Taya grinned. “I’d be honoured.”
Eighteen
The dayof the reunion had snuck up on Bea. She wasn’t ready for it. It felt like a mad rush and last-minute scramble to get everything ready for the event. Charmaine had been a big help. She had the list of RSVPs and had put together name tags for everyone. Bea had overseen decorations, and Charmaine had devised the scavenger hunt clues. It’d been fun pulling it all together, but Bea wasn’t entirely convinced it would be a hit with the guests.
Plus, she was nervous about seeing people she hadn’t spoken a word to in thirty years. Would she recognise anyone?
They were holding the reunion at the Blue Shoal Inn, but the scavenger hunt would take people all over Blue Shoal. It was the best venue for the event, and besides, it was Taya’s establishment and so it held special meaning for the four friends. It was where they’d eaten their girls’ lunches for the past few years, not to mention where Taya had lived, worked, and raised her daughter. Penny and Bea’s weddings both included the inn, and Evie said she couldn’t think of a better location. So, it was settled.
The dining room and adjoining rose garden had been booked out for the evening, and they looked spectacular. There were twinkle lights everywhere. Bea had picked fresh greenery to decorate the tables, which were covered with white cloths. There were floral arrangements dotted throughout the venue, of course, thanks to Charmaine, and the delicious scents of roast beef, pork, and chicken wafted in the cool night air. A DJ was setting up in the corner and there were nineties movie posters hung on the walls.
“It looks fantastic,” Charmaine said as she stuck a pen behind one ear. “You did a great job with the décor, Bea.”
“Thank you. I’m happy with it. The guests will be here soon. Is everything ready to go?”
“All set,” Charmaine said. “I’ve got my phone on me if you need anything.”
“Are you sure the scavenger hunt isn’t too cringe? You’re young and hip. You can tell me, honestly.”
Charmaine laughed. “Young and hip? Really? No, the hunt isn’t cringe. It’s adorably kitsch.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“It’ll be fun. I never thought I’d have to say this to anyone other than myself, but you need to lighten up.” Charmaine arched an eyebrow.
Beatrice huffed. “I’m light.”
“Uh-huh. I’ve got to go check people in. You okay here?”
“I’m great.” Bea rubbed her hands together, then scanned the room for Aidan. She saw him over by the DJ.
“How does the music look?” she asked, coming up beside him.
“I’m helping pick out a playlist. I’ve requested all nineties songs, with a few from the eighties thrown in for good measure.”
“That’s perfect,” she said. “Thank you.”
“Are you feeling anxious?”
“A little. I’m not sure this was a good idea.”
He placed his arms around her and held her close. “It’s a great idea, and it looks wonderful. Everyone will have a good time, and we’ll remember it forever.”
“Thanks, honey.” He always knew what to say to talk her down from the ledge.
Taya walked into the room looking even more stunning than she usually did. She wore a short chocolate-coloured dress and a simple gold necklace. Her shoes were azure, with thin straps and very high heels. She sported a matching azure clip in her sleek bob. She craned her neck, then her gaze found Bea and her stern expression morphed into a smile. She hurried to Bea and embraced her.
“You look amazing,” Bea said. “Is this nineties? I don’t know how you do it.”
Taya glanced down at her dress as if surprised by it. “Do I? You look lovely too. I think this blue was popular then. Wasn’t it?”
“I think you’re right,” Bea replied.
Bea had been happy when she looked in the mirror. She wore a simple navy one-shouldered dress, with a chunky silver necklace and matching silver pumps. Hers weren’t high like Taya’s. She’d never mastered teetering along in those impossibly high heels the way Taya had.
“Do you think that’s Hairy Legs?” Taya asked, pointing across the room at a tall man with a shaved head wearing torn jeans and a plaid shirt.
Bea frowned. “Isn’t he the guy who tried to get you to run off with him during high school?”
