CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Morning sunlight shone in the clear, autumn sky as Mari walked along the cobbled street reading the newspaper. She’d bought a copy from the grocery shop, and was eager to see if the theatre story was in it.
And there it was. The main picture showed her standing outside the theatre with Huntly and the others. Huntly stood next to her and she couldn’t help noticing how tall he was. She barely came up to his shoulders. But it was a photo that captured the happiness of them all together, with the theatre’s new lights on display.
She read the headline:
New playwright’s drama launches theatre’s autumn entertainment .
Walking on towards Ivy’s shop, she intended showing her the story, excited to share it with her. It crossed her mind to phone Huntly and tell him they were featured in the paper, but their previous night’s dilemma still stung. He was bound to read this for himself, and she didn’t want him to think she was using it as an excuse to call him.
The beautiful bright morning had a warmth to it, not even a breeze strong enough to cause the bunting outside the craft shop to flutter.
Mari went inside, still holding the newspaper open and walked up to the counter where Ivy was adding the knitting needles that had arrived that morning to the theatre’s knitted cat bags.
‘There’s a story in today’s paper about the theatre,’ Mari said, hearing the excitement in her voice.
Ivy dropped everything she was doing. ‘Let me have a look.’
They stood together reading the feature, commenting about the pictures and the editorial.
‘The theatre looks great with the new lights up,’ Ivy remarked. ‘And Huntly seems pleased to be standing next to you.’
‘He does.’ Mari sounded wistful.
‘Is there something amiss?’ said Ivy, picking up on Mari’s tone.
‘I had dinner with him at his house last night...’ Mari revealed the details, and the outcome. ‘He nearly kissed me. And I almost let him.’
‘Oh, that’s so romantic.’
‘We’d both agreed not to become romantically involved. We’re in the thick of everything with the theatre, launching the new play.’ Mari sighed as if it was exhausting. And she did feel emotionally exhausted from trying to juggle her career taking off and her feelings for Huntly.
‘There’s never the right time when it comes to falling in love,’ Ivy said wisely. ‘If I’d dithered around when Bob proposed, I shudder to think that I could’ve ruined our chances of happiness.’
Mari shook her head. ‘We’ve agreed to put romance on the back burner.’ She told Ivy how he’d driven her home, walked her to the front door of her flat and they chatted for a few minutes, sealing the deal that they’d both rein in romance and put their relationship back on a friendly basis.
‘At least you’re not saying never,’ said Ivy, sounding hopeful.
‘It’s never for now, and for the foreseeable future.’
‘That’s a wee shame,’ Ivy told her truthfully. ‘But you’ll know what’s right for you. Everyone’s romance is different. Bob and I suit each other. We have lots in common and lots not. He’s a baker. I don’t bake, but I chat to him about his new recipes. I knit and sew. Bob doesn’t, but he helps me select the fabrics and stacks the shelves when we restock at night. We share our business interests and our home life. It works, but your talent as a playwright could really soar.’
‘I feel I can’t take on any more drama in my life right now. I’ve enough with trying to write new plays. But Huntly is a magnet for drama.’
Ivy nodded. ‘I have my own craft shop business. But I don’t think I could’ve done what you did, giving up a reliable career in accounts to hang your hopes and dreams to a star, and take a huge leap to move to Edinburgh. That takes guts and hard work.’
Mari felt a little bit tearful, knowing how hard it had been, but she was now starting to gain the benefits.
‘So if you think you can’t add romance with Huntly, then don’t. Take things easy as you say,’ said Ivy. ‘Huntly has a reputation for being unlucky in love. Remember, his last relationship ended in a blaze of verbal fireworks outside his theatre.’
Mari had taken that into account.
Ivy brightened and tapped the newspaper. ‘But this is a story that makes you shine. I’m thrilled for you.’
Bob came bustling in, armed with tasty treats for his wife’s morning break, and a copy of the newspaper tucked under his arm.
‘I see you’re infamous the day, lass,’ Bob said to Mari.
‘You’ve read the paper?’ Mari surmised.
‘Oh, aye,’ Bob confirmed with a grin. ‘Handsome Huntly looked fair chuffed with himself standing next to you in the photie.’
Bob’s cheery attitude lifted the mood.
They chatted about her having dinner at Huntly’s house, and how beautiful the house was.
‘What did Huntly cook for you?’ Bob was keen to know.
‘Fish and chips. He cooked them from scratch,’ said Mari. ‘And they were delicious.’
Bob rubbed his hands together. ‘It’s put me in the notion for a fish supper for our dinner tonight.’ He grinned at Ivy. ‘How about I rustle that up for us this evening.’
‘Oooh, tasty,’ Ivy said, sounding enthusiastic. ‘Bob’s the chef in our wee hoose.’
‘Did you help Huntly cook the fish supper?’ Bob wanted to know more details. Anything cooking or baking related was of interest to him.
‘No, he encouraged me to have a look around his house,’ said Mari. ‘He was happy to let me nosy at the living room, his study, and I had a walk outside in the garden. It’s a gorgeous house and garden.’
‘It sounds like Huntly’s smitten if you ask me,’ Bob announced, sounding sure of himself.
Ivy nipped his hopes of a romance between Mari and Huntly in the bud. ‘They’re taking things back to being friendly while they’re in the whirlwind of getting the autumn and winter shows ready for the theatre.’
Bob sucked in a mouthful of air. ‘Oooh, that’s a gamble, lass,’ he warned Mari. ‘But you’re a feisty one, so I’m sure you know what’s right for you.’
Ivy peered into the two paper bags of cakes and buns he’d brought. ‘There are some tasty treats in there this morning.’ She smiled at Mari. ‘I’ll put the kettle on for tea and we’ll have a wee celebration for you being in the paper, and finding success with your play.’
While the kettle boiled, Ivy’s phone started to ping with messages, as did the computer screen behind the counter.
Bob took over making the tea while Ivy checked the influx of messages. She blinked after reading through them. ‘Mari!’ she said. ‘Take a look at these. Lots of folk are wanting to order the theatre’s knitted cat pattern.’
‘What?’ Mari peered at the messages, skim–reading them. ‘They’re saying they saw it in the paper.’
‘You were holding the knitted cat when you were standing beside the actor.’
‘Yes, Andy had fluffy and I had the knitted cat.’ She checked the newspaper editorial. ‘Oh, dear. I never read the caption under the photo. It says: Knit your own cat . And mentions that the kit is for sale in the theatre, contents supplied by you, Ivy, and that I designed it specially for the play.’
‘Well, you did,’ Ivy told her.
‘Yes, but...look at all these orders. People want to knit the cat even before they’ve seen the play.’
‘That’s a good sort of chaos,’ Bob called through to them as he made the tea and set a selection of cakes and buns on a plate.
Ivy shrugged happily. ‘I ordered a load of the knitting needles.’ Then she gestured to her stock of yarn on the shelves. ‘And I’ve plenty of yarn. We’d just need to print out more copies of the pattern and the wee picture of the finished knitted cat. And Bob’s your uncle!’ Ivy concluded with a smile.
‘Or in your case, your husband,’ Bob chipped–in cheerily, carrying a tray with the tea and treats through and putting it down on the counter.
Mari had planned a calmer morning upstairs in her flat, reading the newspaper feature, and then getting on with her writing. But now her day had become crazy busy. So the last thing she needed was an urgent phone call from Huntly.
‘Are you busy?’ Huntly’s tone was tense.
‘Is this about the story in the newspaper?’ said Mari.
‘Yes and no,’ he replied.
That was enough for Mari. ‘I’m on my way.’
Grabbing a sticky bun and slurping down mouthfuls of her tea, Mari got ready to run. She shrugged her bag up on to her shoulder and rolled up the newspaper like a baton. ‘Thanks for the celebration, but I have to dash. I’ll call you later, Ivy.’
‘No worries, Mari,’ Ivy called after her, intending to enjoy a quick cuppa with Bob, but then she had to cut that short as two customers came in to buy the cat pattern.
Bob gave Ivy a squeeze and a cuddle. ‘I’ll see you later. And I’ll organise what we need for our fish and chips dinner.’
Mari walked hurriedly up to the theatre. A car was parked nearby.
Huntly was outside the theatre helping the composer carry in a harp.
‘I’ll be with you in a minute,’ Huntly called to Mari, walking into the theatre lugging his end of the harp.
‘ And so it begins ,’ Mari muttered to herself, following them into the foyer.
Niall called over to her from the office doorway. ‘Do you know when the cats are arriving?’ There was a mild hint of panic in his voice.
Rightly presuming Niall was referring to the pattern kits, she smiled calmly. ‘Ivy is adding the knitting needles to the kits, so I’m sure they’ll be delivered today.’
The relief showed on Niall’s face and he disappeared into the office.
Mari decided to take the lesser of two stressful encounters and followed harp–carrying Huntly into the auditorium.
Huntly and the composer were already halfway down the centre aisle heading for a storeroom backstage while the dress rehearsal of one of their new shows was in full flow.
Seeing Huntly manoeuvre the instrument past some of the production staff, including the show’s director, Mari decided to wait where she was and watched part of the performance of the new vintage crime drama.
The scenery and lighting created a wild, windswept evening outdoors in the Scottish Highlands from yesteryear.
One of the lead actors wore the classic mackintosh from wardrobe that she’d imagined a detective character might wear.
His Scottish voice rang out eloquently from the stage. ‘ Unleash the hounds. Don’t let him escape into the hills or we’ll never find the scoundrel before nightfall .’
An old–fashioned police officer stepped forward into the spotlight. ‘ Do you think the woman is still alive, Detective? ’
‘ We have to hope ,’ the detective replied. ‘ I promised her I’d protect her. But she won’t survive a night outdoors in the wilds of Scotland without warmth or shelter .’
The police officer showed his concern, and the stage lighting changed to create a forthcoming storm effect. ‘ A storm is imminent, sir. Look at those dark, fast–moving clouds sweeping in. You could get caught in the downpour .’
The detective turned the collar of his coat up and faced stage left. ‘ I’ll take my chances with the elements. But we must make haste .’ He strode off as a flash of lightning ripped across the stage.
Dramatic music filled the minimal gap for the scenery to be changed for the opening of the next act.
Mari found she’d become quickly engrossed in the romantic crime drama, and forgot about the real drama for a few moments, until she saw Huntly emerge from backstage and walk towards her, sans the harp and the composer.
‘I’ll explain everything in the office,’ Huntly said in a hushed voice, ushering her away from even a peek at act two.
‘That sounded great. I’d be interested in watching it,’ said Mari.
‘Your ticket will be put aside,’ he promised.
They walked into the office to find Niall had gone.
Rather than complicate things, Mari let Huntly tell her why he’d called.
He picked up a copy of the paper that was folded open at the feature. ‘What did you think when you read it?’
‘It’s excellent publicity,’ she said, and then added Ivy’s predicament.
‘We’ve had people phoning to book tickets for your play, but some of them wanted to buy the cat pattern now.’
‘Ivy will have a bundle of the kits ready later today,’ she assured him.
Huntly sighed with relief. ‘It’s tricky. We don’t want people disappointed before they’ve even seen the play. But that cat has certainly tweaked people’s interest more than we’d anticipated. Even I’m now eyeing the kit and thinking, yes, that looks doable.’
Mari laughed.
‘Okay, cat kits galore are due today,’ Huntly said, starting to list off the things that needed dealt with. ‘The composer worked late into the night at the recording studio to lay down all the tracks for the song. So that’s done and mixed. He let me hear it, and it’s a winner. I’ll let you hear it later.’
‘And the harp?’ she prompted him.
‘I told the composer about your idea for an afternoon recital at the theatre and he jumped at the chance. He’s chosen to play the harp, and one of the session musicians at the recording studio is hired to play the violin.’
‘And will you play the piano?’
‘I will.’
‘And now I’m having to practise the song on my guitar,’ Niall added walking in on their conversation. He didn’t seem at all confident.
‘You’re a wonderful guitar player,’ Huntly bolstered him.
‘I don’t play classic songs, just popular tunes,’ said Niall. He ran an anxious hand through his thick blond hair. ‘Have you seen the sheet music? I’d have an easier time deciphering a secret code.’
‘Oh, pluck up,’ Huntly joked with him.
Niall’s stern face broke into a grin. ‘If I get my fingerpicking in a fankle, it’ll be your fault, Huntly.’
‘I’m in the same pickle, Niall,’ the composer said, smiling as he walked in to join them. ‘I’ve never played a harp live on stage in a theatre like this. I’m not sure how it’ll sound.’
Mari surmised this was why the harp had been brought there for him to practice.
‘Once the dress rehearsal is finished, you can have the stage to yourself,’ Huntly told the composer.
And then Huntly introduced them.
‘I feel I know you from reading your magnificent play,’ the composer said, shaking hands with her.
‘I love your song,’ she told him.
Introductions made, Huntly put the kettle on to boil to make them all tea while he revealed his next issue. ‘Press interest has soared. We usually send out a press release and photos to the papers, magazines, radio and others. It saves hassle. The press publicity is usually organised, but with us doing the magazine feature, then the story in today’s paper, well...’ Huntly took a deep breath and showed her the messages on his phone. ‘We’ve been inundated with requests for interviews from other papers and the like.’
‘Can’t you just send them the press release and photos you’d intended?’ said Mari.
‘No, now they all want exclusives like the two we’ve done,’ Huntly explained.
Peter popped into the office and spoke to the composer. ‘I’ve made room for your harp backstage. You can come and practice while you’re waiting on the rehearsal to finish.’
Smiling, the composer left with Peter, eager to get some practise in, even if it was backstage.
‘When are you planning to have the afternoon recital?’ said Mari.
Huntly started setting up the cups for tea. ‘Before the radio interview and that’s soon.’
‘People are buying tickets already,’ Niall told her. ‘We pinned up a notice in the window, and many of them coming in to buy tickets for the shows have snapped up tickets for the afternoon recital as well.’
‘That’s fast,’ said Mari.
‘Yes, but, I’ve suggested to Niall that we invite some of the journalists to the recital to hear the new song and chat about your play,’ said Huntly, pouring their tea and offering them a piece of shortbread from a tin.
They all took a piece. None of them had eaten breakfast as the morning had charged by.
‘I suppose that would take care of dealing with the interview requests,’ Niall agreed. ‘But if I mess up my guitar playing, the critiques will be scathing.’
‘You won’t and they won’t. We know most of them anyway. They’re looking for an interesting story,’ Huntly reasoned. ‘Four musicians that have never played on stage together, playing totally different instruments, and performing a new song for the first time — that’s an interesting story.’ Huntly smiled. ‘What could go wrong?’ He bit into his shortbread.
Mari and Niall laughed, and ate their shortbread before they were tempted to give Huntly a list.
Bob bustled in carrying one of his large bakery trays. But it was piled with the cat kits, not cakes.
‘Hello, folks,’ said Bob. ‘Ivy said there’s a rush job on with these kits. I was up this way making my deliveries so...here you go. Round one.’
Grateful for the delivery, Huntly and Niall relieved him of the kits, ushering him through to the foyer where they unpacked them into the small shop that was set up beside the box office. Mari followed them through to help.
‘That was a great story about you all in the paper this morning,’ Bob told them. Then he grinned at Huntly. ‘And I hope you know you’re responsible for me having to cook homemade fish and chips for Ivy’s dinner tonight. I hear your batter was tasty.’
Mari smiled tightly and tried not to look like she’d blabbed all about her dinner date with Huntly.
But Huntly seemed amused. ‘I’ll message you a copy of my recipe,’ he said to Bob.
‘Cheers!’ Bob gave him the thumbs up.
Jon wandered in as Bob bounded out the theatre.
‘How did your dinner go with Scarlet?’ Huntly said to Jon while Niall arranged the piles of cat kits in the shop.
Jon looked his usual suave self. ‘Wonderful.’
‘Are you having dinner together again?’ said Niall.
‘We are,’ Jon confirmed. ‘But...dinner didn’t go the way I thought it would.’
‘What went wrong?’ said Mari.
‘Nothing,’ said Jon. ‘I thought there would be tension and trouble, but we had a lovely time together. It was quite...romantic. No drama, and in my world that’s a novelty.’
‘In my world too,’ Huntly muttered.
Mari glanced at Huntly and nodded.
‘So we’re planning to take things nice and easy,’ Jon explained. ‘We’ll have dinner again soon, but we have to work around Scarlet’s theatrical schedule. She’s due to go into full dress rehearsals with her director for her new show, and then she’ll be on stage in the evenings during her performances.’
‘That could work,’ said Mari. ‘Taking things slow, while working around your careers.’
Jon brightened, glad that Mari understood. ‘Yes, that’s what Scarlet and I think.’ He paused thoughtfully. ‘Scarlet says she’s going to cook dinner for me one evening at her place, maybe after one of the show nights.’
‘Scarlet is going to cook you dinner?’ Niall was surprised.
‘Yes, she’s actually quite the homebody,’ said Jon. ‘Once you get to know her.’
‘Well, I’m happy for you,’ said Huntly.
Mari smiled and agreed.
‘So, what’s on our plates today?’ said Jon.
‘Well, you missed the harp harassment, the cat kit emergency orders, Sammy creating a thunderstorm on stage, Niall baulking at having to play classical guitar, Bob wants my recipe for fish batter, and we’re a hot topic in one of the papers,’ Huntly told Jon.
‘Another normal day here at the theatre,’ said Jon. ‘Is the kettle on? I skipped breakfast.’
‘Yes, I’ll make us another round of tea,’ said Huntly, leading the way into the office, scooping Mari along with them. ‘And we’ve a tin of shortbread.’
‘Great stuff,’ said Jon, heading in to tackle whatever was on their schedule and read the news in the paper.
‘This is wonderful publicity,’ said Jon, sipping his tea to wash down the shortbread.
A message came through for Mari while they all chatted. She saw that it was from Scarlet:
Thanks, Mari, for letting the cat out of the bag about me liking Jon. We had dinner last night. Things look promising. And I love the knitted vest. Scarlet, x .
Without telling them, Mari smiled to herself and put her phone away again.
While she was in the office, Niall wanted her help with the accounts. It was another tea break task and she was happy to help, while Huntly and Jon discussed their plans for the launch of the play.
‘Ticket sales have soared,’ Huntly told Jon. ‘And with this story in today’s paper, they’ll take another jump.’
‘Scarlet was telling me that everyone in her circle is talking about Mari’s new play,’ said Jon. ‘And wondering what she’s working on next.’
Mari finished adjusting the figures on the accounts and saved the changes she’d made. ‘I’m writing a romantic adventure, probably, or maybe something totally new. But definitely with an element of romance.’
‘Nearly all of us are in the mood for romance these days,’ said Jon, throwing a knowing look at Huntly. ‘Isn’t that right?’
‘Indeed it is,’ Huntly agreed, feeling his heart ache a little just seeing Mari there with them.
‘Audiences love romance,’ said Jon. ‘Whether it’s a play with drama, music, dancing or intrigue. So add romance galore,’ he said to Mari.
She nodded. ‘I’ll do that.’ If she had to put romance on hold in her real life, she was happy to write about it in her plays.
And so she did.
Over the next short while, as the dress rehearsals took over the theatre, she was able to snuggle in her bolthole and write.
Huntly kept his contact with Mari to a friendly but professional minimum, giving her time to sort out her own plans without him adding drama.
But he did miss her.
A rainy spell made Mari’s flat feel cosy during the days when she sat by her window, writing, while listening to the comforting sound of the rain. Taking time out to concentrate on her plays showed her that her dreams of being a playwright suited her.
Teaching the knitting classes were a pleasant break from her writing, and it was handy just to pop down to the craft shop. The spindle work continued to be popular with the class, and the members had their second lesson, learning to ply the yarn they’d first spun.
Mari had finished Niall’s jumper too and dropped it off at the theatre office one morning before getting on with her day. He’d been delighted with the wintry grey and white colours and the design. It fitted him well. Huntly had been working with one of the other directors backstage, discussing last minute plans for the launch of the new drama, so she hadn’t seen him before she left.
But she was looking forward to attending the afternoon music recital, and although she’d been in her own little bubble of writing and some knitting, she knew that the excitement was building for the launch of her play. She could feel it in the air, even as she hurried in the rain under her umbrella, away from the theatre and back to her flat.
Nights felt as magical as ever, and sometimes she caught a glimpse of Spindle outside the old shop, and sensed him keeping a watchful eye on her. Maybe she’d never know his true story, or that of the elusive shop owner. But that was okay, she thought. She felt the magic of both, and the intrigue.
But she had come across something else. While reading another interview about the theatre, one she’d taken part in, having talked to the journalist over the phone, she noticed a snippet of information that interested her. The journalist had delved into the background of the theatre, and found out that there had been a show in the past involving a little silver star. The star still hung above the stage. The one she’d seen. And it was said to sometimes grant wishes. It was a nice fairytale she’d thought.
After making her dinner one evening, and then writing into the night, she gazed out at the view of the city. The rain had stopped and the air looked so clear that the stars appeared extra bright.
Tucked up in bed, she gazed out at the starlight, looking forward to hearing the new song played by Huntly and the others at the theatre the following afternoon. Huntly had sent her a copy of the composer’s studio recording and it sounded great, but she was keen to hear the live rendition of the song.
Thinking about Huntly playing the piano for her at his house, she drifted off to sleep.
Huntly and Niall were working late at the theatre, setting up the stage ready for the afternoon recital.
‘The harp looks fine stage right,’ Huntly snapped at Niall. ‘You’ll play your guitar under the spotlight on the left. Sammy has set it up nicely. The violinist will sit nearer the composer. And I’ll play the piano where it is.’
Huntly sounded grumpy. He’d heard it in himself. He attributed it to his hectic schedule, getting all the shows organised.
‘What’s got into you recently?’ Niall challenged him. He agreed with the set up for the music. But Huntly was back to his old ways of being brusque. ‘You’d left that blunt attitude behind you. Now it’s back. What’s wrong?’
‘There’s nothing wrong,’ Huntly said bluntly.
Niall shook his head and started to switch the lights off on the stage.
Huntly turned the lights off in other parts of the theatre as they got ready to leave.
Deep down, Huntly sensed what was wrong. He missed Mari. It was as simple or as complicated as that.
Niall knew him better than Huntly imagined. ‘You should call her.’ His advice to Huntly hung in the air as he left the theatre to drive home.
‘I’m sorry I was blunt, Niall,’ Huntly called after him.
Niall raised his hand, assuring him it was fine. ‘See you tomorrow. I’ve been practising my guitar. Be prepared to up your game on the piano.’
Huntly smiled, sensing everything was okay between them, and headed up to the turret to get some sleep.
Mari arrived at the theatre the following afternoon and sat in one of the seats near the front of the stage.
Huntly, Niall, the composer and the violinist were ready to play the new song. They’d all worn dark suits, shirts and ties, smartly dressed for the special performance.
A starlight sky sparkled as the stage backdrop, and twinkle lights and spotlights created a starry night atmosphere.
The publicity had sparked interest in attending and the theatre was busy. Journalists had turned up to hear the song and cover the story. The low buzz of chatter faded as the lights dimmed.
And the music began, filling the theatre with the melodic sounds of the play’s theme song.
Mari felt the melody touch her heart, and seeing Huntly sitting at the piano playing so expertly filled her with joy. Niall performed well too. They all did. The sounds of the harp created accents to the song, along with the violin, but Mari couldn’t help but admire Huntly playing the piano. He’d seen her in the audience and looked out at her, before concentrating on his playing.
Peter was filming the performance and they intended putting a video of it on the theatre’s website.
Ivy had closed her shop for the afternoon and was there with Bob. Huntly had made sure they had tickets.
Heather was there too, as were others, including Jon and Andy.
When the song finished, the audience applauded and Mari looked around at all the delighted faces.
Then the composer played a solo piece on the harp that then led to the others joining in with a classic composition, one of the composer’s other songs. Two more songs followed, including one where only Huntly and the composer played. Then Niall played a popular song on his guitar. The audience continued applauding as the performance ended, and wanted an encore of the theme song.
The foursome were happy to oblige, and Mari enjoyed the second performance as much as the first.
It was a truly successful event, and as the audience filtered out, Huntly headed over to talk to Mari, but got caught up in the congratulations from others. And then the journalists wanted quotes from him and the others to include in their news stories.
Huntly beckoned Mari to join them, and she did, giving comments to the journalists too.
As everyone finally left, a rehearsal for her play was scheduled for that evening.
Thinking he was encroaching on Mari’s time unnecessarily, Jon assured her that she didn’t need to stay and should go home and write or get some rest. ‘But come to the full dress rehearsal. I’ll call you.’
‘I will,’ she said. Seeing the lights, the costumes and the whole performance set her heart fluttering with the pre–show nerves Andy had mentioned to her.
As she headed out, Huntly hurried after her.
‘Mari!’
She stopped and they spoke briefly.
‘We’ve both been so busy lately, I feel I’ve hardly seen you,’ said Huntly.
‘You told me this would be a whirlwind, getting all the shows ready. We’ve both been busy.’
‘Yes, but...’ his words trailed off. She’d no idea how much he wanted to pull her close and tell her he’d missed her. Even though she was close by, it wasn’t the same as before.
‘Huntly,’ Peter called to him. ‘I need you to approve the video for the website. Do you want me to include the second performance of the song too?’
Smiling at Huntly, Mari walked away, leaving him to attend to the busy running of the theatre.
Andy ran around in costume backstage, carrying Fluffy and Tiddles, in a mild panic about the full dress rehearsal. Dashing into his dressing room, he checked his appearance in the mirror. His costume looked great.
He’d learned his lines. The cats were perfect foils for his performance, and the other actors were a delight to work with. But nerves came with the territory, he reminded himself. It kept his performances electric.
Hearing the sound check of the theme song, and the flashing light in his dressing room alerting him that he was due on stage, Andy straightened his shoulders under his dark blue tailcoat, looked at the double load of luck he had with two prop black cats, and strode out ready to perform.
Mari sat near the front row of seats, sandwiched between Jon and Niall. Huntly had been rushing around helping Sammy, advising on the sound level of the theme song.
The opening notes of the song had started when Huntly ran over to join Mari and the others. He had to sit on an aisle seat rather than his preferred place right next to her.
The atmospheric and exciting start of the play outshone his hopes, and he knew they had a success on their hands.
But his feelings for Mari tormented him in ways he’d never felt before. Stronger, deeper. It was an experience he wished he could cast aside, at least until the shows were launched. They’d gambled that Mari’s play was the one to lead the charge of their new schedule. He was confident it would pay off well.
Tickets sales exceeded all their past box office records. The theatre was a success. His personal life was in tatters. He’d snookered himself with his own stupid rule of not mixing business and romance.
He could scrap it if he wanted, and he’d nearly scuppered it by almost kissing Mari when she’d been at his house. But he’d made such a song and dance about not becoming romantically involved with her.
Unravelling the emotional ropes that were binding him would be tricky. And the last thing he wanted was to play around with Mari’s trust and feelings. He’d handled things badly. Now it was up to him to sort it out.
Mari was engrossed in the play, loving the actors’ performances, and the look of the stage settings right down to the props including Fluffy and Tiddles. Glancing at Huntly, she noticed the tension in his profile, the muscles in his jaw clenched with...she wasn’t sure. Vexation? Annoyance? Had he been fighting dragons again?
‘This is outstanding,’ Jon whispered to Mari.
‘Yes,’ she whispered.
The comment stretched to Niall and made its way to Huntly, and there were nods of great approval from them too.
So why was Huntly perturbed? Deciding she didn’t want to ruin the play by trying to figure out what was up with him, she let herself relax and enjoyed the show.
Discussions backstage later were all positive. Everyone thought the play was more than ready to launch their new season.
Huntly was engrossed with crew and other actors while Mari chatted to Niall, Jon and Andy.
If any of them noticed Huntly being distant, they never mentioned it to her. And from the interactions, she was inclined to think that it was due to circumstances rather than choice on his part.
Leaving the theatre, Mari stood talking to Niall and Jon, and then walked back home. She told herself not to dwell on Huntly being out of sorts. The launch of her play was imminent.
Mari peered out the window of her flat. It was a clear, calm evening. Perfect for the opening night of her play. But she was far from calm. She’d changed her dress twice, deciding that she would wear a lovely marigold yellow tea dress, a vintage find that fitted her so well and was a nod to her full name.
For the opening night of her play, it seemed appropriate.
Jon had called her recently to attend the play’s dress rehearsal, and she had enjoyed seeing the magnificent melee where last minute changes were made to the sets and the costumes. The dialogue remained unchanged, so she’d been able to watch the whirlwind whiz around her.
Now, it was the opening night.
Taking a deep breath, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her long–held dream was about to become real in the most extraordinary fictional setting.
Wearing a cream coat over her dress, she walked up to the theatre and her heart started to thunder with excitement when she saw it all lit up in the night and people heading inside to watch the play.
She could hear them chatter, looking forward to the show. Their smiles would be a memory she’d treasure.
No one recognised her as she joined in the flow of people heading into the foyer. And she preferred that.
The foyer was alight with laughter and excitement.
Huntly was standing near the door of the office with his back towards her. He wore a classic dark suit, and her heart reacted seeing him there. He suddenly glanced round, as if sensing she was there, and his face lit up with a smile that left her in no doubt that he was pleased to see her.
They walked towards each, and Huntly swept her into the office. They were alone, but she could hear the chatter of the audience in the foyer.
‘Let me take your coat,’ he said, relieving her of it and hanging it over one of the chairs. Her hair hung in soft waves around her shoulders. He took in how lovely she was. ‘You look beautiful.’
He looked handsome in his suit, white shirt and silk tie. ‘You’re looking dapper.’
‘Come on,’ he said, sweeping her out of the office, through the foyer and into the auditorium. The seats were swiftly filling up. As they walked down the centre aisle she expected him to show her to her seat. Instead he continued on, taking her backstage where the excitement from the cast and crew was palpable.
Rushing around in organised chaos, getting ready for their opening night of the season, Mari loved having a peek behind the curtain of how a play was launched.
First night nerves were contagious, for Mari started to feel anxious about how her play would be received. But hugs and warm smiles from everyone from Heather to Peter and Jon soothed her trepidation.
‘Andy wants to see you in his dressing room before he goes on,’ Huntly said to Mari, leading her along the corridor.
Andy’s dressing room door was open. The dressing table mirror, edged with lights, created a bright, warm glow that matched his smile when he saw her walk in.
That quicksilver movement took her aback as he got up from his chair and gave her a hug. ‘This is it,’ he gushed. And then tapped his heart. ‘First night nerves. For you I suppose as well as me.’
‘Yes, though I’m going to be sitting in the audience with Huntly and the others while you bring the play to life,’ she said.
Andy clasped both her hands in his and gave them a reassuring squeeze. ‘I’ve acted in various shows, but this play of yours is special.’ His blue–green eyes were alight with energy.
Mari glanced to see if Huntly agreed, but he’d gone, and she could hear him chatting to Jon in the hallway about the after show party.
Andy was given his five minute alert, and Mari left him to get ready to go on stage.
Huntly whisked her along backstage. ‘We’d better get to our seats. The show’s about to start.’
‘I’m more nervous than Andy,’ she said as Huntly clasped her hand and led her through the busy backstage area and out front to their seats. Jon and Niall were already seated and nodded and smiled when she joined them.
Huntly was seated next to her this time.
‘Is the theatre always this busy?’ Mari glanced around. Every seat from the stalls to the balcony and dress circle were filled. She smiled when she saw that Ivy and Bob had been given tickets to the box seats with a great view of from high up at side of the stage. Dressed to the nines, they exchanged a quick nod and wave with Mari and Huntly.
‘This evening’s opening was a sell out,’ Huntly whispered to her.
Then the lights dimmed, the chatter stopped, and the opening notes of the theme song wafted out over the audience, setting the atmosphere for the start of the play.
The depiction of the old–fashioned shop, aglow with lights at night, was wonderful. The evening backdrop created depth to the stage, and the starry sky effect was lovely.
Mari felt mesmerised by the atmosphere they’d created, and began getting wrapped up in the play, even though she’d written it.
The audience enjoyed the theme song, and then became engrossed in the intriguing story.
During the short interval, Huntly hurried Mari backstage again to experience being part of the production.
‘This is wonderful,’ Mari said gazing around her. ‘What a world to be part of.’
‘I love it. I’ve always loved the theatre,’ he said.
As crew went by with a change of props, Huntly pressed himself against Mari to let them hurry on.
She felt the strong, lean strength of his body shield her, and a blush rose in her cheeks at the effect his closeness had on her.
For a moment she thought he would step back, but no. Huntly gazed down at her, still close enough to kiss her.
Although he resisted the temptation that took every ounce of his resolve, he didn’t hide how he felt.
‘I’ve missed you, Mari.’ His rich, deep whisper sent her heartbeat soaring.
‘I’ve missed you too,’ she confessed. And in that unguarded moment, they both felt the intense spark of attraction ignite between them.
‘Five minutes!’ The call for the actors and crew interrupted their moment.
Would Huntly have kissed her? Would she have resisted?
She thought she knew the answers, and this would surely lead to risking her heart by falling in love with Huntly.
Joining the others in their seats again, Mari and Huntly watched the rest of the play, enjoying the drama and romance of it all, and the little bit of magic.
The audience seemed to love the lead character of Oglesby and his cat, Spindle. And during the interval, members of the audience had bought the kit from the theatre shop to knit their own cat.
‘I hope you’re attending the after show party,’ Huntly murmured to Mari.
‘I wouldn’t miss it.’ She wanted to experience every part of the theatre life with Huntly and the others.
Backstage after the successful show, the cast and crew partied into the night. Music played, and there was dancing, a buffet and refreshments, including champagne.
Huntly picked up two glasses of the bubbling champagne and handed one to Mari.
She held it up and they tipped their glasses in a cheers.
Mari smiled at Huntly and gazed around at the new friends, like a large boisterous family, that she’d made. ‘Do you know what I like about this evening? Apart from the play being a success.’
Huntly shook his head. ‘No, what?’
‘That this is not over,’ she said, her voice filled with excitement. ‘It’s the start of other nights like this. Of drama and fun, celebrating and partying after the shows. I’m looking forward to the opening nights of the other shows too. And to seeing Wil’s dance performance.’
‘It’s a different world than the one you’ve been used to,’ he said.
Mari nodded up at him. ‘A world I could learn to love deeply.’
Huntly put their glasses aside and gently pulled her close. She didn’t resist.
‘Anyone else you could learn to love?’ he said in a romantic whisper.
‘I believe so,’ she murmured, feeling his strength as he took her in his arms.
‘I’ve been learning that since the day you first walked into the theatre,’ he confessed. ‘I’ve been fighting to suppress falling in love with you. Without success.’
‘I’ve been falling in love with you too,’ she whispered as others went by, smiling at them.
‘I think I’m causing drama in your life again,’ he said lightly.
‘I could get used to that.’
‘I wish with all my heart that you will.’ As he said this, the silver star above the stage sparkled, catching both of their attention.
‘I’ve a feeling our wishes will come true.’
Huntly nodded, and then leaned down and kissed her, again and again.
The reviews for her play were marvellous, spurring her on to write her new plays.
The opening nights for the other shows were as exciting as Mari’s play. And the after show parties did have an Art Deco theme one evening.
After the party, she went up the theatre turret with Huntly.
He stood with his arms wrapped around her as she gazed out at the glittering lights of Edinburgh. The beautiful night sky twinkled with stars.
She wore the vintage gold dress from the theatre’s wardrobe, and had danced the night away in shimmering style.
Huntly had another type of gold in mind, a ring, that he planned to surprise her with around Christmastime, when wishes were more likely to come true. He wished to spend the rest of his life with Mari, on a theatrical adventure together, but with cosy moments when all they wanted was to snuggle up close.
‘Oh, look,’ she said, gazing at a black cat sitting on a distant rooftop.
Huntly saw the cat too.
And then it disappeared into the night.
‘I love that we have a little bit of magic in our world,’ Mari said, leaning back against Huntly’s strong chest.
Huntly gently swept her around until he was gazing down at her. ‘I love more than anything that we found each other.’
‘I do too, Huntly,’ she murmured.
His firm lips kissed her and she felt her heart soar. And then they gazed out from the windows of the theatre turret making plans for their life together.
End