Page 25 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
‘Pete, man. You’re shivering. Go get warmed up!’ said Dylan, his young face suddenly serious. ‘You’ll be no good to any of us tomorrow, otherwise.’
‘Good point,’ said Pete. ‘I’ll catch you in a bit.’
Pete jogged away up the beach, still clutching his towel. He fully intended to head straight for the Surf Club for a warm shower before changing into his dry clothes… but then he spotted Scarlett and promptly changed direction.
What was it about this woman that made him throw common sense straight out of the window?
Scarlett was standing at the edge of the crowd, looking a bit lost. Her hair was still damp, curling wildly around her face, and she was huddled in her cardigan, her hands tucked under her arms for warmth. It clearly wasn’t working—she looked chilled to the bone.
‘You alright?’ he said, coming to stand next to her and noting the slight blue tinge to her lips. ‘You look frozen.’
‘I’m fine, thanks,’ said Scarlett, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her, along with the fact that she was clearly having trouble smiling because her face was so cold. ‘Just trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do next. I thought I’d get the chance to head back to the hut to shower, change into something warmer, and then hang out with the others in the café for a bit, but…’
She trailed off and gestured to Brian Singer, who was doing an admirable impression of a sheepdog herding a reluctant flock, as he corralled the still-soggy Chilly Dippers towards the minibus.
‘One at a time on the steps!’ Brian called. ‘And don’t forget your plastic bag!’
Pete watched in amusement as he handed out black bin liners to each passing swimmer, complete with detailed instructions on how to sit on them to protect the upholstery of his precious minibus. ‘I want these back, mind!’ he added. ‘Don’t go thinking they’re souvenirs!’
Pete snorted. He might have missed the event for several years, but some things never changed!
‘Well, I guess you can either grab a bag from Brian and head over to Crumbleton with the others,’ said Pete, ‘or chill out here for the rest of the day.’
Scarlett nodded. ‘All my stuff’s here, and I could really do with warming up!’
‘Hold that thought,’ said Pete, shrugging out of his fleece. ‘Here, put that on. It’s a bit damp but better than catching a cold.’
‘Thanks!’ said Scarlett, pulling it on without a hint of an argument. She snuggled into the collar with a grateful sigh. ‘You know, I think I’ll stay put. I could do with a bit of a rest after all that excitement.’
‘Good call,’ said Pete. ‘Head back to the hut, grab a shower and warm up properly. The café’s open all day, so you could always wander back over later for something to eat.’
‘Okay, I might do that.’ She opened her mouth to say something else but then got distracted by Brian slamming the minibus door.
‘You coming, coffee queen?’ he called over to her, waving a spare plastic bag.
Scarlett hesitated for a split second before shaking her head. Pete watched as she waved to her friend, who waved back frantically and then started making little hearts at her with her fingers as Brian pulled away.
‘Right… I guess I’d better head back to the hut, then,’ she said, letting out a sad little sigh and looking decidedly forlorn.
That was all it took for Pete to make his mind up about something that had been plaguing him for days… or, if he was being honest… for years. He’d had no intention of ever setting foot in the Big Dip Dance again. Not after what had happened the last time he went. But now…
‘By the way, I meant to say… I’ll be driving Libby over to Crumbleton for the Big Dip Dance this evening,’ he said. ‘I can give you a lift too if you’d like?’
It was only a teeny, tiny white lie… but Pete didn’t think his dad would mind him stepping into the role of designated taxi driver for his little sister. Libbydefinitelywouldn’t mind. As long as she could get to the dance and home again afterwards, she wouldn’t give two hoots who played chauffeur!
‘Dance?’ said Scarlett, shivering slightly as she turned to him. ‘What dance?’
‘Didn’t the others tell you?’ said Pete.
‘I think Lou vaguely said something about it,’ said Scarlett, ‘but I was too busy freaking out about the swimming to pay much attention.’
‘It’s at the Dolphin and Anchor. It’s part of Big Dip tradition. You don’t want to miss it!’
Pete stopped talking abruptly. Until three seconds ago, he’d have done anything in his power to miss it! But Scarlett had just turned everything on its head. The idea of going with her… of spending the whole evening together… of wrapping his arms around her while they danced? That changed everything!
‘So… what do you reckon?’ he said, trying to ignore the fact that his fingers were now numb with cold and he was having to really concentrate to stop himself from shivering.
‘I don’t know,’ said Scarlett. ‘I was kind of a last-minute addition to the trip. I don’t have a ticket… I’m not even sure if I’m invited.’
