I was a total mess of nervous energy. I wasn’t sleeping. I was barely eating. But it was strange. It was good. It wasn’t like when Max had disappeared and I was curled up inside myself, frightened about what could have happened. This was different. This time I was throwing my energy outwards.
‘Outwards?’ Tara said with a raised eyebrow. ‘That sounds like hippy-dippy bullshit to me.’
I punched her arm. ‘You’re meant to be supportive,’ I said. ‘Which shoes? These ones that make me feel like Kate Middleton, or the trainers?’
‘Trainers,’ Tara said without hesitation. ‘Can you even walk in the other ones?’
‘Not really.’
‘Trainers. What are you wearing?’
‘I thought that floaty dress and Max’s leather jacket if it’s chilly?’
‘Perfect.’
‘Not too scruffy? The mayor’s coming.’
‘The mayor of London?’ Tara looked impressed. ‘That’s so cool.’
‘No, not him. The local mayor.’
‘Oh.’ She shrugged. ‘Still good, though.’
‘Will you do my hair?’
‘If you like.’
‘And my makeup? I’m too nervous.’
‘Sure.’ She looked at me closely. ‘Have you heard from Finn?’
‘No.’ I buried my head in my wardrobe. ‘Now where did I put that dress?’
‘It’s hanging on the door,’ Tara said. She was sitting on my bed and now she lay back against the pillows and watched me.
‘Nothing at all?’ she said.
‘No, stop asking.’ I’d sent Finn an invitation to the unveiling of the mural. And I’d added a little note to the back of the card, saying: “Have BIG news about Elsie. Will tell you when I see you. Please come.”
But he’d not replied. Instead of fretting about it, I’d thrown myself into painting the mural – with a lot of help from the Tall Trees residents who’d picked up brushes and more than done their bit. Everyone had got involved: Joyce, Mr Yin, Kenny, Helen – even Blessing. Val had taken it upon herself to organise the catering for the event and was spending her time writing lists and haranguing Tara who was holding the after-party at The Vine for me. I’d thought Tara and Val would clash horribly but actually there was a mutual admiration there that warmed my heart.
‘And the Irish visitors have all arrived, have they?’
‘They have. Micah’s been showing them round, bless him. He’s going to fetch them from their hotel later and herd them all to Tall Trees.’
‘He’s a sweetheart.’
‘He is. He’s helped me so much.’
‘I think it goes both ways.’ Tara clapped her hands. ‘Right, go and get in the shower and then we’ll sort your hair and makeup.’
Obediently, I picked up a towel from the radiator and made for the door, then I paused.
‘Do you think he’ll come, Tara?’
She smiled at me. ‘Go on, or we won’t have time to do your hair.’
That was a no, then.
