Page 13 of The Second Chance Supper Club

‘Cheers. Happy new home. Here’s to a gorgeous evening.

And thank you so much for having us,’ said Andreas.

‘Hah, you might change your mind once you’ve tasted my cooking.’ She gave a wry smile.

‘I’m sure we won’t. It’s just wonderful to be looked after,’ Dan reassured her. ‘Especially after a hectic day in the shop.’

‘Absolutely,’ Andreas agreed.

‘Oh, and how’s your mum getting on now, Andreas?’ ‘Ah, still struggling with that nasty cough, bless her. But the home’s been brilliant, and her care’s second to none. She’s comfortable and as happy as she can be, considering.’

‘That’s good news. I hope she picks up really soon. And how’s sassy Shirley?’

‘Fabulous, darling,’ he said in a Craig Revel Horwood voice. They all laughed. ‘All tucked up with a chew toy, and the music on. She likes a bit of classical.’

Bringg … There was guest number three, no doubt. ‘Won’t be a mo.’ She left the lads chatting in the kitchen, and headed for her threshold, feeling a buzz of excited anxiety, as she began to open the door. Who would it reveal this time? ‘Hi, sorry if I’m a few minutes late … been trying to get the kids settled. A losing battle as it was. Left them up with their dad for popcorn and a movie in the end, even though it’s a school night. But they all seemed happy with that option, and it’s a one-off after all. Oh, and here’s a little something …’ She offered up a bottle of Prosecco, in a pretty gift bag.

‘Ah, thank you.’ Cath leaned in to give Nikki a friendly kiss on the cheek, hoping that wouldn’t seem over the top. She would have done that with friends at home, after all. Oh, damn, was she still overthinking it all? Relax, she told herself.

‘You are very welcome, and boy, I am sooo ready for this! A whole evening off. Bloody bliss. Thank you so much for asking me.’ Nikki seemed chatty and friendly, which put Cath at ease.

The ladies joined Dan and Andreas in the kitchen, with of course, no need for introductions.

‘Glass of fizz, Nikki?’ Cath pointed to the bottle propped in the ice bucket.

‘Don’t mind if I do. That sounds amazing. Will set me up nicely. And, I’ve told the lot of them not to ring me under any circumstances.’ She was evidently still thinking about the family she’d left back home. ‘In fact, I might just ditch my mobile here.’ She popped it up on the kitchen shelf, abandoning it with a grin. ‘Perfect.’

Cath took a flute glass, placing a raspberry into it, and poured over sparkling Prosecco for Nikki.

Well then, there was just the merry widower to arrive.

The doorbell chimed.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll go to the door while you’re busy,’ Nikki announced. ‘Don’t want to stop you pouring my drink. It’s most likely Will, last, but not least.’

Cath was sure she saw a squint of a conspiratorial wink between Nikki and the lads, but perhaps she was just being sensitive. She heard the sound of Nikki unlatching the door, a brief welcome chat between the two guests, followed by footfall through the hallway. And there they stood, Nikki and—

Oh, my God!

It was him! It was only Shitty McShitface, Mr Grumpy from the bloody Co-op car park. Oh, jeez. Well, that was certainly going to spoil the ambience of the supper group. Of all the people … unbelievable. And just her flippin’ luck.

She felt herself flush, as her eyes caught his, barely able to conceal the flash of surprise and horror at his arrival. ‘Oh, hi,’ her voice came out awkwardly.

‘Ah …’ He sounded strained.

So, he had recognised her too.

Unfortunately, the shocked looks didn’t pass the others by, either.

‘Do you two know each other?’ Dan was on it in an instant.

‘Ah, well … yes, actually. We kind of bumped into each other in the car park … in Kirkton,’ Cath started, trying to keep it light, but feeling so damned awkward. She hadn’t forgotten how sharp the guy had been with her that day.

‘Yeah, a bit of a close shave,’ Will followed up weakly.

Nikki honed right in. ‘Come on then, spill. There’s more to this, you’re both looking sheepish.’

‘So, what’s the news?’ Andreas was all ears, alert to some drama going on.