet, absolutely slayed.’
‘I hope not. He’ll do his knee in again.’
‘You didn’t argue with the gorgeous part.’
Tamara’s blush deepened. ‘I’ve got work to do, then it’s time to join the girls and get my brain in gear. You should rope some of your friends in and form a team.’
‘We’re all too scattered around, plus I’m not quite ready to concede this isn’t a very middle-aged hobby — not yet. See ya.’ Chloe breezed off.
For a second Tamara wished she was as carefree and sure of herself, then kicked herself for forgetting the girl’s traumatic experience last year when she’d been stabbed during a robbery that had gone wrong. No one’s life was perfect.
‘There you go. That’s the last for now.’ She plonked a tray of dirty glasses on the bar and wiped a sheen of sweat from her face.
‘Wine?’ Pixie asked.
‘No, thanks. I’m boiled alive. A pint of soda and lime, loaded with ice, please.’
‘Coming up.’
Tamara pressed the drink to her forehead and closed her eyes in relief.
‘Wow!’ Pixie whistled under her breath. ‘Now that’s what I call a costume.’
‘What...’ The glass almost slipped from her hand when she followed her friend’s gaze to see Gage had walked in. A quick look around told Tamara she wasn’t the only woman with her tongue hanging out. The fact he was still on crutches didn’t detract from the way the white three-piece suit hugged his fit body, and he’d unbuttoned the black shirt enough to show a tease of dark hair. His slicked-back hairdo wasn’t quite up to John Travolta’s, his hair being far too short, but it did the job.
‘He’s working that for all it’s worth.’ Pixie giggled.
Tamara heard the song ‘You’re the One That I Want’ reverberating through her head. ‘I’m going to join the girls.’
The Back of Beyond Brains’ standard spot was near the fireplace, which meant walking right past Proper Choughed. Tamara’s doubts resurfaced.
‘Go for it.’
Tossing her head gently in case the long curly wig fell off, she grabbed her drink and set off. Sandy didn’twalkin this outfit — shestrutted.
* * *
Gage hadn’t missed the surprised looks floating around, but focused on joining his team. Half an hour ago, he’d still been in his jeans and a thick jumper, but some reckless urge had made him change. It might’ve been the gleam in Tamara’s eyes when she’d handed over the outfit she had fetched from the flat for him. Why he’d even kept it was a mystery.
‘Hello, mate. I’m Paul. Becky’s hubby. Sit yourself down. We got your first pint in.’ Paul stood to shake his hand, using the other to hold on to a green feathered cap. ‘Supposed to be bleddy Robin Hood. Becky fancied herself as Maid Marion. I told her I drew the line at wearing tights though.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘That’s some get-up you’re in. Anything to do with our friendly barmaid?’
‘Maybe. Long story.’ He dropped into the chair they’d saved for him.
‘Nathan got screwed over worse than us.’
‘I’m afraid Melissa’s obsessed by theBridgertonbooks and is mad about the show too, so she’s got a thing about men in Regency dress. Enough said?’ Nathan tugged at the high white pleated cravat forcing him to hold his head unnaturally high.
