She saw a head of bright orange hair approaching. Her hiding place had been discovered.
‘Carol, come and join us. Get yourself a drink and something to eat.’
‘Thanks, Val, but I’m all right.’
‘Nonsense. Come on. I see your handsome son is escorting our wonderful Anna. That’s the older one, Justin, isn’t it? They look lovely together.’
‘Yes, they do,’ Carol whispered as she allowed herself to be led towards the food table. She was greeted by a chorus of women mentioning how handsome Justin looked and how nice it was to see Anna on what was obviously a date.
She was starting to wonder how soon she could politely excuse herself and leave when she noticed Anna coming her way. Alone.
‘Hi, Carol.’
‘Hello, Anna. You look very nice this evening.’
Anna twisted her body, causing her skirt to flare out around her knees. ‘It is nice not to be wearing overalls or jeans. And it’s also good to see you out and about too.’
They stood silently for a few seconds, very aware that this night was a step forward for both of them.
‘Did you see the warning about the fire up at Castle Rock?’ Anna said.
‘Yes, I did. There’s another wildlife carer up that way. But if the fire moves east, I’ll be standing by.’
‘Me too. I hope it doesn’t come to that. Not just for everyone’s sake, but it would be a shame to have to leave the dance.’
Carol wasn’t sure what to say, and before she could figure it out, Justin appeared, walking towards them, carrying two plastic glasses of beer. She fought down the urge to run. After that initial visit to her home, he hadn’t made any attempt to contact her. Nor had she tried to contact him, fearing rejection. Neither of them had much choice now.
‘Hello, Justin.’
‘Hello … Mum.’
Carol heard the hesitation, but there was no anger or antipathy in his voice. She would take that for now.
‘Here’s your beer, Anna.’ Justin handed it over.
‘Thanks.’
‘Mum, can I get you anything? A beer or—’
‘No, thanks, Justin. I’m fine.’
An uncomfortable silence settled, before a familiar face appeared beside them.
‘Rick,’ Anna said. ‘How is your father doing?’
‘Getting better by the day, but not quite up to dancing yet. He’s holding up the bar and telling tales of how brilliant you are.’
‘I was just doing what anyone would do.’ Anna brushed Rick’s praise aside, but Carol could see the pride his words gave her. ‘And how is Freddie?’
‘Just great, Anna. Thanks to you. And you too.’ Rick shook Justin’s hand. ‘Without the two of you, he would have died in that crash. Maybe Dad too.’
Justin only shook his head.
‘Anyway,’ Rick continued, ‘the band is about to start up. Anna, would you dance with me?’
Anna blinked in surprise.
‘I’d dance with you, too, Justin,’ Rick said with a grin. ‘But Anna is much prettier and probably a better dancer too.’
