Page 73 of The Seaside Supper Club

Anxiety was nipping at her. She couldn’t shift this feeling that she’d forgotten something. She’d had the biggest to-do list ever, and had been working her way through it all week, even down to making sure there was plenty of loo rolls in the toilets. But was there something obvious, something she might have missed? Perhaps she was just so determined to get this right for everyone who’d helped and everyone who was coming along, that it was only natural. She’d done her best, she reassured herself.

‘It’s going to be fantastic,’ said Lily with a smile, as if reading her thoughts.

‘The minibuses are here!’ came a shout from the corridor, that sounded very much like Nikki’s husband, Kev. This was followed by a call of, ‘Oh no, and so is the rain!’

Drat it.

But in true organised Cath fashion, after having checked the weather app this morning and spotting the chance of heavy showers, she had thought to leave several large umbrellas at the hall entrance, just in case.

‘Okay, everyone, go and grab a brolly, and we’ll help see the care home guests in,’ came the command from Cath. ‘It’s all systems go!’

‘Here we go again!’ echoed Andreas; Cath now registering that he was dressed smartly in a Gene Kelly, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’-style dark suit. Stood with, oh my, a Danny Zuko-styled Dan with a Brylcreemed quiff, his Grease black leather jacket, white T-shirt and black jeans. Amazing!

‘Love the look, lads!’ She grinned, giving a big thumbs up.

So, this was it! She popped back to the kitchen to scan everything on a final check: the tiered stands all dressed and looking deliciously tempting, the extra sandwich platters all done, teapots and milk jugs at the ready. Cath took a deep breath, then she headed on out to join the welcoming committee. If she’d forgotten anything, it was too late. She steadied her nerves by reminding herself that they had plenty of good food, tea and coffee galore; the raffle and tombola organised; the band were here and setting up; and very soon to be joined by the magical addition of the cutest of choirs, being the Brownies group. Cath had heard from Brown Owl that they had made some gorgeous felt flowers to hand out as buttonholes for everyone, too. An activity they’d completed at last week’s session, to help with their community and creativity badges.

Stood with a welcoming smile at the big oak door, Cath was ready to open an umbrella, and go and greet her guests. Dan and Andreas were already out there ushering two elderly residents gently down from the first minibus. She recognised them as Joan and Vera from the home, looking smart in their best floral dresses.

Cath went to join them, ready to take over at the minibus steps. The driver was also there, kindly assisting the new arrivals, along with Linda who worked at the home. Next in line was Betty, looking lovely in a smart navy twin set and wearing her pearls, followed by a very dashing-looking Reggie in a grey pin-striped suit and red-and-navy-spotted tie.

‘Hello,’ she greeted them with a smile. ‘Shame about this rain, but we’ll soon be inside and dry.’ Cath popped her umbrella over their heads, and letting Betty take a hold of her arm, and giving Reggie a moment to sort his walking stick, she assisted them along the pavement.

‘Ah, don’t worry pet,’ said Reggie cheerfully. ‘A little rain’s no bother at all.’

‘We’re so looking forward to our afternoon out,’ said Betty. ‘Thank you very much.’

‘We are indeed,’ agreed Reggie. ‘And we’re in for a real treat. This lady and her friends are the bee’s knees of the catering world, Betty. It’ll be like having tea at The Ritz, I’m sure.’ Reggie gave a wink.

And Cath smiled, as that’s exactly what she’d been hoping for too, though she did warn, ‘Now, don’t go raising expectations too high,’ as she helped the pair of them up the steps and into the village hall’s entrance.

Cath left her brolly at the entrance door, and led her duo through to the main hall, and their places at the table.

‘Oh, this looks wonderful.’ Betty’s face was a picture as they entered the room. ‘The flower posies are delightful, and look, we’ve got tablecloths and the best china out, too. I bet this is even prettier than The Ritz.’

‘It’s grand, lass.’ Reggie’s simple words warmed Cath.

She felt proud of how they’d pulled together as a team to make this hall into somewhere rather magical, the perfect setting for an afternoon tea.

‘And how’s your young man? Very much on the mend, I hope,’ Reggie asked kindly.

‘Yes, he’s on the road to recovery, thankfully. It’s kind of you to ask.’ Cath thought it best to keep the conversation light, and Will was indeed making progress, even if life was more than frustrating lately for them both. Will hadn’t as yet arrived. She hoped he’d keep to his promise to come along, even if it might be awkward between them.

And then Reggie followed up with, ‘I’ve been thinking about you two lovebirds.’

‘Oh.’ Cath paused, unsure of what to say, and then quietly confessed, so only Betty and Reggie might hear, ‘Well, I’m not sure if we’re quite lovebirds, right now.’ With everything going on with Will of late, she felt like they’d tumbled out of that particular nest.

‘I’m sorry to hear that, dearest Cath,’ responded Reggie kindly.

‘I’m sure we’ll get through it all, somehow.’ She tried her best to sound positive. But deep inside she felt so torn and confused by Will’s recent outbursts.

As if he’d been summoned, Will then appeared at the hall’s entrance. He must have slipped in while she was busy at the bus, as he was holding a teapot and approaching the table where Reggie and Betty had just taken their seats. Cath felt herself freeze, whilst her heart thumped rapidly. She and Will gave each other what felt to Cath like a curt smile. Maybe, it was that freezing sensation affecting her mouth momentarily, she mused.

Kenneth and Cath’s neighbours, John and Mary, were settled at the table too, having been ushered in by Kev.

Will politely offered, ‘Anyone for tea?’ He looked very dapper in his dark-navy suit, white shirt and pale-blue tie, thought Cath, realising that she’d never seen him in a suit before. Smart casuals, or his cycling Lycra were his norm. The 50s fashions were so stylish, and oh yes, she had yet to make her own quick change, she realised.

‘Thank you, young man,’ said Betty, with Mary and John next in line, and Kenneth holding up his cup at the ready.