Page 35 of The Runaway Wives

Babs saw the colour flood to Dee’s cheeks as her friend turned away. Was there a flicker of interest between these two?

‘Right, let me give you a tour,’ Kenny said briskly, showing them around.

‘I like the individual spaces where the artists can work on their crafts but still have support and company,’ Dee said a little wistfully.

‘Do you think you’d ever go back to crafting, Dee? I used to love your paper beads. I still have one of your necklaces,’ Babs said, thinking that it might be good for her friend to have a hobby.

Kenny looked at Dee keenly. ‘You’re a crafter?’

‘Oh no, not really. I did a bit of paper crafting years ago, flowers, jewellery, cards, calendars, that kind of thing. But it was a long time ago.’

‘Interesting, we haven’t got any paper crafters on board. Maybe I’ll put some feelers out to see if we can attract one. We want a diverse selection of artists and craftsmen here. We intend to open it to the public so the more variety the better.’

‘I’m looking forward to the garden party,’ Dee said. ‘It will be good to see all the artists at work.’ Noticing Kenny’s surprised look, she added. ‘We’ve decided to put our cases in the car once we’ve handed in our keys on Saturday then go home after the garden party. It’s only a couple of hours’ drive.’

‘Brilliant.’ His face broke out into a wide smile. ‘And why don’t you come to the karaoke at The Pirate’s Head on Friday night? It’s always good fun. The usual crowd will be there.’

Dee shot an enquiring glance at Babs. Babs nodded. ‘Count us in!’

24

DEE

Thursday

‘Let’s go for a swim today. You haven’t worn your new cossie yet and there’s only a couple of days left of the holiday,’ Babs suggested the next morning as they sat eating breakfast in the garden. Snowy was snoozing on one of the chairs beside them. He seemed to have settled well, but then cats were more adaptable to new ‘owners’ than dogs, she’d always found.

Dee nodded. ‘Good idea. Let’s go this morning otherwise we’ll get caught up in the day and might not get chance.’

She noticed Babs’ startled expression and guessed her friend had expected her to protest, but the old Dee was coming back, the Dee that liked fun and wasn’t anxious about doing something wrong, or what she looked like. These few days down in Port Telwyn with Babs, and being accepted by Kenny and his friends, had given Dee her confidence back. She was sure that Cathy and Flic often took a dip in the sea without worrying that their figure wasn’t as taut as it used to be.

‘The sea will be warmer this afternoon,’ Babs pointed out.

Dee shrugged. ‘It won’t be that cold. Anyway, bathing in cold water is good for you.’

‘Who are you and what have you done with my best friend Dee?’ Babs teased and Dee laughed.

* * *

Babs was right, it was a bit chilly on the beach. They had both put their swimming costumes on underneath their shorts and T-shirts and as Dee slipped out of her clothes and tucked them into her beach bag, she shuddered. Did she really want to go into that cold water?

Babs was already running towards the sea, her boobs almost bouncing out of her pink and yellow flowered swimsuit. She paused and squealed as her feet touched the water. ‘It’s blooming freezing!’

Dee was determined not to be put off. She could do this. She ran over to the sea, shivering as a cold wave splashed over her, then braced herself and dived in. She did it! She was swimming in the sea!

‘Come in!’ she shouted to Babs.

‘Okay, I’m coming!’ Babs dived in, heading over to her and splashing her.

Dee splashed back, and they both giggled, fooling around like a pair of kids.

‘You two are brave going in this time of a morning! Either brave or mad!’

Dee looked over at the beach to see Kenny watching them.

‘I’m not sure which we are either,’ Dee called back.

‘Fancy meeting up at Moira’s about two to discuss the arrangements for Saturday?’ Kenny asked.

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