Page 40 of The Seaside Cocktail Campervan

Cocktails, canapés and capers guaranteed!

RSVP Nikki and remember SHHH it’s a surprise.

Chapter 21

‘Well, this is it,’ Lucy announced, as the SatNav deposited them at the gates of a large property in the rather exclusive residential area of Darras Hall, not far from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It looked like they’d be parked up in the block-paved driveway for the evening, which was a bit of a relief, as some of the uneven ground she’d had to drive on so far for events had proven to be a bit of a challenge for the vintage horsebox.

‘I’m quite looking forward to this,’ confessed Olly, with a grin.

‘What, a night out working your socks off with your big sis?’

‘Well, it’s something a bit different. My life seems to consist of electrical circuits, wiring, and potty training at the moment.’

‘Hah, well yes, and I bet little Freddie’s having fun with Daisy staying there tonight, at least before he toddles off to bed. Then, she’s bound to find herself a cosy spot with Alice on the sofa.’

‘For sure. And as for us two tonight, well, parties are usually pretty fun, aren’t they?’

‘You do know you’re here to work …’ Lucy gave him a stern sisterly look.

‘Of course, Lulu.’ He slipped back to his childhood name for her. ‘Anyway, it’ll be good to get an insight into your new business. You never know, I might be able to get a word in with Dad on how well you’re doing when we next catch up, too.’

‘Ah,’ she groaned, ‘don’t tell me he’s still banging on about how stupid I’ve been, giving up a steady job?’

‘That’s about the sum of it, yeah.’

Lucy sighed, ‘Having a steady job’s not the be all and end all, Olly. Not when it starts to feel like a noose around your neck.’

‘I know, I know. But you know Dad, he’s just worried about you really.’

‘Yeah, I suppose. Well, let’s get this party started, hey. I’d better turn things around with All Fired Up and show him how good a decision it was.’

As the gates opened before them, no doubt by some fancy remote system, revealing a large garden and bungalow, Lucy concentrated on reversing the horsebox carefully into position on the driveway. Jack wasn’t there as yet, Lucy noted – her heart rate going up a notch just thinking about how annoyed and disappointed she was at having been taken in by him – but he probably wouldn’t be long. At least it’d give her a chance to get set up, get her head in the right place before having to face him. The catering was the most important thing for her this evening, anyhow, not concerning herself with that player of a barman.

She took a slow breath. ‘Ah, well, here we go, Ol. We’re on. Let’s get All Fired Up!’ Lucy turned off the engine, took a deep breath as she drummed her fingers against the steering wheel, and then stepped down out of the horsebox.

The door to the large detached bungalow opened to reveal a smiley middle-aged blonde. ‘Oh, you must be Lucy. Hello. Fabulous that you’re here. Thank heavens, after all that palaver earlier in the week. Thanks so much for stepping into the gap.’

‘No worries, it’s no problem at all. Great to have the opportunity, actually,’ Lucy smiled. ‘Nice to meet you, Nikki. Oh, and this is my brother, Olly, who’s helping me tonight.’

Olly joined them at the doorstep, and they shook hands.

Little did the host know that he’d never done an event like this before. Lucy was determined to keep her nerve and professionalism, even if she was quaking a little inside. Olly was sensible and sociable. The pair of them just had to work hard and make sure it all went smoothly. At least Lucy was pretty certain that the food she was offering was really good, and that was the main thing.

‘Super. Well, is there anything you need? Can I help you get set up at all?’

‘I don’t think so, we’re here to make sure your guests have wonderful food and a memorable evening, so you can relax and have fun.’ Lucy sounded far more confident than she felt.

‘That is music to my ears, Lucy. Thank you. Can I get you a cup of coffee or something, or a cold drink?’

‘Ah, well, a can of Coke would be nice, if you have that.’

‘Certainly, and …?’ she gestured towards Olly.

‘Oh, something like a cold beer would go down a treat.’ Olly gave a cheeky, hopeful look.

‘Of course, I’ll go fetch them.’

‘Just the one,’ Lucy mouthed to her bro. ‘What did I say … don’t forget you’re working.’