Chapter 46
This was the first time she’d seen Ziggy and Nancy since they’d returned from America. They’d chatted lots on their WhatsApp group, so they already knew about the job thing. Still, she was genuinely touched when Ziggy insisted on buying the wine when she met up with them at her local pub.
‘Before we talk about anything else,’ said Simone, ‘I need to bounce an idea off you. I’m thinking of running an event at Cedar Lodge. A spooky sleepover type thing, like a Haunted Homeless Shelter.’
‘Is it haunted?’ asked Nancy, eyes wide.
‘Artistic license. It’s a former psychiatric hospital, so it’s not such a leap to imagine some bad shit went down there. I’m thinking a bit of atmosphere. People carrying candles. A bit immersive. Perhaps a few escape-room-style touches dotted around. Nothing too complicated, but you get the idea.’
‘Can we come?’ they both said in unison.
‘So I’m on to something?’
‘Are you kidding?’ squeaked Nancy. ‘It sounds amazing!’
Ziggy’s eyes narrowed. ‘But why?’
‘Why what?’
‘Are you being forced to do kind-hearted things against your will? Do you need to use our safe word?’
‘It’s being threatened with closure.’
She told them all about Wolfe. The information had started to sink in, but her pulse still quickened and the red mist descended at the injustice of it.
‘You must really care about the place,’ said Nancy.
‘I’m just doing what anyone would do.’
‘Would you do that, Ziggy? Give up your spare time to raise money for a homeless shelter you only learned existed a month ago?’
‘Nope,’ said Ziggy.
‘Neither would I,’ said Nancy.
‘And Nancy is Insta’s answer to Lady Di,’ said Zig. ‘I’ve never seen you so passionate about anything.’
‘Shut up!’ Simone’s cheeks were reddening.
‘Serious, Sim,’ said Nancy. ‘We’re the ones who went away, but you’re the one who’s acting like they’ve had a life-changing experience.’
‘You’re going to get a life-changing injury in a minute if you don’t stop saying nice things about me.’
‘That’s more like it,’ said Ziggy.
‘And will this psychologist be there?’ asked Nancy.
A big stupid grin spread across her face. She might have mentioned Jasper a few times. And yes, he would be.
‘He sounds far too good to be true,’ said Ziggy. ‘Are you sure he’s not reverse gaslighting you?’
‘What would that entail?’
‘Making you believe you’re a much better person than you actually are. Telling you that you teach sign language or cure cancer when you’re drunk.’
‘No. No gaslighting. It’s literally the very last thing he’s capable of.’ She was still grinning like an idiot.
‘Sim’s in love!’ said Nancy.
‘No, I’m not.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’m too busy for all that.’
She and Jasper hadn’t yet managed to spend a great deal of time together, as much as she yearned to do so. She wanted to ensure that Tasha didn’t get spooked and run off again. She was currently convalescing at home after a procedure to remove the remains of her pregnancy. Jasper’s sister, Jessica, was between places, so she was staying in his bedroom and he had the couch, meaning going back to his wasn’t an option. When she’d asked if this amounted to sexist gallantry – since women were perfectly capable of sleeping on sofas – he had kissed her on her nose, told her that the pupil had become the master, and suggested as soon as Jessica moved out that they watch Star Wars together. She’d wanted to ask if he meant all nine films, which would be suggestive of the fact he saw some long-term future for them, but asking someone a straightforward question about their intentions towards you was a lousy way to start things off. Far better to ease yourself in with some good old-fashioned second-guessing.
‘I’ll also need to tap into your networks, if that’s okay? We need to make a big splash, get as many people talking about the shelter as possible.’
‘Cool,’ said Ziggy.
‘Really?’
‘Yeah. Why so doubtful?’
‘I don’t know. I wasn’t sure if it was on brand.’
‘You’re a mate, you dickhead. We’re here for whatever you need us for.’
‘Yeah, Sim, you dope,’ said Nancy. ‘Group hug!’
The tell-tale tickle of emotion welled up in her again. Jesus. She was becoming emotionally incontinent. She enveloped them both in a hug. They weren’t perfect friends, but they were hers, and they were going to come through when it counted.