Jim lifted his chin, relief shining in his eyes. ‘It is?’
She let out a slow breath. ‘I had the choice to stay there for good. Or to remain here.’
‘And you chose life in Longmill?’
She swallowed, then nodded.
Jim’s chest rose and fell. ‘That’s good,’ he said quietly. Before either of them could speak again, a teacher appeared in the aisle, tapping Greta on the shoulder. ‘Do you have a moment, Mrs Perks? Lottie needs you.’
Greta stood and squeezed past Jim, following the teacher across the hall and into an empty classroom. Lottie stood by the window, her gaze far away.
When she turned to face her mum, her cheeks were pale. Greta swept straight over to her. ‘Are you okay, sweetheart?’ The teacher pointed a finger toward the corridor, indicating she’d give them some time together. She tactfully slipped away.
Lottie blew into her cheeks, then released her breath with a huff. ‘I can’t do this,’ she said, her voice shaky. ‘All those people will be watching me. What if I mess up?’
Greta offered her a reassuring smile. ‘Oh, sweetheart. Please don’t worry. People always remember how you make them feel. More so than any mistakes.’
‘I’m not like you. You never get nervous.’
Greta squeezed her arm. ‘Oh, I definitely do. I may have looked calm when you saw me at Brewtique, but inside, I felt ready to fall apart.’
Lottie looked unconvinced, picking at the edge of her sleeve. ‘Really?’
‘Yes. Really. And on the set of the Maple Gold ads, too.’
Lottie worked her lips for a second. ‘I just don’t want to let you or Dad down.’
Greta bent to meet her eyes. ‘You could never do that. You’re already more than I ever hoped for.’ A quick flash of pink-plaid-wearing Lottie flashed in her head, but the image was fainter, greyer. Like a photo faded in the sun. ‘We both love you, exactly as you are.’
Without warning, Lottie threw an arm around Greta’s waist in a quick, awkward hug, drawing away just as fast.
Greta’s chest warmed. ‘What are you performing, anyway? Can you finally let me in on the secret?’
Lottie nodded. ‘Me and Jayden have been teaching Benji to do a few tricks in the park. He loves it.’
‘Jayden or the dog?’
Lottie smiled. ‘Both.’
‘No offence, but I’m sure all eyes will be on Benji, especially after a rendition of “Jingle Bells” on the recorder. I’ve read the programme.’
Greta could see Lottie still wasn’t completely comfortable, so she sat on a table and patted the space next to her. ‘Remember the breathing exercises we used to do on the Maple Gold set? Breathe in, hold for three, then breathe out. Shall we try it together now?’
Lottie nodded and sat beside her.
They both pressed their hands to their chests and counted under their breath, the quiet moment together feeling more precious and personal than any they’d shared in Mapleville.
The teacher popped her head back around the door. ‘Ready in ten?’ she asked.
‘Yes. Okay,’ Lottie replied reluctantly, nodding as if to convince herself. ‘I’ve got this.’
‘Yes, you have,’ Greta said. ‘And if all else fails, pretend you’re facing a row of potatoes.’
Lottie let out a small laugh. ‘That sounds like something Nora would say.’
Greta rolled her eyes. ‘Tell me about it.’ She stood up and turned to leave the room, then paused. ‘Oh, I almost forgot. I brought you this.’ Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her mum’s silver bracelet. ‘It looks as good as new.’
‘Grandma’s bracelet. You got it fixed?’ Lottie’s eyes widened. ‘Can I wear it now? It might bring me luck. I’ll tuck it up my sleeve so Benji doesn’t catch it, and I won’t mess with the clasp this time.’ Her words fell out in an excited jumble.
