‘Oh yes, it’s an annual tradition. If the weather is good, we’ll hold the event on the beach. If not, there’s a stage in the community centre.’
‘It sounds great, and as I said, I’ll be getting involved with the school contribution.’
‘Yes, of course, but it’s the play I’m hoping you’ll be able to help with.’
‘The play? Oh, I’m sorry, Margot, I don’t think I can help with that.’
‘Why’s that then? Alice told me you’re a dab hand at treading the boards.’
‘Not for many years,’ said Kitty. ‘And how did Alice know?’
‘You told Steve’s nephew Tom, who told Sam, who told Alice.’
Kitty bristled at the idea she’d been discussed behind her back. The phrasekeep your head downfilled her mind. She wasn’t doing a very good job of it, it seemed. She cupped the warm mug and pushed her worries from her mind.
‘I know nothing about the theatre,’ said Margot, ‘so you’re a step ahead of me. Jan, who usually takes charge of the play, is in hospital having a new hip, so I’ve been lumbered with the responsibility.’ She peered hopefully at Kitty over the rim of her mug.
Kitty leaned back in her seat, knowing she was beaten. ‘What kind of play are you intending to put on?’
‘A condensed version ofRomeo and Juliet. It will only be half an hour long at most, so when I say condensed, I mean it.’
‘Goodness, that’s quite the undertaking.’
‘Isn’t it just?’ Margot raised her eyebrows. ‘Unfortunately, it had all been decided when Jan went off for her hip replacement. At least she got around to writing the script before going under the knife.’
A memory of an audience on their feet, applause reverberating around a community hall, filled Kitty’s mind. She forced her attention back to Margot. ‘And what is it you’d like me to do exactly?’
‘Anything and everything. All I have is the script. No costumes, no actors, no staging or set, no clue.’ Margot laughed. ‘Wehaven’t even started casting, and the summer showcase is only two months away.’
‘OK.’ Kitty sipped her tea. ‘I’m happy to help where I can, but I’m going to be pretty tied up with the school production, so I’m not sure how much time I can give you.’
‘Anything would be better than what I currently have, which is me, myself and I.’ Margot set down her mug and glanced towards the door where a new customer had entered. ‘Could we arrange a time next week to meet up and form a council of war?’
‘Yes, no problem.’
‘Great,’ said Margot, standing and clapping her hands. ‘I’ll leave you to get on with your quiet reading.’
‘Thanks,’ said Kitty, pulling her book out of her bag.
Despite Margot’s physical absence, her words lingered, and Kitty found the page of her book blurred and swam before her eyes. Other than her job, she was meant to be keeping herself to herself. Kitty sighed. Getting involved in a Summer Extravaganza was absolutely the last thing she should be doing. She shook her head. Common sense said she should find a way to get out of the responsibility she’d just signed up for, and fast. Her heart told her she wouldn’t. Her love of the theatre had won out, and now she was committed. She could do it if she kept a low profile.
Chapter 26
In a previous life, Nick would still have been in bed. In a previous life, he wouldn’t be creaking like an old man after his first full week of work in years. In a previous life, he would definitely not be dragging his aching carcass out for a run to avoid spending time with the mother of his child, who hated his guts for reasons he didn’t understand and was currently a guest in his house.
Nick let out something like a growl as he inched his way down the staircase leading to the beach. His body screamed at him to rest. The trouble was, the only excuse he could think of to get out of the house was a run. The atmosphere since Carla had arrived the evening before was one of extremes. There had been tears and a lengthy embrace when Carla and Emily reunited, whereas for Nick, the most Carla had managed was a curt nod of the head. She’d barely spoken two words to him, whereas she and Emily hadn’t stopped for breath. He’d heard them chattering away long past Emily’s bedtime.
Nick had at least expected a hint of gratitude, both for the accommodation on offer, and for putting his whole life on hold to care for Carla’s daughter. His daughter. He groaned again.
His feet met sand, and Nick forced his body forward. The beach was quiet other than a few dog walkers. He waved to Sam, out for her usual walk with Milo the golden retriever, but didn’t stop to chat.
The longer he ran with music blasting in his ears, the more he warmed up, and by the time he reached the far side of the bay, his muscles were loose. Rather than turning around, Nick made his way to the coast path. The steep ascent burnt his lungs, for which he was rewarded with spectacular views.
A mile along the path, a stitch formed, and he was forced to stop and catch his breath. Another runner was making their way along the path, and Nick pressed himself into the hedgerow, ready to let them past. The figure drew closer, and with a start, Nick realised it was Kitty. She spotted him, and he saw the indecision in the way her gait faltered as she weighed up whether to stop and say hello. Nick removed his earbuds and waved a greeting, and Kitty slowed to a stop in front of him.
‘Are you alright?’ she asked, pointing to where his hand was massaging his stomach.
He wanted to ask ifshewas alright, as her face was so red she looked about to combust. Perhaps not, he decided. She might not take the joke as it was meant. ‘Yeah, just a stitch.’
