Page 64 of Summer at Harbour View House
That seemed to lighten the mood somewhat. Eddie offered a grudging apology and they took a break for a few minutes, drinking coffee out of a large filter machine Lizzie had brought up from the pub. Outside the windows of the community centre, the rain was lashing down, battering the windows in a tribal drumbeat so loud Natasha was surprised it wasn’t putting Ben off.
While Ben and Mikey exchanged thoughts on rhythm, Mandy and Ryan grumbled about current royalty checks, and Eddie and Carly flirted shamelessly with each other, Jago, looking a little embarrassed, sauntered over to Natasha.
‘Gov’nor, I ain’t sure I’s quite makin’ the grade,’ he said. ‘You know, if this ‘ere was a bit of fiddle for a barn dance, I’d be lapping ‘e up like a cat with cream. Tryin’ to do this whole shredding thing … not sure I’s quite cuttin’ the mustard.’
Natasha lifted an eyebrow. ‘Gov’nor?’
Jago, waiting for instruction, said nothing.
‘Well, I think you’re doing great,’ Natasha said, trying to offer the guidance he was clearly looking for.
‘Couldn’t even hear me that last number.’
‘Just do your best.’
‘Maybe you should play like a backing track or something? Just have the lad over there sing?’
‘That would be karaoke, not a reunion,’ Natasha said. ‘Come on. Back to it.’
Ben was grinning at her. ‘I can see why you became a teacher.’
‘Back behind those drums or I’ll have you in detention.’
‘Yes, miss.’
With the rain still lashing down, and with Jago having taken most of the band back to St. Austell, Ben, Natasha and Eddie headed for the pub for a post rehearsal meeting.
‘It’s not working,’ Eddie said. ‘The old chemistry isn’t there.’
‘It might help if you sang something,’ Ben said.
Eddie scowled at him. ‘I was waiting for inspiration,’ he said. ‘It didn’t come. Plus, I need to protect my vocal cords.’
Lizzie, carrying a dishcloth and a pair of empty glasses from an adjacent table, wandered over. ‘You want me to bring you’s some drinks?’
‘Pint, please,’ Ben said. Natasha nodded in agreement.
‘I’ll have the same,’ she said, flashing Ben a quick smile.
Eddie gave them both a pointed look, then said, ‘Milk, please.’
‘Give us a min.’ Lizzie narrowed her eyes and grinned. ‘I’ll just go out back, squeeze the cow.’
‘I only drink goat,’ Eddie said.
Lizzie put her hands on her hips, the glasses clinking. ‘Well, she’s lost a bit of weight these last couple of weeks, so in the dark you ain’t tellin’ much difference.’
‘I’m only joking. Cow will be fine.’
Lizzie gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. ‘If this show of yours saves my pub, I’ll rename her after ‘e.’
‘Ah, thanks. What’s her current name?’
‘Cow.’
‘That’s … original.’
Lizzie winked. ‘After me mother. So. How many tickets you’s sold so far?’
