by S J Crabb
As I help mum clear away the remains of the roast dinner, we talk about the funeral arrangements.
“Things are moving fast, Lily. The invitations have gone out…”
“What invitations, it’s not a party, it’s a funeral?”
“Let me finish. No, they are tasteful black bordered white card, with silver inscriptions detailing the time and place of the funeral. We thought it best to deal with this in a professional manner as Aunt Daisy would have expected. We have also taken out an announcement in the Times, so I think every avenue is covered.”
“Have you heard back from anyone?”
Mum looks angry. “Only that freeloader Elizabeth Watkins who now professes to be Aunt Daisy’s best friend.”
“Who is Elizabeth Watkins?”
“They went to school together, but quite honestly, I think they were only friends on Facebook because your dad can’t remember her. Anyway, she got in touch, crying down the phone saying nothing would keep her away and could she possibly stay in Daisy’s house as it’s now empty because it would be what Daisy would have wanted. Oh, and also because she’s currently having a cash-flow problem and can’t really run to forking out for a hotel. She then had the cheek to fake cry and say that Daisy was always so generous in life and it would continue in death which is a memory she will always treasure.”
I stare at her in shock. “You’re not going to let her stay there – are you?”
“Of course not, I’m not stupid. I have been preparing for this and sent her a list of Air B&Bs in the area and told her there’s a perfectly good hostel not far away either. I may have lied a little and said the house has been sealed off for evidence and is now under police guard. That seemed to do the trick and I haven’t heard from her since.”
Mum looks extremely pleased with herself and adds, “You know, it pays to be a quick thinker in times like this. Now, have you time for a brief run through of the service? Your father keeps on fluffing his lines which would spell disaster on the day.”
Plastering a look of apology on my face, I say quickly, “I’m so sorry, mum, I’ve arranged to meet Heidi for a catch up. Maybe in the week, say Tuesday afternoon.”
I know that Tuesdays are mum’s body pump class and she lets nothing interfere with that, so she says somewhat irritably, “No, that won’t do. Text me when you’re free and I’ll pencil in another date. You know, the sooner this organisational nightmare is over, the better I’ll feel. Then again, it’s the least I can do for poor Daisy, God rest her soul. I shouldn’t complain, after all, she can’t do it herself.”
The tears spring to both our eyes and when dad wanders in from putting the bin out, he finds us sobbing in each other’s arms.
He heads across and hugs us both, saying gently, “Let it all out, don’t keep it in.”
As we grieve for the woman who touched our lives so deeply, it makes me even more determined to make her proud and try to succeed where she failed. Maybe it’s because I feel I owe it to her, or maybe it’s because I’m recognising a lot of my own life in my Aunts and I would hate to have the same regrets looking back that she apparently did.
♥19
Heidi is already waiting when I dash into the Cuddle club around 8pm. Her face lights up when she sees me and she yells, “You made it and not a broken limb in sight. Well done my camping loving friend, come and tell me all the gory details.”
Sliding into the booth beside her, I hug her warmly and am grateful for the pina colada she pushes my way. “Well, Heidi, it was definitely eventful, I’ll say that for nothing.”
As I fill her in, I love the way her eyes widen as each delicious detail leaves my lips. By the end of it, she is positively green with envy, which makes me feel amazing. Nobody is ever jealous of me because I do nothing but work but this has bucket list excitement written all over it.
At the end of my tale, she shakes her head. “Wow, that’s some trip you just had. Do you think you’ll ever see this man again?”
“Who Finn?”
Just saying his name makes me happy and without thinking, I glance at my phone and feel the disappointment hit me again when I see that he still hasn’t called.
She looks thoughtful and says with interest, “So, what’s next?”
“Meaning?”
“The list, what’s your next move?”
“Well, I’ve been invited to a masked ball on Saturday night with the glitterati. That’s impressive, isn’t it?”
“With Finn?”
“Sadly no, in my new role as Editor in chief of Designer Homes - on a budget. I have to dress up and wear a mask and to say I’m excited is an understatement.”
Heidi’s eyes are wide as she says slowly, “Wow! It’s just like Cinderella. Are you going ask Finn to escort you, I bet he would?”
The thought had already crossed my mind, but there is no way I could muster enough courage to ask, so I say happily, “Will you come? I’d really love to go there with you.”
Heidi shrieks, causing a few eyes to turn our way and I laugh, “I’ll take that as a yes.”
She appears so excited she can’t contain it and babbles on. “Oh my, I’ll need a dress; a non-knitted one at that. Where will I find one and where’s my fairy godmother when I need her? What are you wearing, Lily? We will have to compare outfit choices; do you even have an outfit; where will we find one and how are we getting there? Should I get my hair done and my nails, not to mention my bikini line? Should I learn ballroom dancing and do we get food before, during, or after?”
“Stop, it’s too much.” I shake my head laughing and watch Heidi take some deep breaths to try and contain her excitement.
“I thought we could hire our dresses from Prom Surprise in town. I’m sure they have a great selection, and I’m pretty sure I could find us a couple of matching masks on Amazon or the internet. We could get ready at my flat and call an Uber to take us there. You know, this is one tick on that list I’m going to enjoy.”
“What’s the tick?”
“A few actually. Dance under the stars with a man you’ve just kissed and buy something frivolous. I may take some ballroom dancing lessons before the big day, so that will be three ticks, thank you very much.”
“Kiss a man, really, what will you do, just go up to a random stranger and plant one on him before pulling him onto the dancefloor? Goodness, Lily, you are so bold.”
We giggle and she grins with excitement. “You know, I’m loving this list but you’ve forgotten one thing.”
“Which is?”
“My compliment. I thought you were giving someone a compliment every day.”
“Oh, I forgot about that. I did it one day, that should be enough. Actually, Heidi the list is a little bothersome if I’m honest. I’m so busy worrying about ticking the things off, I’m not enjoying them. You know, earlier I saw rain was forecast for Thursday and I’m already planning the song I’ll sing when I grab my wellies and run out to sing in the rain. I’ve even thought of a good place for it that will look good in the selfie I intend on taking to record the memory. It’s all becoming a little tedious and I wish I hadn’t been so regimental in my approach to it.”
“Then why don’t you slack off a little? I mean, surely you should have your own list, anyway, and also, I thought these things were achieved in a lifetime, not a week. To be brutally frank, Lily, I think you’re putting yourself under too much pressure on this. I fear that you’ll burn out doing it and it will all have been for nothing. Maybe just ease off a little and let things take their natural course. Obviously, plan in some amazing trips and maybe take up a hobby but do what you want to, not what your Aunt wanted, I’m sure she wouldn’t want it any other way.”
I know she’s right, but I feel as if I owe this to Aunt Daisy. Call it a parting gift to make her life more complete. I’m doing them in her memory and it’s that thought that drives me.
Sipping my cocktail, I think about the task I’ve set myself. Maybe Finn was right, and what if I did everythin
g on the list and was still unhappy? Would I make a new one and then another until I find what I’m looking for?
As our conversation turns to more usual things, I push away all thoughts of Finn and the bucket list and just enjoy a night out with my best friend. I’ll work the rest out tomorrow because tonight I want to forget all the pain of the last week and focus on finishing a few more cocktails before I return home to plan my next move.
As it turns out, my next move was also one that earned me a tick off the list. Booking myself in for a taster lesson in Sylvia Robson’s school of Ballroom dancing was inspired. I could certainly utilise the skills I will learn on Saturday night, and this place will tick the dance lessons box nicely. Sylvia is an impressive lady who apparently knew the sister of the woman who booked the backing singers for Strictly Come Dancing so she knows her stuff.
When I turn up, I feel a little apprehensive because knowing my luck everyone will be a professional dance champion or something. However, luckily, I appear to have joined the beginner’s class because it soon becomes apparent that I know more than most of the people here, unless you count Clive and Rose who must be in their seventies and glide around the room like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Connor, the man they partnered me with, is rather heavy footed and can’t stop stamping on my feet every five minutes.
He appears extremely embarrassed at being partnered with me at all until I say as gently as I can, “Listen, Connor, why don’t you let me lead for a bit? Nobody will notice and then if you get the hang of it, you can take over.”
I smile and for the time the terror in his eyes subsides a little and he nods meekly. “Super, Lily. I’m sorry, I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it soon.”
Somehow, we manage to propel our way around the dance floor, or in this case the gym in the local comprehensive - out-of-school hours, of course. It brings back flashbacks of my own prom when I had the misfortune to be asked by Barry Gibbons, who was the most accident-prone pupil the school had ever seen. Half way through the theme to the Titanic, he spun me around and knocked Tracey Ironmonger into the stage, causing the portable light resting on it to fall off and shatter into a million pieces.
It went a little downhill after that when her date landed a huge punch on Barry who was not shy at reciprocating and they started a huge fight that practically destroyed all the hard work the prom committee had been slaving over for three months solid. Oh well, happy memories come back at the strangest times, reminding me why I gave up dancing – forever.
I am interested to discover more about my dancing friend and say with interest, “Why are you here, Connor?”
“I’ve got a date with a woman who loves to dance and I lied and said I could dance when I listed my interests and as she was the only one who replied to me, I have to learn and fast if I am to stand any chance with her at all.”
“Maybe she lied too.”
He shakes his head. “No, her profile picture on, The Love of Your Life, shows her holding up a glittering trophy.”
“Well, it may be for something else, it may not be dancing at all, perhaps, I don’t know, chess or something?”
He laughs while spinning me around a little too fast. “No, she was wearing one of those sequined dance dresses you see on the television. I think she’s a professional.”
“Oh, I see your predicament. Maybe you should come clean when you meet her. I’m sure it won’t matter when she sees how amazing you are.”
His face colours up and he appears a little stunned. “No one’s ever called me amazing before.”
He looks so happy it reminds me of the list where I vowed to compliment someone every day. Goodness, if I had known it would actually mean something to the person, I would have continued with it.
After two hours of intensive dance training, I feel as if I know enough not to embarrass myself on Saturday night if I’m lucky enough to be asked to dance. In fact, I’m quite looking forward to the whole experience and feel glad it’s Heidi who will accompany me. In fact, life is certainly looking a lot more exciting than it did a few weeks ago, which reminds me that life can change in an instant. Once again, I feel sad when I think of how things changed for my Aunt, but I can’t dwell on that. I need to remain positive and try to learn the lessons she has inadvertently taught me before I make the same ones because it’s obvious, I was definitely heading the same way.
♥20
Heidi looks beyond excited and I share the same feeling. We are dressed like something out of a Disney movie. Two Disney Princesses off to the ball.
Heidi opted for a pale blue gown with a sequined bodice and tulle skirt that flows to the ground, tripping her up as she tries to work out how to walk on heels. Her brown hair has been curled and placed on top of her head with the back remaining long and flowing. She even found some pale blue satin evening gloves and a matching clutch and the fake diamonds she wears around her throat look positively magical. Her mask is an ingenious design of pale blue silk and rhinestones with a few ostrich feathers complimenting the outfit. She looks amazing and has an inner glow, and I have never seen her look as beautiful as she does now.
As I contemplate my own reflection, I am quite proud of how I brushed up for the occasion. My strawberry blonde hair is much the same as Heidi’s but I have opted for the full ‘up do.’ My dress is a beautiful coral red satin, with a jewel-encrusted bodice. I too have some black evening gloves and matching clutch, and my mask is a mixture of black velvet and red feathers, with beautiful black jewels sparkling on the sides.
The doorbell rings and we grin at each other with anticipation. Heidi whispers, “This is it; we’re going to the ball in our uber chariot. I can’t cope.”
Giggling like a couple of teenagers going to the school disco, we head downstairs and the taxi driver says gruffly, “Where to?”
“The Connaught rooms, Covent Garden.”
He nods and ushers us to his waiting cab and jumps in, leaving us to open the door for ourselves. So much for the footmen. We appear to have the budget variety.
However, nothing can dull our excitement as we speed off into the night to an adventure we never knew was waiting. Heidi pinches herself and then me and says loudly, “I can’t believe it. We’re actually doing this. Do you think we’ll meet someone?”
“I think that’s a definite, after all, we’re not going to be the only ones there.”
“No, someone as in ‘the one.’ You know, as moments go, this one is the stuff of dreams. What if both our Prince Charming’s are there and better still, are best friends? It would all work out rather well, wouldn’t you say?”
“It would, but I doubt such things happen in real life. It will probably be the dullest thing we’ve ever had to endure because if it was that good, I’m pretty sure Sable would be sitting here in our place.”
Heidi nods, looking a little crestfallen. “I suppose so.”
By the time we reach the venue, we have imagined everything under the sun and have now both married Prince’s from neighbouring countries by the end of our taxi ride.
As we pay the driver and step out onto the cobbled streets of London, we look in awe at the red carpet stretching out majestically from the entrance to the Connaught rooms.
Feeling extremely important, we make our way to the end of it, joining other partygoers who are also dressed to impress. Sable was right. The dress code is strict because I have never seen so many fine women and handsome gentlemen in my life. All are wearing masks which adds to the excitement and I nudge Heidi as we see an impressive looking man entering the venue just ahead of us.
Heidi gasps and says in a high-pitched voice, “Oh my, please say he’s single and ready to mingle because I will die if he is isn’t.”
Her hand flies to her mouth and she says apologetically, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”
“It’s fine, just a figure of speech, don’t panic about it.”
I smile reassuringly and we make our way inside and hand our invitations to the l
ady and gentlemen waiting on the door. The lady smiles and lets us pass and I feel as if I have socially arrived. I am now deemed respectable and allowed to party with high society, which proves to me that this job is the only thing that matters. If it opens up this new world of opportunity, I would be a fool to let it slip from my greedy, ambitious grasp.
An impressive staircase stretches out ahead, and I physically ache to glide up its steps to the promised land. I think we both hold our breath as we ascend the staircase and head toward the ballroom. As we step through the doors into a scene from a movie, I gasp with admiration. Heidi says in awe, “It’s just like I dreamed it would be.”
Huge chandeliers hang from the ceilings and all around is luxury on a rather large scale. The ballroom is certainly impressive and the dancing has begun already as handsome gentlemen spin their elegant companions around the floor.
We are approached by a waiter in a braided uniform, who offers us both a glass of what appears to be champagne. As we help ourselves, I congratulate myself on making it. I’ve arrived. I’m an important powerful lady.
We make our way through the crowds and I look for a familiar face behind the mask. I do know quite a few editors from other magazines and of course, the ones we are affiliated with. It doesn’t take long before I spy Anastasia Martin, the Editor for Belle magazine, and I pull Heidi over to meet her. “Anastasia, it’s me, Lily, from Designer Homes - on a budget.”
She looks across and says pleasantly, “My dear, how amazing you look. Congratulations on the step up by the way. Sable told me you were her replacement.”
As I bask in her praise, I remind myself that this woman used to ignore me whenever she breezed into our office to meet her friend for lunch. She was never interested in me, but that appears to have changed because she takes hold of my elbow and whispers, “My door is always open if you need a friendly ear to listen to your woes. Us girls need to stick together because we have to work twice as hard as the men to earn less. Sad fact but true, but hopefully times are changing. Sable and I shared many confidences and I hope we can do the same.”
