Page 89 of One Golden Summer
Ginger gave her a dismissive wave. “I’m not high maintenance. Half an hour will do me. I just wanted to say thank you, before the party kicks off, for all your hard work. I know it hasn’t been easy, given the circumstances.”
Regret slid down Kirsty, but she ignored it. Today was about Ginger and her new life. She wasn’t about to steal the limelight. “Whatever’s happened with your sister is nothing to do with the party. I’m still here for you 100 per cent.”
Ginger stroked her arm. “I know, and I appreciate that.” She paused. “But I also wanted to let you know that you shouldn’t give up on Saffron. Nothing happened with her and Echo. I really think tonight could be the start of another story, too. You and my sister.”
Kirsty shook her head. “I can’t think about that right now. I have to focus on my job. Plus, she thought the worst of me. I’m not sure that’s a great basis to start from.”
Ginger gave a slow smile as she looked out to sea, before turning her gaze to Kirsty.
“You and my sister are very alike, you know that? You’re both looking for love, but you’re both scared shitless. Plus, you’re both damaged from the past. But isn’t everyone?” She turned and pointed at the venue. “Look at me. Some people might see this as me celebrating a failure. That’s one way to look at it. Maybe I thought like that at one point. But today, thanks to your help, I see this as the start of a new future. Plus, a reason to drink fabulous cocktails and eat delicious cake. We need more of that in the world.”
“Saffron and you are a bit like the sea.” Ginger waved her hand again. “Calm on the surface, but raging emotions underneath. Those emotions could be explosive in a good way, not a divisive way. I believe you’ve both experienced the worst side this week.”
Kirsty dipped her head. A cannonball of emotion rolled through her, steamrollering her heart. “You could say that.”
Ginger shook her head. “I can’t believe I’m saying this on the day of my divorce party, but I am, so you’d better listen.” She paused to check she had Kirsty’s attention.
She did.
“You’re both scared, but somebody needs to make the move. You could be happy. I think deep down, you both know that. Grasp happiness while it’s on offer. I still intend to when it next presents itself to me. I’ve just got divorced, but I’m still advocating for love. If I can do it, so can you.”
Love? Kirsty’s heart clambered to its feet. She went to speak, but her throat was dry. Eventually, she spluttered: “Love? Has Saffron been talking about love?” Kirsty’s heart glowed like never before.
Ginger reached out and squeezed her hand. “What do you think has been going on with the two of you?” She smiled. “Think about it. Do the party tonight, but when everything’s done, don’t run off. Talk to Saffron. You might just find what you’ve been looking for.”
Chapter 31
The band started to play “I Will Survive” and everyone hit the dance floor with Ginger in the middle, her arms raised as she continued bumping and grinding with all willing partygoers, singing along like her life depended on it. Even Ian danced with Betty, Kirsty’s father showcasing bumbling dad moves, but Saffron liked how he didn’t seem to give a damn.
Everyone was pleasantly buzzed and having a ball.
Well, everyone but Saffron, who’d been putting on a brave face and making small talk with the guests. Odds were no one suspected Saffron would rather be swimming naked in a pool of piranhas.
The only person who Saffron hadn’t spoken to was Kirsty, the one Saff wanted to speak to most of all, but was terrified to the core. Apparently, Kirsty wasn’t in the mood for chit-chat either, because whenever Saffron was on one side of the party, Kirsty was on the exact opposite with her back turned. One time, they were almost in the same airspace, until Kirsty dashed off on some party mission.
Surely, that meant Kirsty had made up her mind, and Saffron should steel her heart to forever being alone. The sole good news was she’d talked to a shelter about a rescue dog and would be meeting her the following day. Saffron had been bouncing around possible names, but the one that hung over her head like a cartoon bubble was Kirsty.
Kirsty.
“Yes?”
Saffron spun around. “Um… did I say that aloud?”
“You did.” Kirsty wet her lips.
“Are you sure?” Saffron took a step back.
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“Not intentionally, no.” A sheen of sweat dampened the back of her shirt.
“Does that mean your subconscious thinks I’m a liar?”
“This isn’t going well for me, is it?”
“Are you implying it’s going well for me?” Kirsty’s facial muscles lost some of their rigidity and her eyes glistened with interest.
“You’re feisty today.” Saffron put a hand up. “No, I wasn’t hinting at anything by that. I’m just doing a terrible job of communicating tonight. I wish I could blame the Divorce Sours, but I haven’t had one.”
