The circle was bigger than she expected it to be for the first dance, and she watched on intrigued as the music began, and with it, the first set of instructions.
The singer sang the directions to the music. ‘Sidestep anticlockwise, five six, seven and eight. Continue until I say, then you’re changing direction.’
Morgan watched for a moment and then looked back at the bar. Pippa and Oliver were serving, they looked rushed off their feet. Morgan’s mouth dropped open. She’d forgotten to hire bar staff. Why hadn’t Pippa asked who would be staffing it? Unless she just presumed, she and Oliver were. It was just like the dream.
Katherine walked towards her, a small frown furrowing her forehead. ‘What’s wrong love?’
‘I forgot to hire bar staff and poor Pippa and Oliver have taken it upon themselves to work it. They won’t be able to join in with the fun now.’
Katherine placed a hand on Morgan’s shoulder and squeezed. ‘Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll ask a few of the locals to muck in. We can take it in turns. It’s the least they can. It’s not every day they're invited to such a fab birthday party, with a band, games, tons of tasty food, and a free bar. I mean, who puts on a free bar in this day and age? You are an angel Morgan love.’
Morgan grimaced. ‘Do you think they will? It’s a big ask.’
Katherine shook her head. ‘No it isn’t. Thirty minutes each is nothing. There are enough people here.’
Morgan sighed with relief. ‘Thank you so much Katherine.’
‘Just relax and enjoy yourself. You look a little tense.’
It was the opportune moment to tell Katherine about herNedpredicament, but then she remembered Katherine hadn’t been so open to her enquiry about whether she believed if it was possible for loved ones who had passed over to come back andcommunicate through dreams. She might not be the best friend to ask advice about Ned either.
‘I will now. Thanks Katherine.’
Katherine smiled warmly and headed towards a young couple in their thirties, her finger already pointing towards the bar.
Out of the corner of her eye, Morgan saw Ned heading her way, she couldn’t deal with any more close and personal physical contact until she’d worked out in her head if it was okay not to feel guilty about enjoying Ned’s touch, and, if she was ready for it. She walked in between the crowds of people and headed for the cocktail and mocktail tables where the competitions would be held later on.
Brett was standing behind the tables organising things. ‘Brett love, you don’t have to do that. Come and enjoy yourself.’
His wide grin answered her wrong presumption. ‘Iamenjoying myself. I’ve got these competitions all planned. Don’t you realise I’ve been a pub landlord for over three decades sis?’
‘Youwerea pub landlord, but you’re retired now love. Pippa and Oliver run The Cheese Wedge and Pickles, remember?’
Brett frowned and looked in deep thought for a moment. ‘Oh yes. That’s right.’
‘Are you sure you’re up to organising these competition Brett? I can get someone else to do it.’
Brett shook his head, his smile returning. ‘I’m fine. I’m having a whale of a time.’
‘Morgan.’ Ned’s voice came from not too far behind her.
She pretended not to hear him and moved away, slipping though the residents of the bay, making her way to a quiet corner with a few hay bays stacked high where she could partially hide until she could get her thoughts together.
The music stopped as she reached the corner and the singer laughed. Morgan could see Ned had been stopped in his tracksby the dancers leaving the circle. They were all panting, but their smiles and laughter indicated how much they’d all enjoyed their first barn dance.
‘I can see that dance got a few pulses racing. Why don’t we bring it down a gear before the next strenuous dance begins. How about a nice slow song for all the loved-up couples I saw dancing just now. Or, if you haven’t danced yet and you need something less fervent to warm your cold muscles, I want to see you on the dance floor for the next song. Yvonne and Nancy will be walking around and cajoling couples up onto the dancefloor, but if no one makes a move, and if you are one of the couples they approach, you both have to wear hats of shame.’ The singer lifted two big red hats high for all to see and a rumble of laughter arose.
Morgan chuckled. The band were amazing. She watched as couples quickly walked back onto the dance floor.
‘May I have the honour of dancing with the birthday girl?’
Morgan was stunned to see Ned had caught up with her and he was holding out a hand. He wanted to dance with her. Morgan’s heart rate accelerated. She shook her head and pointed down to her cane. ‘I can’t Ned. I wished I could.’
‘I won’t let you fall Morgan. I’ll keep you safe.’
Her mouth became suddenly dry. How could she get out of this without hurting Ned’s feelings. She shook her head again, offering Ned an apologetic smile. ‘Come on. Every birthday girlhas todance at her own party.’
‘No Ned. I told you. I can’t.’ The sentence came out much harsher than she’d intended.
