When I Fall in Love

by Miranda Dickinson

  It was an unexpected admission, but Elsie smiled. ‘Grief does strange things to people. Maybe she wanted to grieve for her mother privately.’

  ‘Maybe. This is a lovely cup of tea.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘I’ll keep you updated on press interest and photo opportunities when they come up. Do you have a card?’

  Elsie wrote her phone number on her order pad and tore off the page, handing it to June. ‘Anything you need, just call.’

  As the choir worked on the programme for ‘Songs for Irene’ over the next two weeks, Elsie witnessed a significant difference in the group. Since their heart-to-heart in the aftermath of Irene’s death, they had become noticeably closer, their camaraderie the underlying tone to all their rehearsals. Even disagreements and the ever-present bickering between Woody and Sasha had a good-natured air. It was almost as if their new understanding of how important the choir was to each other bound them tighter together as a unit.

  Elsie and Woody spent several evenings arranging the score for Woody’s new medley, which mixed The Carpenters’ “Top of the World” with Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way”. Elsie had to hand it to him – his weird musical vision usually resulted in surprisingly good combinations.

  ‘How do you think of this stuff?’ she asked one evening, as she sat at her piano.

  ‘I have a lot of time to think, babe. Comes from being a solitary man,’ he replied, stretching out on the small sofa in the corner of the room and kicking off his cowboy boots.

  A thought occurred to Elsie. ‘I’ve never actually asked you about your life, have I?’

  ‘Too much to tell,’ he grinned. ‘When they make a rock biopic of Woody Jensen it’ll have to be a trilogy.’

  ‘Must have been exciting, though? All the amazing venues you played, having a hit album – the kind of things people dream about.’

  ‘Ah, the stuff what dreams are made of, to quote the good Bard himself.’ He yawned. ‘It’s true I’ve seen things most people can only imagine. And I may or may not have thrown the odd TV out of hotel windows. I remember Barcelona, spring of ’88, walking onto the stage in front of eighteen thousand and hearing them chanting our name. Good times, babe, good times.’

  ‘Wow.’

  ‘Indeed.’

  ‘Do you miss it? All the rock’n’roll stuff, I mean?’

  Woody chewed his gum and considered her question. ‘I miss the music, sometimes. I’d say I miss the money, but we never saw much of it. Of course, the perks were sweet – the booze, the girls, the somewhat dodgy substances … Not that I’d do any of it now, you understand. You see before you a changed man. Can’t say that about the girls, obviously, but a gentleman never reveals his dalliances.’

  ‘Anyone special now?’ The question was out before Elsie could catch it.

  ‘Why, you interested, babe?’ He gave a throaty laugh. ‘The look on your face! Don’t panic, angel, you just let Uncle Woody have his joke. Of course, there are always ladies – a man of my charms isn’t likely to go unnoticed by the fairer sex. I have companions, so I’m content. Married once in ’89. Vegas. Me and Janie Lee, backing singer for our support band on the last US dates. I knew Hellfinger was on the rocks then, you see. Heard the rows, broke up the fistfights. Johnny and Sid were at each other’s throats right across the States … Janie understood. She was my oasis of calm in the desert of Hellfinger. She was my rock …’ He checked himself. ‘We lasted ten months. After Sid died, everything fell apart. Me and Janie Lee were collateral damage. Still, better to have loved, eh?’

  Elsie nodded, the surprise of Woody’s sudden candour still sinking in. ‘I couldn’t agree more.’

  ‘Like you and your man. The one you lost.’

  She stared at him. ‘Yes.’

  He leaned forward, the chains at his wrist tinkling. ‘Must have been hard for you, babe, all this stuff with Irene after what you saw.’

  ‘A little. I find it hard to accept that Irene was coping with it all alone. Lucas made sure everyone knew exactly what was happening with him.’

  ‘I think Lucas and I would have been buddies.’

  Elsie laughed. ‘He would have loved you. And the choir.’

  ‘He knows, you know. I believe it. What we see here – it ain’t the end, girl. I reckon your man’s smiling at us.’

  ‘I hope so, Woody.’

  He gave an awkward smile. ‘Now, enough of this slushy crap. Sentimentality’s not good for my image and we have world-changing music to arrange!’

  A week before Irene’s event, Jim invited Elsie, Daisy and Guin to his house for a barbecue. The late summer sun bathed the small garden at the back of his house where the family were gathered together. Guin glowed with pride as Ottie was passed from person to person, the little baby content and gurgling.

  Elsie nudged Guin as she sat beside her. ‘She’s gorgeous, hun.’

  Guin smiled. ‘I know. I still can’t quite believe she’s mine. Apart from the three o’clock feeds – then I’m in no doubt whatsoever.’

  ‘How’s Joe coping with fatherhood?’ Daisy asked, bouncing Ottie on her knee.

  ‘He’s trying his best, bless him. He’s shattered but he loves this one so much. I’m really proud of him.’

  ‘Motherhood suits you,’ Elsie smiled.

  ‘Oh shush. Now, please talk to me about something else. Something that doesn’t include breastfeeding or nappies or anything baby-related. I love being a mum but it’s like my life has just become a single topic. Don’t laugh, Els, I’m getting so desperate for conversation that I’ve started seeking solace in Mr Tumble on CBeebies. I think Joe suspects I’m having an affair with him. So, tell me about this concert. How’s it all going?’

  ‘I think we’re ready. Rehearsals have been going well and I found out yesterday that some of the younger members have been meeting up to practise at home. It’s really helped to have this to work towards and I love that they all want to do it for Irene. It’s just so dreadful that we’re only now finding out how special Irene was.’

  Guin nodded. ‘It’s sad how often that happens. But I guess the concert will give everyone the chance to thank her, don’t you think?’

  Butterflies began dancing inside Elsie at the thought of the event. ‘I hope so.’

  ‘Bring it more to the centre … No, not there! Do I have to do it myself?’

  When Elsie arrived at The Feathers on the day of Irene’s concert, Jeannette Burton was a control freak in full flow, sending the techies from the sound company scurrying at her command with foldback speakers and microphones around the small performance space that Nick had cleared at one end of his pub. Nick’s face was thunderously stern when he approached Elsie.

  ‘Where on earth did you find this woman?’ he asked, ducking as Jeannette barked at someone else. ‘She’s only been here twenty minutes and already she’s half-scared the sound guys. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose them altogether and then there won’t be a concert.’

  Elsie patted his shoulder. ‘I’m sorry, Nick. Leave her to me.’ Preparing herself for battle, she walked over to Jeannette. ‘How’s everything going?’

  ‘Too slowly! These people are imbeciles! Where did the landlord find them?’

  ‘Why don’t we go for a little walk?’ Elsie gently led Jeannette away as she spoke. ‘They’re a sound hire company Nick’s used for years. And they’re doing this for free because it’s a charity event. So we probably need to cut them some slack because they volunteered to help us tonight.’

  Jeannette stared at her. ‘Well, I didn’t know that. But the fact remains they don’t have a clue how to set up a stage for a choir. My regular sound company would have everything organised by now.’

  ‘I tell you what, why don’t I have a word with them and I’ll ask Nick to bring you a pot of tea? You need to rest before the big performance.’

  This appeared to please Jeannette, who graciously followed Elsie into the bar and sat down while Elsie went to order refreshments.

&nb
sp; ‘How did you do that?’ Nick asked under his breath.

  Elsie grinned. ‘I opted for the “softly softly” approach. Little trick I learned working with the great British public.’

  ‘I’ll have to remember that.’

  ‘Right, so that’s tea for our friend the dragon lady and could you bring some out for the sound guys, too? From the look of them I think they’re in need of a break. How much is that?’

  ‘Forget it. It’s on the house. Anyone who can tame that thing deserves free tea as far as I’m concerned.’

  With Jeannette safely pacified and the sound guys considerably happier without her interference, the stage soon took shape. When Woody and Cher arrived an hour later, everything was done.

  ‘It looks great,’ Cher said, hugging Elsie. ‘I can’t believe you managed to get everything sorted.’

  ‘This,’ Woody said, holding out his arms like a circus ringmaster, ‘is the place where magic will happen. It’s almost holy ground …’

  Elsie laughed. ‘It’s a pub, Woody. I doubt The Feathers has ever been called “holy” before.’

  The Sundaes and The DreamTeam began to arrive around six-fifteen p.m. and soon the space was filled with excited, chatting people. At six-thirty, Elsie and Jeannette summoned the singers’ attention and the room hushed.

  ‘First of all, thank you for being part of tonight,’ Elsie said. ‘In a moment we’ll have a one-song run-through for both choirs, just so we can check the sound levels. But first, I wanted to remind you why we’re all here. We lost a very dear member of our choir a few weeks ago and she was suffering in a way that she never shared with us. All she did was encourage her fellow choir members by spending time with them, but Irene Quinn was so much more than a listening ear. She was a real ray of sunlight in The Sundaes. Tonight is about paying tribute to her and filling this space with the music Irene loved so much. All I want for this evening is that we have fun and give the best performance we can. Agreed?’

  The choirs broke into sincere applause and even Jeannette Burton managed a small smile.

  ‘Good. Then let’s get to work!’

  The DreamTeam took to the stage at eight p.m., by which time The Feathers was packed with people. Elsie and Cher stood a little way away from the stage area, watching as the choir launched into their energetic rendition of ‘Don’t Stop Believing’.

  ‘It’s a bit contrived, isn’t it?’ Cher said.

  ‘The crowd love it, though,’ Elsie observed, looking at the audience who were smiling and nodding along. ‘And they’ve been brilliant in getting the word out.’

  ‘Fair enough. But I still think that Burton woman’s a bitch. Is Olly not coming?’

  ‘He has a late meeting, so he said he might pop in later. He’s done so much already.’

  ‘Well, good evening, lovely ladies!’

  Cher and Elsie turned to see Jake approaching. Cher squeaked and rushed over, pulling him to her in a very public display of affection. As they were kissing, Torin stepped from behind his boss and the plush carpet beneath Elsie’s feet wobbled a little.

  ‘Great gig,’ he called, raising his voice as The DreamTeam’s volume increased.

  ‘Thank you.’ Unsure what to do next, Elsie turned her attention back to the stage.

  Cher was draped around Jake as they joined Elsie and Torin. ‘I didn’t know you were coming, baby.’

  ‘Couldn’t miss this, could I? I know how much you liked the woman,’ Jake grinned.

  ‘But aren’t you meant to be travelling to Edinburgh tonight? For the client meeting?’

  Jake exchanged glances with Torin, who looked down at his pint. ‘Don’t you worry about that, darling. You’re my priority tonight.’

  Cher giggled. ‘Now that’s what I love to hear!’

  Elsie was aware of Torin’s eyes on her as she kept her gaze firmly on The DreamTeam. After a while, it became too much and she made her excuses, fleeing to the opposite side of the pub where The Sundaes were waiting nervously.

  ‘There are so many people,’ Sheila said, twisting the edge of her cardigan around her fingers.

  ‘You’ll be fine when you’re up there,’ Elsie assured her. ‘And anyway, this audience isn’t anywhere near as big as the one we performed in front of at the Carnival.’

  ‘Take courage, girl. There are many, many people who have come here to hear your voice tonight. This is your moment of truth,’ Woody said, his words ill-advised given the look of sheer horror on Sheila’s face.

  Elsie glared at Woody. ‘It’s going to be a great night. Everyone just relax and enjoy it.’

  The DreamTeam brought their last song to a close and Elsie took the microphone. ‘Let’s hear it again for The DreamTeam and Jeannette Burton!’ The audience applauded. ‘Thank you. We’re going to break for about twenty minutes and then The Sundaes will be here to entertain you.’ She left the stage as the audience dispersed back to the bar, and headed over to Jeannette, who was being congratulated by members of her choir.

  ‘Jeannette, that was great. Thank you so much for being here.’

  ‘My pleasure. I must say I’m intrigued to hear your programme this evening.’

  Elsie ignored the note of sarcasm in Jeannette’s words and smiled back. ‘I think you’ll enjoy it. It’ll be very different from your material.’

  Cher appeared with Jake in tow. ‘Elsie, we’re getting the drinks in. What will you have?’

  ‘Just an orange juice, thanks. Cher, Jake, have you met Jeannette?’

  Jeannette ignored Cher and offered her hand to Jake. ‘Well, well, Jake Long. Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.’

  Jake reddened a little as he shook her hand. ‘Another great performance, Jeannette.’

  Cher’s expression darkened. ‘You know each other?’

  ‘Oh, Jake and I go way back, don’t we?’

  Jake muttered something and walked away. Cher folded her arms. ‘Small world.’

  ‘It is.’

  Sensing an atmosphere brewing, Elsie took Cher’s arm. ‘We should really go and get those drinks.’

  ‘That woman …’ Cher growled. ‘I swear, if she makes a play for Jake, I’ll …’

  ‘She won’t, don’t worry. Just go and help Jake at the bar. There’s someone I have to see.’

  With Cher safely installed by Jake’s side, Elsie walked over to the table where Irene’s family was seated. Lyn smiled as Elsie approached.

  ‘It’s wonderful,’ she said. ‘Mum would have loved this.’

  ‘I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it. I think you’ll like the songs we’ve put together.’

  ‘I hope there’ll be air-guitar tonight.’ Lyn beamed. ‘You know how much my mother loved that.’

  ‘We put some in especially for her. So how are you doing?’

  ‘Oh, you know, day at a time stuff. There’s still some of the legal side to sort out but we’re slowly making progress. Having this to look forward to has been a great comfort.’

  ‘I’m glad. I know it’s not easy. All you can do is hold onto the small glimpses of positivity when they appear. But it does get easier.’

  A moment of shared understanding passed between the two women. ‘Thank you, Elsie. That means a lot.’

  Woody joined them, tipping his Stetson to Lyn and her family. ‘Evening. We should gather the troops, babe.’

  ‘Absolutely. Enjoy the rest of the night, Lyn.’

  Stan, Lewis, Danny and Graeme were rehearsing their guitar moves as Elsie and Woody joined The Sundaes at the side of the stage. One of the sound technicians raised his thumb and Elsie turned to the choir.

  ‘Right, we’re on. Is everyone OK?’

  Aoife paled. ‘I think I’m going to be sick.’

  ‘You’re all going to be great,’ Elsie said. ‘I’ll introduce us and then you guys come on.’ Feeling her own nerves start to shiver, she walked up to the microphone. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, may I present – The Sundaes!’

  A cheer went up from the audience as the choir to
ok their positions on stage. Woody walked on last, tipping his hat to the audience and winking at Elsie as he passed. Elsie raised her hands and the choir began to sing.

  This time, Elsie and Woody had chosen to begin the programme with everyone singing – Sasha was still being ribbed for her ‘fields of blue’ line from the Carnival performance. As Elsie began to play, The Sundaes sang the chorus of Coldplay’s ‘Paradise’, gradually raising their volume and breaking into three-part harmony on the third repeat. Singing together appeared to be combating their nerves as the notes were decidedly less dodgy than their last performance. From there, Sasha stepped forward and started to sing the opening lines of ‘You Got the Love’. Elsie nodded at her and she raised her voice even louder as the rest of the choir joined in.

  Woody grinned at Elsie and over his shoulder she caught sight of Olly. He was smiling at her and instantly her heart lifted. It felt good to know that he was there. The choir ended the medley as the audience applauded. Elsie nodded at Woody, who took his place in front of the choir to lead his Carpenters/Aerosmith mash-up. Released from her conducting duties for the next two songs, Elsie looked out at the audience as she played. Every person was smiling and it struck her what a huge boost this would be for the choir, especially as this concert meant so much to them. When the boys stepped forward to sing the guitar riff of ‘Walk This Way’, any reservations she might have had about Woody’s crazy song combination disappeared as she saw the reaction of their audience and the delight on the faces of her choir.

  And then, in the middle of the smiles, she saw Torin. He was standing next to Jake and Cher and was staring at her, unsmiling. Why was he even here? He seemed so out of place and had hardly spoken three words to her. Why stay where he clearly didn’t want to be? Annoyed, she turned her attention back to The Sundaes and resolved not to think about it any more.

  The choir’s programme ended with Irene’s favourite song and Elsie felt tears welling in her eyes as the words of ‘I’ll Walk Beside You’ touched her heart. Several of the choir members were moved, too, and the atmosphere in the pub changed as the audience were touched by the heartfelt performance.