She smiled. ‘OK. Sure, that’ll be lovely.’
‘I could pick you up at seven thirty? Text me your address. Do you like Thai food?’
‘Love it.’ Gracie smiled broadly. ‘Thank you.’
‘Great, I’ll book a table.’
Gracie and Maya headed to the common café, where Keen Kate was sitting outside sipping on a skinny latte. Gracie noticed her beautifully manicured nails and expensive running gear. Maya headed inside to get their drinks.
‘Too fast for you, were we?’ Kate smiled, but Gracie thought there was a sadness behind her eyes.
‘Something like that.’ Gracie sniggered. ‘You OK today? Are you on your own?’
‘Yes, I’m OK. A bit tired, that’s all. Just fancied getting out the house, having a coffee, you know.’
Maybe she was human after all, Gracie thought.
‘Your name’s Gracie, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘Margot mentioned that you arrange events?’
Gracie screwed her face up. ‘Margot… remind me.’
‘Long red hair, she was near the back when you did run with us.’
‘That’s right and yes, events is what I do for a living.’
‘I was wondering – well, hoping really – that you might be able to help me with something.’
‘Go on.’ Gracie was intrigued.
‘I’ve just taken over part-ownership of this place. We’ve got a function room behind the café and I think it would be ideal for parties, christenings and things like that. It’s not my forte but I would love to get an events business off the ground. I’m spreading the word to see if anyone wants to partner up.’
Gracie felt a little thrill of excitement go through her. ‘Wow. That’s a surprise… and I am working at the moment, but do you know what? A new challenge is maybe just what I need.’
‘I mean, it can be on a part-time basis if that’s better for you? I was thinking of some kind of arrangement where the other person takes a fifty per cent profit cut from anything they arrange personally. What do you think?’
‘Loving the sound of it.’ Gracie felt her mind already whirring with possibilities. ‘Can I take a look at the room?’
‘Of course. I’ve got an appointment shortly, but I could meet you here in the morning, at say eleven to show you and discuss everything further?’
Gracie checked her work diary quickly. ‘That would be great. It will give me a chance to think things through, too. Thanks so much, Kate. I’ll see you in the morning.’
Just then, Maya reappeared with two Diet Cokes.
‘What was that all about?’
‘A new work proposition, using the function room behind here for events.’
‘That sounds right up your street. If there are toilets, goodness knows what you and young Edward could get up to in there, as well.’
Gracie laughed and shook her head. ‘You’re insatiable, girl. Right, let’s get these down us, I’ve got therapy later, then might whizz out and get a new dress for my night with Mr Duke.’
‘Therapy?’
‘Yes, I used to see a guy at the university. He saw private therapy clients as well as teaching. I thought I’d see him again – it might release a few more demons.’
