Page 53 of A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

As a musician, Phil had great rhythm but, in all the years I’d known him, had remained incapable of committing any sort of dance routine to memory, no matter how simple. He couldn’t even master ‘Y.M.C.A.’ despite being repeatedly told it was just a case of forming the appropriate letter with his arms. He’d manage the ‘Y’ and it would descend into chaos from there.

‘You go,’ he encouraged. ‘I’ll film it for your dad.’

I smiled at him gratefully. Dad used to love dancing and had always been the first on the floor at any parties, often leading the moves.

When the DJ announced that it was time to join in, Amber and her bridesmaids shuffled forwards into one long row so the guests could stand behind them for guidance, not that that helped when the direction changed. Joel took his position behind Imogen and, in a moment of bravery, I stood next to him and was rewarded with another of his dazzling smiles. He wasn’t the best, bless him, turning the wrong way and colliding with mea couple of times, but he scored full marks for trying. It was so lovely laughing together.

The track changed to Olly Murs’s ‘Marry Me’ and the DJ invited everyone on to the dance floor to throw whatever shapes they wanted. My heart melted as Joel picked Imogen up and hugged her tightly.

‘That was brilliant,’ he told her. ‘I’m so proud of you, my little Swiftie.’

‘Great song choice,’ I said. ‘I love Taylor Swift too.’

Imogen beamed at me. ‘She’s the best! My dress is all better now, too.’

‘So I see. You’d never have known it was purple a couple of hours ago.’

‘Thanks again for helping her,’ Joel said.

‘You’re welcome. And thanks for helping me with my ready meal dilemma.’ I inwardly cringed. Could I not have thought of something better to say? But what else could I say when his daughter was with us?

Imogen announced that she was thirsty and pulled Joel towards the bar. He gave me an apologetic look. ‘You’re sticking around all night?’

I hadn’t been planning to but the word, ‘Yes,’ popped out, sending my butterflies flapping once more.

‘Good. I’ll see you later, then.’

I nodded, smiling.Can’t wait!

‘I was thinking about our first dance,’ Phil said when I re-joined him and we found a table away from the dance floor. ‘I still can’t believe I stood on your dress.’

‘Several times, I recall, although you weren’t the only one. It was covered in footprints by the end of the night.’

‘We had a good marriage, didn’t we?’ The tone and expression were a little uncertain, as though he was worried that I might be hurt that it was over and he’d met someone new, butthat had never been the case. It was sad that we hadn’t made it, but ending it had been right for us both and I still loved him, but only as a friend.

I gave him a reassuring smile. ‘We absolutely did. You know how they talk about happy ever afters in books and films? I think we were that other variation – the happy for now – but you’ve found your happy ever after since then with Reina and Eliana.’

‘I’d like you to find your happy ever after too.’

‘Me too, but finding someone is so difficult. My two attempts after you weren’t exactly resounding successes.’

‘You can’t let Mr-Coffee-Is-Code-For-Sex-Tosspot put you off.’

I laughed at the nickname. ‘I know there are good men out there, but timing’s everything and my life has been an emotional mess for quite some time. It’s a lot to put on someone new, so it’s easier not to try to. And, of course, now I’ve been so long out of the game that it feels a bit too scary to play again.’

‘I completely get that, but what about doing something each day that scares you?’

I rolled my eyes at him. ‘That phrase is haunting me at the moment. I’m still trying to live by it, but it’s not easy.’

‘You deserve a good man and good friends, Pops, because you’re one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met.’

‘Thank you. Right back at ya.’

‘And, actually, timing might be everything, but sometimes what can seem the worst possible timing can turn out to be the best. Life’s chaotic. I say embrace the chaos!’

Embrace the chaos!I liked that a lot. I spotted Joel near the bar. Timing really was terrible right now, but could it turn out to be spot on? The butterflies soared at the thought.

Fizz and Samantha appeared and pulled Phil and me onto the dance floor. My eyes keep getting drawn to Joel, who was now dancing with Imogen. He was clearly a doting dad and helooked so adorable. Every so often, he looked across and smiled at me, setting my heart pounding. I was fairly sure he was interested in me and he had to have found out that Phil and I weren’t a couple because surely he wouldn’t keep smiling at me if he thought we were together. Also, he’d specifically asked me if I’d be around all night and why ask that unless he knew that Phil wasn’t my partner and would be leaving early? Perhaps he was biding his time until Phil left before asking me to dance or offering me a drink. The thought made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

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