Page 77 of Teacakes & Tangos
‘Oh, I’m fine!’ She glanced at her watch and frowned. ‘Actually, do you mind if we just nip out to the shops? We could have a walk along the promenade as well if you feel like stretching your legs?’
‘Right.’ I looked at her in amazement. ‘Yes, that would be lovely.’
I suppose I’d been picturing having to scrape Roz off the floor and provide an endless supply of paper hankies. But this was feeling more like popping to Lytham for a little holiday and a reunion with a good friend into the bargain...
We drove through Lytham St Anne’s and stopped at a supermarket to pick up a few groceries. Back in the car, Roz beamed at me and said, ‘Do you know what? I quite fancy going into Blackpool. It’s just a few miles up the coast. What do you think?’
‘Erm, yes. Okay. Great.’ I’d been to Blackpool a couple of times with Mum and Dad when I was really little. But I could barely remember it.
‘We could go and see the Blackpool Tower Ballroom if you like? You always wanted to see inside.’
‘Wow, I’d love to.’ I felt instant excitement at the idea. Roz was right. I’d long wanted to see it but I’d somehow never got round to it. It was ridiculous, really, considering dance was my life – but I’d only ever seen the glorious Blackpool Tower Ballroom on TV during ‘Blackpool week’ on the BBC’sStrictly Come Dancing. ‘But you have to book, don’t you? You can’t just walk in off the street.’
‘Erm... not sure. Let’s find out!’ She smiled cheerily and we set off.
Arriving in Blackpool, I drove along the main street, my head turning from side to side to take in the sights of thisunique town, with the beach on one side and all the shops and amusement arcades and cafés on the other. I parked close to the famous Blackpool Tower and as we got out and walked along, I was wishing Rory could be here to enjoy it with me.
Despite the excitement of seeing the ballroom, I felt my heart sink.
Rory wasn’t here. And maybe I’d have to get used to the idea that he wouldn’t always be with me. But I needed to put a smile on my face and enjoy this experience nonetheless...
We were almost there, Blackpool Tower reaching into the sky above us. It was an amazing sight, I thought, as my eyes swept over the building.
Suddenly, I did a double take.
Was that . . .?
No, it couldn’t be. Rory had a meeting this morning. That’s why he left really early, even before me...
‘You okay?’ asked Roz, smiling broadly.
And then all of a sudden, I knew.
My heart was beating fast. ‘Why is Rory here? You knew, didn’t you?’ I stared at her in amazement. ‘Don’t tell me this was all a set-up?’
She burst out laughing. ‘You’ve got it!’
‘But how? Why?I mean... What’s going on?’
‘Oh, you’ll find out, don’t worry.’
We greeted Rory.
‘Surprised?’ he asked, smiling at me.
‘Well, yes. Of course I am. You said you were going to a meeting?’
‘Just a ruse,’ he confessed. ‘I almost slept through my alarm which would have totally derailed my plan to get here before you.’
‘Ithoughtyou were rushing about mighty early!’
‘I was worried you might delay your trip to see Roz. You’ve been looking so pale and exhausted recently. But thankfully you made it.’
I nodded, still in a state of bewilderment.
He reached out and pulled me close. And I snuggled next to him, feeling instantly more relaxed at being back in my favourite place, nestled in the warmth of Rory’s arms.
Roz clapped her hands together. ‘Right, I’m off to the cinema.’
