Page 131 of A Christmas Celebration
I hoped he was still thinking that when I got to the heart of the matter.
‘It’s only fair,’ I said, ‘giving that I’m still living there gratis.’
‘So, what’s all this about a notebook?’ Brodie frowned.
‘Well,’ I said, licking my lips, ‘Angus has tasked me with planning a party. We’re having a Christmas celebration on the twenty-third to further enjoy everyone being together and I’ve been using the notebook to keep track of the planning.’
‘That sounds wonderful,’ said Albert. ‘I can’t think of anywhere more suited to a Christmas gathering than the hall.’
‘And you’re both invited, of course,’ I added.
He immediately accepted. ‘We’d love to attend, wouldn’t we, Brodie?’
Brodie nodded, but didn’t say anything. He’d clearly guessed there was more to Angus’s party idea than I had so far let on. It was now or never.
‘In fact,’ I carried on breezily, ‘Angus is counting on you both being there, because he’d like to make it a celebration with a twist.’
‘What sort of twist?’ Brodie frowned.
Thinking on my feet, an idea formed which would makemore work for me, but hopefully soften the request I was about to make.
‘He wants me to put together an exhibition. Lots of local art work is going to be included, but he would like to make yours and Albert’s the main focus,’ I said in a rush, mentally crossing my fingers in the hope that I would be able to get other artists on board at such short notice. ‘He wants you to display your work at the hall as a sort of gentle introduction, or reintroduction in your case, Brodie, to sharing it with the wider world.’
My words were met with silence. As the seconds ticked by, I looked from Brodie to Albert and back again but couldn’t work out what either man was thinking.
‘So,’ I said, when I couldn’t bear the quiet any longer, ‘that’s why he thought I might need the notebook, because that’s where I’ve been making notes about how many sausage rolls and mince pies Dorothy has got stashed in the freezers, along with who will be exhibiting alongside you. Hopefully, alongside you…’
My light-hearted comment didn’t encourage either man to speak and I was just thinking I’d leave them to mull it over when Albert cleared his throat.
‘So, who will be in charge of arranging the displays?’ he asked. ‘And exactly how many paintings would Angus like us to send?’
My mouth fell open in shock.
‘You can’t be serious?’ Brodie gasped. ‘Surely, you’re not thinking of doing it?’
Albert sat up straighter in his chair.
‘Yes,’ he said firmly. ‘Yes, I am.’
‘But just a few days ago you swore us to secrecy…’ Brodie reminded him.
‘I know,’ Albert said. ‘I know I did, but now an amazing opportunity has come along and I want to grab it. If you remember, I also told you that I was going to live my life to the full again, didn’t I?’
Brodie didn’t answer that.
‘And sharing my paintings with a few people, even if it is just during a Christmas party, will be a chance to fulfil a boyhood dream.’
‘But what if it doesn’t end there?’ Brodie asked, sounding concerned. ‘You know what Angus is like, he could get the press involved.’
Albert shook his head.
‘We’ll cross that bridge when and if we come to it,’ he said resolutely. ‘Not that I can imagine for one second that anyone would be interested.’
‘So, you’re absolutely on board, Albert?’ I asked, just to be sure I hadn’t misinterpreted what I thought was his positive, and surprising reaction to the idea.
‘Definitely,’ he said, leaving no room for confusion. ‘I think it will be a lark. I’m not getting any younger, am I? So, I’ll happily embrace any larks which happen to come my way from now on.’
I gave him a double thumbs up thinking it was a huge turnaround for him. I couldn’t wait to tell Angus thatAlbert was going to take part. I was thrilled he was so keen, but one glance at Brodie’s face hastily wiped the smile off mine.
