CHAPTER TWELVE
Frazer parked his car and walked towards the front entrance of the studio building for his radio interview. The morning was bright and breezy, and he attempted to channel that vibe, even though his sleep had been sketchy.
He wore a crisp white shirt, open at the neck, with another classic waistcoat, black trousers and well–polished shoes. No jacket. He fooled himself that on such a cold day there was a hint of mild warmth in the dazzling sunlight.
A cheery assistant came into the reception to take him through to the studio, chatting all the way, used to people being nervous for a live interview. Frazer let her do the talking, nodding and smiling politely, but his mind was already whirring with what he thought he’d be interviewed about, and what responses he’d give.
Was he nervous? He couldn’t say that he was. The performer in him came to the fore, like it always did before shows or competitions, giving him enough edge to feel the energy but with an underlying calm. Balance. It was all about getting the balance of things right. Something he needed to work on in his personal life, but he shelved such thoughts to concentrate on the interview.
The radio presenter smiled through the window of the studio, looking genuinely pleased to see Frazer arrive. It was one of those friendships that could drift and then pick up as if they’d chatted yesterday.
‘You’ve done this before, Frazer,’ the assistant said. ‘So I don’t need to remind you to keep the interview light and airy.’
The on–air sign was lit. A popular song was playing, but was due to finish in a minute, and Frazer’s interview would begin.
The assistant pushed the studio door open and escorted Frazer into the hub.
‘I’m glad you could take part in the show this morning, Frazer,’ the presenter said, reaching over the desk to shake hands with him.
‘Thanks for inviting me,’ said Frazer, as he was quickly seated and settled. Headphones on. Microphone in front of him.
‘Don’t touch the microphone,’ the assistant reminded him in a pleasant whisper.
Frazer nodded. He knew that once it was placed to suit him, he just needed to sit there and talk. No messing with the equipment.
The assistant left, closing the door, effectively leaving Frazer and the radio presenter alone in the sound–proof studio bubble.
As the last bars of the song were sung and played, Frazer realised that his friend intended on creating an entertaining vibe to the introduction.
‘And that was Laurie, singing one of his popular new singles from his latest album,’ the presenter announced on air. ‘But as promised, I have a great guest on the show this morning. Professional dancer, and now a dance studio owner...’
Frazer took a deep breath as the fanfare introduction gave him a lot to live up to. Or maybe he wasn’t used to taking such credit for his achievements.
‘Frazer has waltzed in, and he’s pirouetting his way across the studio,’ the presenter said, spinning a playful yarn about Frazer’s entrance. ‘Lithe and limber as ever.’
Frazer smiled and shook his head.
‘I must book dancing lessons at your new studio if that’s what it does for you on a cold morning.’
‘I’ll pencil you in for an assessment,’ said Frazer, hearing his voice sound richer and deeper in the studio.
‘What will I have to do? Twinkle toes across the floor? Show my rumba moves? Tango and boogie–woogie? A Highland Fling?’
‘If you can attempt even half of those, you’re in.’
The presenter laughed. ‘I might surprise you.’
‘Everyone surprises me. That’s what’s great about teaching dance. No two pupils are the same.’
‘Frazer is coming across well on the radio,’ Mirren said to Lily as they sat having an early tea break in the shop and tuning in.
‘He is,’ Lily agreed, impressed with his manner, and that smooth, deep voice of his... She shook such thoughts aside and sipped her tea.
They’d treated themselves to two tasty snowballs from the bakery. Despite having napkins, there were crumbs everywhere. Neither of them looked particularly bothered, and were keen to enjoy the fist–size Scottish sponges sandwiched with strawberry jam, coated with white icing and rolled in coconut.
‘I’m hearing a lot of folk talking about ballroom dancing these days,’ said the presenter. ‘People wanting to improve their waltzing so they can trip the light fantastic without actually stumbling. Is this a trend I’m sensing?’
‘It’s a trend I’m sensing at my dance studio. We teach adults how to dance — ballroom and Latin dances. Mainly, we teach couples or individuals, and sometimes small groups of friends, maybe people planning to attend a wedding or special event.’
‘Like your fairytale Christmas Eve ball,’ the presenter prompted Frazer.
‘Yes. This is the studio’s first Christmas and I wanted to do something special. And what could be more spectacular than a ball. Tickets have almost sold out.’
‘Ach, I wish I’d bought a ticket.’
‘Your name is on the guest list.’
The presenter beamed a broad smile. ‘I’ll get my gladrags looked out.’
‘Everyone attending is encouraged to put on the glitz. Dress to impress.’
The presenter changed tack and spoke to the listeners. ‘While you’re all pondering what you’d wear to a Christmas ball, here’s a song to get you in the mood for waltzing.’
A traditional song started to play...
‘I’m glad we’ve both got our dresses sorted out,’ said Mirren. ‘It sounds like it’s going to be a spectacular ball.’
‘The dance floor is almost ballroom size,’ Lily told her. ‘And there’s a stage. Frazer says he’s adding more twinkle lights and Christmas decor to create a real fairytale atmosphere.’
They chatted while the song played, and Lily told her more about the after show party at the theatre.
‘My heart was racing as I waltzed with Frazer up on the stage. They put spotlights on us, and Huntly played the piano while Niall played his guitar.’
‘That sounds like a fantastic experience.’
‘It was. And Heather showed me the wardrobe area backstage. There are rails galore of clothes.’
‘During the break, Frazer was telling me about the ballgowns he’s got in his dance studio,’ said the presenter. ‘Tell me how that came about.’
‘When I announced the Christmas Eve ball, clients wanted to know what to wear, particularly regarding ballgowns. My two instructors, Victoria and Dougal, and I tried to advise them. Then I saw ballgowns in the front window of a vintage dress shop near the dance studio.’
‘Vintage ballgowns?’
‘No, these were new designs made by Lily, a dressmaker.’
Lily gasped as she heard Frazer mention her name on the radio.
Mirren smiled and cheered.
They continued to listen...
‘Then Lily turned up to book dance lessons at my studio.’ Frazer summarised what happened.
‘That sounds like a wee bit of Christmas magic. And maybe a hint of festive romance in the air,’ the presenter suggested lightly.
‘It was lucky how we met. But there’s no romance. We’re both busy with our businesses,’ Frazer insisted. ‘Then I ordered twenty pre–loved ballgowns from the dress shop for the ball.’
‘I love clothes with a past. Make do and mend.’
‘So do I, and these ballgowns were previously worn for professional ballroom dancing and performances.’
‘There’s a sense of traditions being carried on,’ the presenter remarked.
‘Yes, especially as I want the ball to be a mix of traditional dances and classic songs with modern elements,’ said Frazer.
‘What other events have you lined up?’
‘With the popularity of the Christmas Eve ball, I’m now planning a winter ball in the New Year. A ceilidh dance night near the end of January. And dance party nights in the spring.’
‘It sounds like you’re going to be busy after the festive season.’
‘Oh, yes.’
‘I hear you’re creating the choreography for a new show that’s planned for Huntly and Niall’s theatre. I interviewed them recently and they told me about this.’
‘I’m currently working on the ballroom dance choreography for some of the scenes. It’s a romantic drama with music and dancing. I was speaking to Huntly about this last night at the theatre. Lily might be designing ballgowns for the performers. Rehearsals start soon.’
‘It all sounds exciting. All the best with the balls and events, Frazer. And thanks for coming on the show this morning,’ said the presenter.
‘Thanks for inviting me,’ Frazer concluded.
‘And that was Frazer pirouetting his way back out of the studio,’ the presenter said, causing Frazer to smile and shake his head at him again. ‘Now here’s a song to get you in the mood for festive dancing.’
As the music played, Frazer took the headphones off, stood up and shook hands with the presenter. ‘I’ll see you at the Christmas Eve ball.’
With a cheery smile, the presenter waved him off. ‘Book me a ticket for the winter ball too.’
Frazer nodded.
The assistant came hurrying through. ‘The phone–lines have lit up with callers interested in the ballroom dancing. And Frazer’s balls.’
Frazer blinked and the presenter guffawed.
‘Tell them to call the dance studio,’ the presenter said to her. Then he turned to Frazer. ‘If that’s okay with you?’
‘Fine by me. We’ll handle the enquiries,’ said Frazer.
By the time he’d stepped outside into the cold, bright morning, Frazer’s phone was buzzing.
He picked up on a call from Dougal.
‘That was a great interview,’ Dougal told him. ‘Victoria and I listened in, and so did a couple of our clients.’
‘The dance studio could be busy with enquiries,’ said Frazer. ‘I’m on my way back now.’
‘That was a great interview,’ said Mirren, getting up from where she was hand stitching a vintage dress, to go through to the kitchen. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’
Lily continued sewing another tea dress, making a minor repair. ‘I didn’t expect Frazer to talk about me on the radio.’
‘It did sound magical how you met him.’ Mirren came back through and picked up her sewing while the kettle boiled.
‘I suppose it did.’ Lily glanced out the window wondering if she’d see Frazer going by on his way to the dance studio. Or if he was still busy with the radio show. She finished the repair on the tea dress and hung it on a rail.
‘Should I put that red chiffon party dress on display in the window?’ said Lily.
‘Yes, I’ll make the tea.’
Lily stepped into the window and began to put the dress on the vacant mannequin. She kept glancing outside, wondering if Frazer was due to walk by. But as she finished the display, she realised she wouldn’t see him that day.
Mirren brought the tea through. ‘We’ll close the shop in about half an hour. ‘I’ve got my knitting to take with me to the Christmas crafting.’
‘I put the blue and white yarn and hat pattern in a bag. And my embroidery.’
‘What are you embroidering?’
‘A Christmas robin.’
‘One of your own designs?’
‘Yes.’
‘That’ll be pretty.’
Frazer sat in his car responding to the numerous messages and calls on his phone. It was over half an hour dealing with them before he finally drove off.
He’d hoped to see a message from Lily saying she’d listened in. But there were so many messages.
Parking his car in his usual spot, he walked along the street, heading towards the dance studio.
As he approached the dress shop, he saw that it was already closed and that he was too late to pop in to chat to Lily before she went to the craft afternoon.
Frazer walked on, up to the dance studio, knowing he’d see Lily for her lesson later that night.
Armed with their craft bags, Lily and Mirren headed to Ivy’s craft shop after having a browse round the Christmas market. Lily wore a floral tea dress under her warm coat. They’d left the shop a little earlier than planned so they could take a meander together around the stalls. Now it was time to enjoy an afternoon of crafting.
Ivy’s pretty shop was decorated with Christmas lights. The front window had a view of the cobbled street. The latest range of yarn was on display, along with knitted items for sale. There were sewing baskets marked as ideal gifts. And the new craft kits ranged from needle felting to beadwork. Everything glittered enticingly under the twinkle lights in the window.
The shop was buzzing with activity when Lily and Mirren went inside. Several ladies had arrived and were chatting about their crafts.
Two large tables were set up, as they usually were for the crafting classes and craft afternoons. They were festooned with Christmas party crackers, and samples of yarn and fabric that those attending were free to use or take away with them.
Lily gazed around in the shop.
Shelves were stocked with rolls of fabric ranging from quilting weight cotton to dressmaking satin, chiffon and various fabrics with sparkle for the festive season.
A wide range of yarn, from double knit to lace weight, filled the shelves in the knitting section. A notice listed the days and times of the knitting classes.
Threads hung on carousels in a colourful array of types and textures, from stranded embroidery thread to crewel wool.
Patterns for knitting, crochet, dressmaking and embroidery were available, along with the items to make the patterns.
A small haberdashery was situated beside the shop counter where Ivy had her sewing machine set up.
The craft kits were of great interest to Mirren. ‘Don’t let me buy too many kits,’ Mirren whispered to Lily. ‘I’ve already got my eye on the needle felting.’
Lily smiled, and made a mental note of this as a little extra for Mirren’s Christmas. And she couldn’t entirely promise not to leave without buying a kit for herself.
‘Come away in, Mirren,’ Ivy said as they walked into the hub.
Ivy was fifty, fit, and had blonde hair with glitter strands, pinned up in a tidy bun. She’d owned the craft shop for years. It was brightly lit and had a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
‘This is Lily,’ Mirren said to Ivy, introducing them.
‘I heard Frazer mention you on the radio this morning,’ said Ivy. ‘Mirren told me to listen in.’
‘I didn’t expect him to do that,’ Lily said to her, still buzzing that he had.
‘We’ve finished mending all the pre–loved ballgowns,’ Mirren announced to Ivy.
Ivy looked impressed. ‘That was fast work. I’m going to the Christmas Eve ball. Bob bought us tickets. I don’t have a ballgown as such, but I looked through my wardrobe and picked out an evening dress last night that has the potential to be styled into something suitable to wear to the ball.’ Ivy had the dress hanging up beside her sewing machine behind the counter. It was deep blue satin, full–length, sleeveless, with straps, and a modest V–dip on the front and back of the bodice.
Lily’s designer instincts assessed it’s potential. ‘Does it fit well?’
‘Well enough,’ said Ivy. ‘I’ve had it for a few years hanging in my wardrobe. I bought it because I loved the colour.’
Lily couldn’t resist lifting the dress up and checking the design. ‘It has the potential to be a lovely ballgown, with a bit of redesigning.’
Ivy looked hopeful. Although she was capable of sewing, having someone of Lily’s dressmaking and design ability in the shop was exciting. ‘What would you suggest?’
‘I’d add two layers of chiffon to create a full skirt to give the dress a ballgown quality,’ said Lily.
‘Would you show me what you have in mind?’ Ivy encouraged her.
‘I’d need you to put the dress on so I can see how it fits you,’ said Lily.
Ivy was keen to do this. She grabbed the dress and hurried through to the back of the shop where she kept her stock.
Emerging wearing the dress, she stood in front of Lily. ‘What do you think?’
‘The bodice fits really well and doesn’t need anything except a scattering of sequins.’ Lily studied the straps. ‘I’d stitch a row of blue sequin trim on the straps.’ She glanced at the haberdashery and noticed there were rolls of sequin trim in stock. ‘Use sequins one or two shades lighter than the fabric. Mix the sequin scattering for the bodice with lighter blue sequins and midnight to match the satin. It’ll create a lovely sparkle effect under the lighting at the ball.’
Mirren and the other ladies came over to take a look, and nodded approvingly when they saw Ivy wearing the dress.
Lily stood back and viewed the full–length effect. ‘It’s too long. The hem needs taken up a bit.’ She looked thoughtful. ‘I’d add two layers of chiffon to the skirt. That’s easy enough to do. Fit the chiffon to the bodice waistline so that it flows out into a full skirt. Stitch a few sequins from the waistline, running down the top of the chiffon. It’ll blend the redesign.’
By now, Ivy was eager to have her dress redesigned by Lily.
Ivy bit her lip and glanced at Mirren, then at Lily. ‘I know you’re here for the crafting, Lily, but is there any chance you could do a wee bit of redesigning magic while you’re here?’
‘I’ll need a pair of dressmaking scissors.’ Lily pointed to the rolls of chiffon on the shelves. ‘That bolt of midnight blue chiffon with starry sparkle. A swathe of the deep turquoise chiffon. And pieces of the blue sequin trim.’
‘Oooh! Thank you, Lily,’ Ivy exclaimed, and dashed over to the chiffon.
Mirren stepped in. ‘Away through and take the dress off, Ivy. I’ll help Lily get the fabric. And be prepared for sparks. When Lily’s in dressmaking mode, she works fast.’
The ladies laughed, and were happy that Ivy was having her dress made for the ball.
The Christmas crafting got underway, though mainly there was chit–chat and festive music adding to the party atmosphere.
Heather and Mari came bustling in together having walked down from the theatre.
‘Sorry we’re a wee bitty late,’ Heather apologised, taking a seat beside Mirren.
Mari was used to teaching knitting classes in the shop, so she helped Ivy make the first round of tea of the afternoon.
The kettle had only just started boiling when Bob, Ivy’s husband, came bounding in, smiling cheerfully, and carrying a tray of frosted cupcakes and other delights.
The ladies knew the routine and cleared a space on one of the tables for Bob to put the cakes down.
‘Frosted cupcakes galore, as promised, and I’ve added a selection of mini Yule logs, cream meringues and jam doughnuts,’ he said, placing them on the paper trays.
‘Lily, this is my husband, Bob,’ Ivy said, introducing them.
‘Nice to meet you, Lily. My wife told me to listen in to the radio show today. I heard Frazer talking about you.’
Lily smiled and nodded.
‘We were all listening in at the theatre,’ said Heather. ‘Huntly and Niall got a mention too. They were fair chuffed.’
Mari carried a tray of tea through and put it down on the table beside the cakes. ‘It’s so exciting.’
‘Lily is helping to make my ballgown,’ Ivy told Bob.
Bob smiled at Lily. ‘You’re a wee gem.’ Then he took a deep breath. ‘Right, I’ll love you, and leave you. Enjoy your crafting and cakes.’ Giving his wife a quick kiss, Bob hurried away, got into his bakery van and drove off.
Lily’s craft bag hung on the back of her chair, still packed during the afternoon, but Mirren had been right. There was more chatter and frivolity that actual crafting done as the party atmosphere filled the shop with cheer.
Copious amounts of tea were consumed along with the cakes. Lily opted for one of the frosted cupcakes with her teas, while continuing to work on Ivy’s dress. She enjoyed the party, even wearing one of the paper hats from the cracker she’d pulled with Mirren, while whizzing the rolled hem of the chiffon skirt through the sewing machine.
Mirren had already succumbed to one of the needle felting craft kits, and made a start on the felted snowman, especially as Ivy and others were on hand to advise her on improving her techniques. ‘If I finish the snowman in time, I’ll add him to the Christmas scene at my tree at home.’
The bargain kits were being snapped up, and Lily picked one for herself — a needle felted robin designed to be made using an embroidery hoop.
Ivy put it aside for her at the counter.
‘I’ll buy Lily the kit,’ Mirren whispered to Ivy.
‘No, I’m going to tuck it in her bag as a thanks for helping to make my ballgown,’ Ivy insisted.