Amidst the heat, noise and sweat-scented air of the dance floor, Sarah lifted her arms in the air, moving to the music, filled with freedom and happiness the likes of which she’d never experienced before.
Chapter 27
Sarah’sfoottappedagainstthe platform, her legs jiggling as she perched on the edge of the bench, checking the train times.
‘Relax,’ said Felix.
‘I just feel such a fraud. It’s kind of you guys to invite me to the awards ceremony, but they nominated you before I even started at the café.’
‘Yes,’ said Hattie, ‘but we’re a team, and you’re an important part of it.’
‘Enjoy it,’ said Millie. ‘A free dinner, free hotel room, what’s not to love?’
‘I wish you’d let me contribute something. You’ve been saving those tips for two years. It doesn’t feel right I should take such a large share.’
‘I’m happy to come for the jolly and I haven’t worked at the café for years. If it makes you feel better, you’re much less of a scrounger than me.’ Millie grinned at Sarah.
‘I’m more worried about Fran,’ said Hattie. ‘Where is she? The train leaves in five minutes.’
‘Have you tried calling her?’ asked Felix.
‘Only a hundred times. It keeps going to voice mail.’ Hattie pulled her phone from her pocket. ‘Shit. No.’
‘What is it, hun?’ asked Millie, draping an arm over Hattie’s shoulder.
‘A message from Fran. She says she’s ill and won’t make it.’
‘No, but tonight’s all about her!’
‘I know. Have you noticed she’s been cagey ever since we started talking about making a night of it? Like she doesn’t want to be away from home that long? Or someone else doesn’t want her to be…’ Hattie frowned.
‘It’s only twenty-four hours,’ said Felix. ‘Besides, it’s not like Fran to lie. She must be really ill.’
‘Hmm,’ said Hattie, an inscrutable look on her face. ‘Oh well, we’ll do our best to represent her. Come on, here’s our train.’
They climbed aboard and settled themselves around a table. Millie grinned as she pulled a bottle of Bucks fizz and four paper cups from her bag.
‘It’s only ten in the morning,’ said Hattie, frowning at her partner.
‘I know, but this is a celebration. Even if you don’t win, just being nominated forBest Cake in the Southwestis an honour. Here’s to Fran,’ she said, filling the cups.
‘To Fran,’ they chorused.
Excitement warmed Sarah as much as the booze as the train sped its way towards Exeter. Sarah couldn’t remember ever going on a group shopping trip, never mind to an awards ceremony. She’d been warned not to expect much from the budget hotel, but Sarah didn’t care where they slept. It still surprised her they had invited her at all.
Sarah pulled out her phone and texted Fran.I hope you’re OK. It won’t be the same without you. xxx.
Moments later, a reply came.I’ll live. Have fun xxx.
An hour later, the train pulled into the station and Felix took charge of all the overnight bags. ‘I still think it’s sexist that you won’t let me come shopping with you,’ he said.
‘You’d only be bored,’ said Millie. ‘We’ll meet you back at the hotel in a couple of hours.’
Before Felix could protest further, both Millie and Hattie linked arms with Sarah and near enough dragged her out of the station. After complaining she had nothing smart to wear, Millie and Hattie had insisted on arriving early in order to fit in a spot of shopping. Sarah couldn’t remember the last time she’d bought new clothes.
‘What if I can’t find anything I like?’ she asked, as they headed to the main shopping area.
‘Then you’ll have to wear that,’ said Hattie, looking down at Sarah’s jeans, T-shirt and trainers.
