Page 39 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘Which is exactly why I love her so much,’ said Molly fondly.

‘Right, back to the matter in hand; I’m not sure I’m strong enough to hear of anymore of Granny Aggie’s misdemeanours,’ Jimby said. ‘So we’ve got a couple of weeks to get all the last-minute things organised, make sure everything runs smoothly. Any idea how we’re doing with ticket sales?’

‘We’ve sold out,’ said Lucy. ‘Did ages ago.’

‘That’s brilliant.’ Anoushka beamed.

‘Aye, everyone’s up for a night out round here.’ Jimby took a swift glug of his pint. ‘Look at Noushka’s opening party; that had a great turn out and was really good do.’

‘Well, it was a great night ’til you started to strut your stuff, Jimby,’ said Molly. ‘You take up a hell of a lot of room on the dance floor, that’s for sure.’

‘Always love a chance to shake my booty,’ he said.

‘You should try dancing with him, Moll; you get flung around all over the place. I’ve still got whiplash to prove it,’ Vi said dryly.

‘I think I’ll leave that pleasure to you, hon. I’ll stick with Mr Dad-Dancer, here.’ Molly nudged Camm who smiled and shook his head as a flurry of laughter ran around the table.

‘The trouble with you lot is don’t know raw talent when you see it,’ said Jimby, adopting a look of feigned offence. ‘Anyroad, back to Noushka’s night; it was a cracking example of a fabulous family event. Makes me think we should do more things like that.’

Anoushka had managed to put the events of earlier that day out of her mind and throw herself into enjoying her opening party. The atmosphere had been upbeat, it had been well attended and she’d been inundated with “Good Luck” cards and gifts which was something she hadn’t expected. It had been a wonderful start to her new venture.

‘Yeah, thanks for supporting it, everyone,’ said Anoushka.

‘No probs, chick.’ Vi smiled warmly at her.

‘Remind me, what do folks get with their ticket price for the Auction of Promises, apart from entry?’ Ollie asked.

Molly looked at her list. ‘Well, as we’re keen to keep the cost of the tickets down to encourage folk to spend on the auction, we’re just going to set nibbles out on the tables – Lucy’s very kindly offered to make some bitesize pieces of her chocolate-dipped flapjacks and Bea said she’d make some mini caramelized onion sausage rolls and pizza bites; the rest of us can rustle up some other bits and bobs.’

‘Fabulous.’ Jimby patted his stomach, grinning.

‘And people are bringing their own drinks,’ Molly said.

‘Let’s hope they bring plenty of booze to encourage them to spend,’ said Vi.

‘Well, with the items people have promised, I don’t think anyone’ll take much convincing to splash their cash. Folk have been very generous, and promises are still coming in,’ said Freddie. ‘I’m liking the sound of the hour’s drive of a racing car, very kindly donated by Flash-By Finlay.’

‘Yeah, and Lord Hammondely called in this morning to say he’d donate a couple of bottles of vintage port from the Danskelfe Castle cellar,’ said Lucy.

Camm gave a low whistle. ‘Wow! They’ll be worth a fortune.’

‘And Caro’s promised a weekend stay at one of the new lodges on the Danskelfe estate,’ said Vi. ‘Shame it’s so close to home; I quite fancy that myself.’

The impressive list of promises and donations included everything from pledges to wash cars and windows or cut the grass, to treats such as a trip in a hot air balloon, a three-course meal at the Sunne with a bottle of wine thrown in, a ten-week course of dance lessons from Anoushka, a voucher from The Salon – the popular hairdressers at Middleton-le-Moors – and a week’s free dog-walking from Brogan to name but a few.

‘Ey up, watch out folks, Maneater’s heading this way. Time to be on high alert, fellas; get your family jewels covered, you never know where those wandering hands’ll get to.’ Jimby pulled a worried face, sending a flurry of laughter and snorts around the table. The only person who didn’t smile was Anoushka; she felt her heart sink. She hoped the woman wasn’t going to drag up the topic of their last conversation.

Everyone watched as Anita Matheson slinked her way towards them in a clingy dress. She took a swig from the large glass of wine in her hand; judging by the way she was swaying, it clearly wasn’t her first of the evening. ‘Well, bonsoir all.’ She cast a squiffy glance around the table. ‘I thought I’d better let you know I’ve got a promise I’d like to add to your auction list. Her eyes settled on Jimby as she licked her lips. He visibly paled. Vi bit down on a smile.

‘No wonder our Jimby’s quaking in his boots; I’m scared to hear what she’s going to say,’ Molly said sotto voce, making Vi’s giggle burst out. She quickly tried to disguise it as a cough.

Anita continued, Anoushka resisting making eye contact with her. ‘I’d like to offer a couple of hours over at my place, complete with a massage using the skills I’ve honed to perfection, using only the most sensual of massage oils. It’s specifically tailored to men and their muscular needs; I go deep,’ she said, pouting suggestively.

Ollie gave an audible gulp.

‘Flaming hell!’ Molly shot Vi a look of outrage.

‘Did she really just say that?’ Vi said quietly, wearing an expression of disbelief.

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