Was this dangerous water she was treading? He was still a father, and a good one, and his kids were quite rightly his priority. She didn’t want to interfere with that.
She talked with some of the town’s locals who’d made the trip out here this evening. Originally, the fundraising committee had thought about having a marquee at the airbase, but they’d decided it wouldn’t have the glamorous side to it that might attract a lot of supporters. Yes, it was easier to get to, but people wanted to be wowed by the whole night. And this country house with views of the Jurassic Coast certainly did that.
‘The venue is just gorgeous,’ one of their supporters gushed. ‘And it was only an hour by minibus.’ That was another thing the fundraising committee had organised – transport to and from the event because they knew that would lure even more people.
Nadia circulated, although all she wanted to do was have a heart-to-heart with Hudson because now she knew that he and Lucinda weren’t together, she realised she probably hadn’t been imagining it – that there might be something more than friendship between them. It wasn’t just one-sided.
The announcement was made for guests to make their way into the marquee. Nadia checked the seating plan and weaved through the tables towards the centre where she found her place card. She scooped her dress beneath her and sat down. A balloon and streamer centrepiece with their table number stood tall and proud, the silver cutlery gleamed, the murmur of voices told her how much everyone was enjoying this.
‘Where’s the wonderful Bess this evening?’ one of their oldest supporters, ninety-three-year-old Maud, asked. She seemed delighted to find she was sitting next to Nadia.
‘You know The Skylarks – we can’t stop what we do for a party.’
‘A very good party.’ Maud picked up a glass filled with a clear drink, a mint leaf and plenty of ice cubes.
‘It is, but the red team drew the short straw this year and are the ones to stay behind. Bess will get to come along next time.’
Bess, still suffering from morning sickness at any time of the day, had claimed that it worked out better this way – she wouldn’t have to make excuses for being tired or not wanting any alcohol. Next year, she intended to fully make up for it, she said.
Nadia had never had much sickness with either of her pregnancies. Maybe she hadn’t got far enough along. She’d been tired with both though, before nature decided it wasn’t her time and put an end to her dreams before she could feel any of the other changes in her body. She never got to experience a growing bump, the flutters and kicks of a tiny human, the nesting before the baby came, the labour and the utter joy of holding her child in her arms.
She bit back her sadness and smiled at a waiter who appeared and set down the glass of water she’d requested.
Maud lifted her glass of fizz towards Nadia’s glass of water at her table setting. ‘To the red team. May they fly safely tonight.’ And when Nadia lifted hers to meet the vessel, Maud said, ‘You need something better than water, dear.’
‘All in good time. I need to be on my best behaviour for a while.’
Maud, full of mischief, leaned in and said, ‘Then promise me you’ll drink up and let loose.’
Hearing a ninety-three-year-old tell her tolet loosemade her smile as the other guests on their circular table took their seats.
The meal was delightful – fresh fish and vegetables as the main, a wonderful chocolate souffle for dessert and a cheese selection that almost rendered it impossible to move by the time they’d finished.
The silent auction followed the meal – good job as it gave them all a chance to remain in their seats and recover from the over-indulgence. Maud won the flight in Hilda and she was beside herself, so much so that Nadia was on standby to dealwith an elderly person collapsing on her watch. But it seemed Maud was made of sterner stuff than that. And she wasted no time going to talk to Vik to see whether it would be him or Maya taking her up in the air.
Staff raced in to sort the tables in the marquee and shunt a few of them over to the edges to make a decent-sized dance floor. Nadia disappeared to the bathroom to freshen up before the whole team would be huddled together for a group photograph, and bumped into Kate, who was coming out the other way.
‘Did that guy find you?’ Kate asked.
‘Guy? What guy?’
‘There was someone looking for you… He didn’t look like he was here for the actual event; he was wearing jeans.’
‘Was it one of the minibus drivers?’
Kate’s lips twisted. ‘Hmm… don’t think so. Very good looking, though. If he’s one of the drivers then it’s a shame I’m staying over.’
Nadia just laughed. ‘Well, if I find him, do you want me to send him up to your room?’
‘Don’t tempt me. See you for the photo shoot,’ she called over her shoulder as she headed back to the party.
Nadia freshened up, pressing a bit more face powder onto her cheeks, putting on more of her red lipstick. Her hair was behaving for once and she ran her fingers through the sides to separate the strands a bit.
She looked at herself in the mirror, her mind on Hudson once again. He’d told her about the divorce and as far as she knew, he hadn’t told anyone else. The thought had her hopeful that his feelings were growing for her as much as hers were for him. But would it be too messy and complicated to start something? Those kids would and should always come first. He had history, baggage, but then again, she certainly came with her fair share.
She returned to the marquee and joined the others for the photograph they’d frame and put up at the airbase. And when they were given their freedom again, she immediately found herself swept away in Frank’s arms when he requested a dance.
‘Were you ever going to take no for an answer?’ Nadia laughed.
