Page 28 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

Anoushka took a moment to think over Kristy’s invitation. ‘You know what? Much as I’ve still got loads to do, the thought of having a catch-up over a glass or two of wine with you and Broge sounds very tempting. I reckon I could justify a break from it all for a couple of hours.’

‘So is that a yes?’ Kristy smiled hopefully.

‘It’s a yes.’

‘Woohoo!’ Kristy thrust her mug aloft, splashing tea down the front of her top. ‘Bugger!’ The two friends burst out laughing, attracting the attention of Ethel and Mabel who trotted over to see what all the excitement was about, tails swishing busily.

‘So is this Friday evening any good?’ asked Kristy, once she’d finished dabbing her top dry.

‘This Friday’s perfect. There’s another four full days before then for me to get pretty much everything organised and set out ready for the big day, so the panic should be over; I intend to keep the week after free so I can go over everything, check for snags, make sure I haven’t forgotten anything; I’m keen to avoid a last-minute panic.’

‘Organised as ever, I see.’

‘Doesn’t feel much like it at the moment, but I’m hoping by the end of the week it will.’

Kristy nodded, pausing for a moment before she spoke. ‘So, have you heard anything from Gabe?’ Her attempt at nonchalance didn’t fool Anoushka, who could feel her face growing pink at the mention of his name. She sincerely hoped her friend hadn’t noticed.

Choosing to ignore the question, Anoushka thrust a plate of choc-chip cookies and custard creams in front of Kristy. ‘Biscuit?’ she asked, giving her a gentle warning look.

‘I was only asking; it’s a perfectly innocent question,’ Kristy said, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

‘Hmm. Not so sure about that. And, no, I haven’t heard anything from Gabe. Why would I?’

Kristy shrugged, taking a biscuit. ‘Just wondered, that’s all.’

‘Well, you can stop wondering. As you can see, I’ve been too busy to think about anything else other than the dance studio; it’s occupied my every waking thought for the last few weeks, as you well know. And I reckon Gabe will have been too busy with his tour to give me a second thought.’ Though her tone was good-natured, Anoushka hoped it didn’t disguise the hint she wanted their conversation to continue down a different route.

‘Yeah, righto, Noushka, we all know he’ll have given you way more than a second thought. The way he looks at you, I’d put money on you being his first waking thought and the last thing he thinks about before going to sleep.’

Anoushka shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. ‘Kristy, can I just say, I think you’re getting a little bit carried away with yourself there, chick.’

‘I really don’t think so.’ Kristy gave her a knowing smile. ‘It’s not only me who’s noticed the sparks flying when you’re in his company.’

Anoushka rolled her eyes and sighed. ‘Well, you and whoever else thinks that – Brogan, no doubt – have got very vivid imaginations and are seeing things that really aren’t there! I like him as a friend, of course I do, he’s a lovely guy, but that’s as far as it goes. There are no sparks. In fact, he hasn’t crossed my mind since he left.’You little fibber!

‘Really?’ Kristy didn’t sound convinced. ‘And you won’t know anything about how his tour’s been a roaring success.’

‘Well… I… I suppose I have heard that, but I think it was Lils who told me.’ She could feel her face growing hotter.

‘Course she did,’ said Kristy, smiling. ‘And, of course,youwouldn’t have been scrolling through social media, checking to see how he’s doing.’

‘No, I would not!’ She turned, making a sweeping gesture with her arm towards the laden kitchen table. ‘You can see how busy I’ve been; I’ve been too swamped with getting my dance school ready as I keep telling you.’ She huffed indignantly.

‘Oh, yeah? Well, if I didn’t know any better, Anoushka Cartwright, I’d say you had the hots for our Irish singer.’ Kristy giggled into her mug.

Anoushka was beginning to feel niggled by the turn their conversation had taken; Kristy didn’t seem to be picking up any of Anoushka’s subtle messages.Ughh!She wanted to focus on one thing, and one thing alone, and Anoushka was getting a bit tired of telling everyone that. It was bloody frustrating! In fact, she was getting tired of everyone trying to fix her up with Gabe. She drew in a deep breath. ‘You’re so way off the mark. And if this is what I’m going to be subjected to on Friday night, I’ll be staying at home.’ Her face was burning with annoyance now.

Kristy’s smile fell. ‘Hey, calm your jets, flower, I was only joshing.’ She placed a placatory hand on Anoushka’s arm. ‘I’m really sorry if it didn’t come across that way. I promise I won’t do it anymore.’

‘Good.’ Embarrassed by her sudden outburst, Anoushka found she couldn’t make eye contact with her friend.

Kristy set her mug down and wrapped her arms around Anoushka. ‘I’m sorry if I’ve upset you; I hadn’t realised it was bothering you so much. I really should try thinking before I open my great big trap. I get that you’ve had a crappy time of it with that dickhead Damon, and you want to be on your own for a while, I really do. It’s just… well, I want you to be happy, that’s all, but… anyway, I’ll keep my beak out and I promise I won’t mention Gabe any more today.’ She released Anoushka, resting her hands on her friend’s shoulders.

Anoushka suddenly felt guilty for being snappy; she really didn’t want to fall out with Kristy over Gabe – or any man, for that matter – she was just getting her life back on track since Damon and she didn’t want anything to scupper her friendship.

‘Are we good?’ Kristy asked, giving Anoushka’s shoulders a quick squeeze.

‘We’re good.’ Anoushka smiled, nodding. ‘Sorry I was a ratty-pants.’

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