Page 95 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
Monica glances at her watch. ‘Vince is currently sat in a Birmingham pub about to meet his latest SE date, Venus.’
My eyes widen as Monica explains how she hacked into his account, set up a new profile and hid it from Vince.
‘I sent all the messages to my phone and several somewhat questionable dates will be arriving at the Cock and Bull simultaneously in just half an hour. If my phone was not bust I’d show you the profiles for Greta Grinder, Cindy-Just-Cindy – oh and her dog – Titania and finally Bruce with several of his drag artist friends.’
‘Frigging brilliant. Where have you been hiding this new Monica? Respect girl.’
We both laugh aloud as Monica describes each of the dates and their messages.
‘God, Monica, I take it all back. Don’t go on social media, you’d wipe the floor with everyone else. Oh, to be a fly on the wall at the Cock and Bull…’
‘Yours is a good idea though, Ruby. For me to turn up and have it out with him. Wish I’d thought of it.’
‘You can still do it. Arrange to meet him before he gets home – send him a date request on Spontaneous Encounters as yourself. It’ll then be obvious you’ve sussed him so he can’t squirm out of it. I can look after the twins for you…’
‘He’s due back the same day as me. I could do withgetting home first then intercepting him. I need to work out something,’ Monica sighs.
Hazel interrupts our conversation by tapping her spoon to her glass.
‘I hope you will indulge me ladies, but I would like to say a few words.’
We all sit back in our chairs and listen.
‘I’m so glad we all made it to Paris despite the difficulties that have arisen. It was my dearest wish to see Clarissa’s wonderful dance numbers performed in this competition. And now you are through to the finals. Well done all of you. I know Clarissa could not be prouder of you.’
We all smile at one another, although I notice Gnasher-Asha looks rather glum and Ingrida, who sits between Celtic Cath and Frosty Fay, seems to be forcing her smile. Her demeanour is a far cry from her nickname, Happy-To-Be-Here-Ingrida. I guess she’s not happy to find she’s pregnant. Who’d plan to have a baby on top of three young stepchildren?
Lady C’s eyes shine as she looks at Hazel, but there’s a slight wobble to her lower lip. No wonder. Monica seems to think Hazel’s unlikely to see the year out.
‘Today has been quite the day of drama and unfortunate incidents. What with Fay’s accident and the attack on Monica, never mind Sheila Bold’s exposé on stage.’ Hazel raises her eyebrows.
‘It reminds me life can be full of drama and unfortunate incidents. But I think we should be careful not to let these moments take on a significance they do not warrant.The peaks and troughs, while providing endless hours of entertainment or trauma, are not the essence of life. Life’s treasures are in the more commonplace normality of everyday living. Friendships that endure…’
I glance briefly at Monica, and we smile at each other.
‘…A walk in the park. Watching a sunset. Sitting quietly without having to talk. Dancing. A hug. And more dancing.’
There are a few shouts of ‘Yes’ and ‘Dancing forever’ before Hazel continues.
‘I don’t normally take kindly to those who give of their opinions freely and copiously, but if you will allow a woman in the twilight of her life to give a little counsel, I’d be most grateful.’
We all seem to hold our collective breath as Hazel continues and Clarissa’s eyes pool.
‘A wise person once said to me, don’t be afraid to take risks. Life passes far too quickly to play it safe. They added, don’t take yourself too seriously. We all need to act the fool on occasion to keep our sanity. I pass on this advice knowing it has stood me in good stead. So, give me a racy rhythm – I am a dancing fool.’
‘Right on,’ I shout as others clap.
‘I will not say much more but now I have reached this… this crossroad – no, I refuse to be sad – I must tell you I’ve discovered life’s greatest treasure is to be atpeace with oneself. At peace with who you are and with those you care for. I can honestly say…’ Hazel takes a deep breath and Clarissa places her hand on Hazel’s arm, which she covers with her own palm.
‘I can honestly say I am completely at peace with myself and with my life.’ She gives Clarissa a significant look as she smiles and blinks back a tear.
Without looking around the table, I know Hazel’s words are touching everyone.
‘I’ve had a truly wonderful life, surrounded by talented and wonderful people. If I did it all over again, I wouldn’t change a single thing.’
Tears cascade down Clarissa’s face, but she makes no attempt to wipe them away as she tightly holds Hazel’s hand.
‘So, I would like you to raise your glasses to toast my lifelong companion, my confidante and my closest friend.’
