Bridie recalled what Andy had said a moment earlier when he had popped in to say hello before heading off with Kate, Layla and George for a day out together in Southwold. They weren’t going for an expensive meal, like they once had, or even a cup of coffee – Andy had made a packed lunch and drinks in flasks. Bridie had never seen them happier.
Andy was also fetching Kate’s bag – she was leaving the flat and moving back home. He said to Bridie, ‘After all these years, I’ve got my wife back – the old Kate who was fun and laughed a lot, and made jokes, and was just a joy to be around. The job she used to do just sucked the life and joy out of her. No amount of money is worth that. I just wished we’d sat down and talked about changing our lives years ago.’
On her way out, Kate had hugged Bridie close, whispering in her ear, ‘You are the best little sister, you know that – right? I just wish it hadn’t taken me all these years to realise that.’
Bridie wiped tears from her eyes, so sad to see her go. The week had flown by since Kate had decided to stay with her in Cobblers Yard the previous Saturday, and Bridie had quickly grown accustomed to her sister being there, chatting, laughing, and watching silly, girly movies together in the evening. Kate had admitted she’d felt like she was on a hiatus from the adult world, like she was a carefree teenager again, albeit having much more fun because she had her sister to share it with.
‘At least this isn’t goodbye, and I get to see you next door every day,’ said Bridie, smiling at the thought.
‘For the moment,’ Kate said.
‘Oh,’ Bridie looked at her in surprise. ‘I assumed that you were intending to stay working for Hannah in her wedding business.’
‘No, I meant whenyoumove on.’
Bridie wondered how Kate had found out about the possibility she might return to the London stage, if she managed to impress an agent when she starred in a production in her own theatre. But opening night was a long way off yet.
Kate clocked Bridie’s bemused expression. ‘When you get the theatre up and running.’
Bridie sighed, realising what she meant. ‘I’m not sure if I will make a living out of the theatre.’
‘Wouldn’t it be exciting if you did? Imagine your very own theatre, where you can stage the plays you want and even star in them if you still want to. And nobody could tell you that you’ll never work in this town again.’
Bridie smiled. She knew what Kate was referring to – what her mean ex had said to her the last time they’d spoken.
‘If nothing else,’ said Kate, ‘You can show him, can’t you?’
Bridie grinned. ‘Oh, yes.’ She hoped so. ‘And surprise Dad too.’
‘I still wish I could come with you today.’
‘I know. But there will be other times.’
‘Good, because I’m not the only one in Cobblers Yard keen to return to the theatre.’
‘I know.’
‘What does Jack want to meet with you for today, anyway?’
Kate was aware that Bridie had been keeping an eye on the works that had started during the week.
Bridie looked at her phone. ‘I’m not sure.’ When she had texted back and asked what the meeting was about, he’d seemed reluctant to say, which suggested there was a problem. All he’d said was that he wanted to meet up.
She didn’t want him stopping by the shop. As yet, nobody apart from Kate, Oliver, Hannah and Bridie’s mum knew of Jack’s involvement.Perhaps I should keep it that way,thought Bridie, aware that everyone knew about his reputation. But she was also aware that Jack employed local tradesmen, and sooner or later people would find out, and there was nothing she could do about that. But for now, she’d agreed to meet him at the theatre again.
She had intended to go that morning, but she had changed the time to this evening, texting Jack to see if he could make it. She’d also texted Oliver, hoping they could meet at The Magpie Café that morning for coffee. After bumping into her mum outside the theatre, and Oliver, she had decided not to meet with Jack during the day. She didn’t want to risk the two of them being seen together again, even though she shouldn’t have to feel she needed to sneak around. But on a cold January evening, not many people would be walking along the promenade; they’d all be in the pub or sensibly indoors at home.
Andy appeared at the shop door after depositing Kate’s bags in their car which was parked on the road outside Cobblers Yard. ‘Ready to go, love?’
Kate gave Bridie another hug goodbye.
Andy said, ‘How’re the theatre renovations coming on?’
Kate had asked Bridie if she could tell Andy about the theatre. She understood why. They’d just patched things up; the last thing they needed were secrets between them. Besides, Kate and Layla were going to be spending time at the theatre once Jack had finished renovating. They’d have to lie about where they were. It wasn’t going to work unless he knew.
‘George asked if he could come along and see the theatre,’ Andy said conversationally. ‘You know he’s pretty good at the violin. He was talking about the orchestra you’d need. I think he’d really like to be in it. I guess you’ll start thinking about the cast and crew, and the orchestra.’
Bridie hadn’t thought about any of those things yet. ‘Of course he can be in it.’
