Page 21 of The Seaside Supper Club

Cath could have kissed him … hmm, perhaps she would later.

‘And of course, I’m in,’ said Andreas.

‘If he’s in, I’m in.’ Dan laughed. ‘I’d be in such trouble otherwise.’

Shirley gave a woof in support from under the table, too.

‘Okay, okay … go on then, twist my arm. Pour me another Prosecco, if you must.’ Nikki sounded unsure. Her life was already manic, yet she couldn’t help but feel a sense of duty and kinship with her friends.

‘Hah, that’s FOMO for you, Auntie Niks.’

‘Yeah, whatever. But I can’t let you lot down, can I?’ She raised a smile.

‘Honestly, Nikki, we can take on the lion’s share,’ added Cath understandingly, sensing her friend’s trepidation.

‘And I could help too, if we set the event date post exams,’ Lily said, through pastry-flake-dusted lips.

‘That would be good. So, July or August, then? Into the school summer holidays. That’d give us time to get organised and think of a fresh new event idea. Nothing quite as complicated this time, I promise,’ said Cath, feeling relieved that these timings would work better for her tuition schedule, too.

Her thinking cap was on. She took a sip of tea, and nibbled on a cucumber sandwich. It had to be a sociable event, with great food, yet easy to organise. She had to concede that the Christmas lunch had rather taken over all their lives.

A bee buzzed by, and the leaves on the nearby silver birch tree rippled in the breeze. It was lovely here in the garden, munching away on these scrumptious homemade treats, chatting with friends, whilst sitting in the sun. A wonderful way to relax for the afternoon. Perfect, in fact.

‘That’s it … this is it!’ Cath scanned the table of delicious goodies before her with an inspired beam of a smile. ‘Afternoon tea to be served in our newly renovated Tilldale Village Hall.’

‘Well, it won’t be anywhere near as complicated as cooking a full Christmas roast with all the trimmings. I must admit I was feeling a shudder of trepidation, and a sweat coming on when you first mentioned another event,’ Andreas confessed. ‘I loved doing that gig, don’t get me wrong, but boy, did it take some planning and cooking.’

‘An afternoon tea sounds a brilliant idea,’ added Will.

‘Finger sandwiches, scones and cakes …’ Dan joined in.

‘Tea galore, served in the original Women’s Institute teapots and all those china cups we found in storage in the hall.’ Lily grinned. ‘And yes, I can bake!’

‘And we can make the hall look so summery and pretty. With flowers in bud vases, and crisp white tablecloths …’ Nikki added, picking up on the buzz.

‘Oh, and why don’t we dress up 1950s style? That was the tea dance era,’ Andreas took up. ‘All grace and glamour.’

‘Now you’re getting carried away,’ Dan chided, yet smiling. ‘And who said anything about dancing?’

‘But why not? You always say you love a theme, Dan. This is perfect. A tea dance.’

Lily’s face lit up. ‘I love that vintage 50s look, too. And the oldies can waltz.’

‘Or jive,’ added Nikki, getting into the swing of it. ‘Though that might prove hazardous considering most of them will be octogenarians.’ She gave a grin.

‘We can swish around in tea dresses, serving sandwiches,’ Cath added. ‘Aw, I remember Reggie talking about tea dances with his Elsie. He’d adore this.’

‘Yes, 50s music and dancing. Why not, indeed, it sounds a splendid idea,’ agreed Will.

‘It’ll bring back so many memories for the older people, too. They’ll love it,’ said Andreas. ‘And Dan, just think, you can bring out your gorgeous old black leather jacket and go all Danny Zuko!’

‘I adore the sound of this!’ Nikki was grinning.

‘Okay, so shall I check out some possible dates? I take it a Sunday afternoon’s generally good for us all, with the village stores and your cycle shop closed, lads. And of course, I’ll make it after your exams are all done, Lily,’ said Cath, taking a sip of fizz. ‘So, yes, later on in the summer. I’ll check some dates with the hall committee, and also coordinate with the care home,’ offered Cath, feeling excited at the prospect. ‘Any dates you know you can’t make, gang?’

‘We have a family holiday late July, I’ll check the timings on that,’ said Lily.

‘Nothing major for us at that time of year,’ said Dan. ‘Other than good old work.’