Page 34 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
‘We’ve only just got here,’ said Scarlett, accepting Lou’s warm hug. ‘We walked over from the carpark.’
‘How romantic!’ sighed Lou.
Pete cleared his throat and fidgeted at her side. Scarlett chanced a glance at him, but he had a broad grin on his face, even if he was obviously uncomfortable.
‘I’m so sorry I didn’t mention the dress code,’ said Lou, completely missing any awkward undertones as she stepped back to admire Scarlett’s outfit. ‘It completely slipped my mind. But you look fantastic! Where on earth did you find that dress?’
‘Libby gets all the credit,’ Scarlett said.
‘Who?’
‘Me!’ said Libby as she bounced up next to Pete. ‘Hi! I’m Pete’s annoying little sister.’
Lou grinned at her, clearly recognising a kindred spirit.
‘She’s my stylist for the night,’ said Scarlett.
‘Nice work,’ said Lou, approvingly.
Libby performed a mock bow. ‘Thanks very much. My talents are vastly underappreciated around here.’
‘Well, you’ve done a gorgeous job on Little Miss Spreadsheet here,’ said Lou. ‘Don’t you think so?’ she added, turning to Pete.
‘I… erm… well…’ stuttered Pete.
Ooh, she was going to kick Lou in the shins the first chance she got!
‘What my idiot brother means to say,’ Libby cut in, is…Scarlett, you’re the most beautiful woman in the world, and I want to?—’
Libby’s exaggerated muppet impression of her brother was promptly cut off as Pete dragged her into a playful headlock.
‘Mess with my hair and I’ll make your life sooooo much worse!’ spluttered Libby as she giggled and struggled in his hold.
Scarlett didn’t know whether to laugh or go and find a convenient darkened corner to hide in. Luckily, she was saved the trouble of deciding by a loud screech of feedback followed by someone tapping on a microphone.
There was a collective wince as the whole room turned towards the source of the racket.
‘Ladies and gentlemen!’ boomed a familiar voice. ‘Welcome to the Big Dip Dance!’
Brian Singer stood on a small, raised platform at the far end of the room, wearing an outfit that made Scarlett do a double take. His spangly shirt was open almost to the waist to reveal an impressive display of chest hair.
‘Is that really Brian?’ she whispered to Pete, who was struggling to contain his amusement.
‘The one and only,’ he confirmed. ‘He does this event every year. It’s his big moment.’
‘Once again, I’ll be your DJ for the evening,’ Brian continued, striking a pose that was probably meant to be somewhere between John Travolta and Elvis… but actually looked a bit painful. ‘We’ll be kicking off with a few cracking numbers, so I want to see you all up on the dancefloor!’
There was a smattering of applause, followed by the opening notes of an eighties number… but no one seemed to be that keen on being the first ones onto the floor.
‘Ladies, can I get you all a drink?’ said Pete.
‘Yes, please!’ Scarlett, Libby and Lou said in unison. Before Pete could make a break for it, there was a chorus of enthusiastic orders from the rest of the Chilly Dippers too.
‘White wine!’
‘G and T for me!’
‘Ooh, I’d love a vodka tonic!’
