Page 42 of The Second Chance Supper Club

The grin Lily gave brightened not only her face but the whole room. ‘Aw, thanks, guys. I adore cooking … baking especially. I did follow a recipe for this one, but I also like experimenting with flavours. In fact,’ she began to reveal her aspirations, ‘I’d really love to work with food … maybe even become a chef one day. That’s my dream. Once I’ve learned the skills and worked my way up, of course.’ Her face lit up as she spoke of her ambitions. ‘Got to get the A Levels smashed out first, though. And well … going the chef way, it might not quite be as easy as that …’ She bit down on her lip, then sighed, as her face dropped. She went quiet, looking unsure of herself.

‘Well, I think I’d mentioned that Lily’s parents – my brother and his wife,’ Nikki stepped in to explain, ‘want her to go the “sensible” route. To go off to uni and study something traditional. You’re a clever girl, after all … aren’t you, petal?’ Her aunt gave her a supportive wink.

‘But what I’d really love to do is to go to catering college, learn the trade,’ admitted Lily. ‘And it’d be amazing if I could get an apprenticeship with a good chef. And, if it were a pastry chef, well, that’d be the dream.’

‘There’s a bit of a battle going on at home just now,’ Nikki continued. ‘It’s time to choose unis and courses … and, I can see both sides to be fair … but if you have a talent in something that you love, how wonderful to try and make a career out of it.’

‘Lily, I’ve been teaching students of your age group for years,’ started Cath. She had heard so many youngsters’ dreams in her career, and this one sounded positive and achievable. The young woman seemed as though she was prepared to put the work in, too. ‘I’d look at all the options if I were you, find out as much as you can about the catering courses you’re interested in, and look into your parents’ preferences. Then narrow it down, and go and visit the unis and colleges you like the best. Talk to people, be brave, be interested. Find out more about any local chefs you admire too, offer to help out, perhaps see if you can do some work experience for them.’

‘Yeah, that sounds good.’

‘Be honest with your parents about your dreams, but be prepared to listen to them, too.’ The mother in Cath was coming to the fore. ‘Then you might be able to make a good decision all together.’

‘Sounds like good advice to me,’ encouraged Dan.

‘And if you need anyone to try out your baking, or recipes, in the meanwhile, you know where to come,’ Andreas added with a touch of warm humour that lifted the mood.

‘And if you ever want any more help or advice, Lily, feel free to ask. I’ve had pupils go off and do all kinds of incredible things. There are so many opportunities these days. Do your research, and then go for it.’ As she spoke the words, Cath realised she should be taking her own advice. After the move, which was a huge step admittedly, it had felt like she’d holed herself up too much. Her self-confidence had been knocked so badly by all that had happened. Was it time to dream big once more? To keep trying new things, to find her wings.

Chapter 26

The end of the evening came around all too soon. It was great that Dan and Andreas had made it for the supper, despite the difficult time they were having personally. Cath had asked about Maria earlier, learning that she had settled back into the care home, but was still quite frail. They had all made the most of this fun and relaxed evening. Nikki admitting that her cooking still needed a little help from her friends, but the Seventies idea had been a huge hit.

As Dan and Andreas were about to leave, Andreas swept Nikki up in a warm embrace. ‘What a wonderful night. And thanks so much for putting a smile back on our faces. You’ve done fabulously with the Seventies theme.’ The lads turned to the gathering in the hallway then. ‘Thank you, everyone, thank you so much. It’s been a really tough couple of weeks for us.’ Dan was nodding with an emotional tear glistening in his eye at this point. ‘And, this group, this gorgeous supper club … well, it’s been like a great big hug, getting together again with you lot.’

‘Ah, you’re very welcome, lads. And it’s all thanks to you two and Cath. It’s you who brought us all together, after all.’

‘Aw.’ Cath felt a lump in her throat.

The two lads then set off down the street, Tom Selleck with his flared-corduroy-hero partner, arm in arm and slightly wobbly on their feet, after the Blue Lagoons, Babycham and several top-ups of Merlot.

‘Oh, it’s been nice to see them enjoy themselves.’ Nikki closed the door after them.

‘Yeah, bless them. They’ve had such a rotten time lately,’ agreed Cath.

‘Now, then, can I walk you two ladies home?’ offered Will, addressing Lily and Cath.

‘Oh, thank you.’ Lily smiled.

‘Ah … yes, that’d be good, thanks.’ Cath sounded slightly hesitant.

It wasn’t far, and it was nice that Will was looking out for them both. But as Cath lived at the far end of the village, it was likely, she realised, that she and Will would be alone for some of the walk. The pit in Cath’s stomach did a little stupid flip. Get a grip, she told herself.

She spotted Nikki giving her an eyebrow raise at that point, with what looked to be a smug smile. Why had she ever confessed on their hike that she agreed he was good-looking? And surely, Nikki hadn’t got wind of Cath’s teenage-style dizzy emotions that were going on this evening. Bloody hell, she’d never hear the last of it. The lid needed to be kept on this crazy little crush, and firmly closed. She silently vowed not to say anything else at all about Will to Niks, however many Proseccos down they might be.

The air was cool and calm as the trio strolled down the village street in the velvet-dark of a midnight summer sky. Will was in the middle of them, with a gentle arm supporting the ladies each side. Cath’s high leather boots gave an echoey clonk at each step. A smattering of stars twinkled above them, the occasional street lamp lighting their way, as they chatted about what a fun evening it had been.

It had been a late night and a great night. The supper club group gelling even more, with the delightful Lily fitting in like a breath of youthful fresh air.

First drop-off – as anticipated – was Lily, at a converted barn, which was set back slightly from the main street. She found her key, thanking the pair of them for seeing her home. The young girl gave Cath a warm hug, saying she was grateful for her advice earlier that evening.

‘Any time,’ Cath replied. She’d enjoyed being able to chat things through with Lily. The cloak of teacher and at times ‘life coach’ to her students had slipped back on easily, and it felt good. Even with the unavoidable stresses in her last years of teaching, with the role constantly changing, the core of it had always been to try and help, to open minds and inspire. Learning wasn’t just facts and figures, and maths wasn’t just equations, life skills were part and parcel of that, too. It felt good to be able to help someone again.

‘Night, Lily, and no need to rush those big decisions,’ added Will sagely. He had two grown-up daughters too, of course. ‘And hey, remember that sometimes there’s no real right or wrong way. It’s just about finding the best fit for your life, and giving it your best shot.’

Cath gave him a heartfelt look. His words were so right.

‘Thanks, Will.’ Lily paused, adding, ‘You know, I thought it might be a bit boring tonight, what with you lot all being, like, my parents’ ages.’ She gave a cheeky smile. ‘But it’s actually been pretty cool.’