Page 22 of The Happy Hour
‘You too,’ she said. ‘You look... familiar?’
Spade tipped his top hat towards her. Beneath that he had a cloud of tangled curls, an even split between dark brown and grey, and was wearing faded jeans, a T-shirt that saidCrush thepatriarchy,and a navy blazer with sequinned lapels. A silver cross dangled from one ear, completing the aging rockstar look – a look that was entirely justified because that was exactly what he was. ‘House of Cards?’ he said.
Lola frowned, looking to Jess for explanation.
‘House of Cards was his band,’ Jess told her. ‘They split up in the Nineties, but it still has a cult following.’
‘Do you sell memorabilia, then?’ Lola asked.
‘Ah no.’ Spade chuckled. ‘I’m one of the market ghouls. Don’t work here, but come for the intrigue – the entertainment. There’s more of us than you think.’
Jess had never heard him refer to himself that way, but the phrase sent her mind skittering to Felicity, browsing the shop on a weekly basis, and then Ash, killing time here every Sunday.Lostsouls,she thought, then pushed the idea away.
‘Whatcha got there?’ Spade pointed at Lola’s violin case. ‘Little Stradivarius?’
‘This is Cecil.’ Lola stood up straighter.
‘Sweet. Fiddling’s a proper talent.’
‘I’m here to shoot a music video, actually,’ Lola said. ‘Jess is introducing me to everyone, getting you all onside so I can strut my stuff down the aisles without hundreds of complaints. The market’s got such a great atmosphere – it’s going to be the perfect backdrop.’
Spade rocked back on his heels, eyebrows raised. ‘Shoot crew on their way?’
Jess and Lola exchanged a glance. ‘I’m the shoot crew.’ Jess held up her phone. ‘We’re doing it on TikTok.’
‘It’s the modern way,’ Spade said. ‘Need any help?’
‘Ohyes!’Lola clapped her hands. ‘Anactualrock star? Yes please!’
Spade grinned. ‘I’m a world-class consultant. Mostly on living the high life, but music at a push. What do you need?’
‘Spade is an excellent friend,’ Enzo said. ‘He will help you, I am sure. And of course, please, I am happy to be in the background of your filming. I will do what I can.’
‘Thank you, Enzo.’ Jess squeezed his arm. ‘That’s so kind of you. And I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to get a coupleof shots of your jewellery.’ Could they help him, somehow? Lola was hoping this video would go viral, and with the market being featured, could it serve a dual purpose?
‘What’s your song?’ Spade asked.
‘It’s a piece I’ve written,’ Lola told him. ‘Modern vibes. MoreTwo Cellosthan traditionally classical. It’s the first time I’ve done this, though, so I’m just hoping that...’ She cleared her throat, and for the first time in months, Jess sensed her friend’s uncertainty.
‘What is it?’ she asked.
‘Nothing. I just... Spade?’ Lola said. ‘Do you still play, ever?’
‘The guitar?’ He scratched his neck. ‘Only about an hour a day, these days, and I’ve not played for an audience for a while, but you’ve got to keep your fingers flexible, keep up with the noodling.’
‘An hour aday?’ Lola sounded breathless. ‘So would you... I mean, if I worked on the piece, do you think—?’
Lola’s excitement was a physical thing, and Jess bit back a laugh. ‘Aren’t you trying to showcase your own talent?’ she asked.
‘But think of the views,’ Lola said, spinning to face her. ‘Me, alongside House of Cards’ lead guitarist. Just imagine!’
‘You want me to be in your video?’ Spade asked. ‘Your Cecil, my Axe?’
‘Yourwhat?’Jess said.
‘He means my violin and his guitar.’ Lola exhaled. ‘I know it’s asking a lot, and that I’m an amateur and I don’t have a shoot crew or a director, and that this is all very sudden, but—’
‘Nah, dude,’ Spade waved her away. ‘It sounds cool. Kooky. I’ve not played with a fiddle for twenty years, but it could really work. I’ll limber up a bit, dust off the old skills.’
