Epilogue
It was Tuesday so it was Crafting and Cocktails night but this week the tiny room was overflowing.
‘I said we needed the bigger room, not the bloody broom cupboard,’ said Renee, shaking the cocktail shaker and almost taking Nora out.
‘It’s fine,’ said Dixie. ‘Once we’ve served the Mojitos, we’ll all sit down and then we can get on with crafting.’
Ned cleared his throat. ‘We don’t all have to do that part, do we?’ He waggled his hands. ‘I’ve got sausage fingers.’
‘It’s not compulsory,’ said Jay, his knitting needles clicking away.
‘We can get you started,’ said Dixie. ‘Don’t worry. We were all beginners once.’
Nora kept sneaking a look at Jay. She still couldn’t quite believe it.
It felt like everything had slotted into place.
Perhaps all she had needed was to realize what was really important.
Jay looked at her and smiled. Something passed between them.
They had a thing and it was extra special.
She’d found her person and it was the best feeling ever.
There was a tap on the outside door and Jay jumped to his feet. ‘Back in a minute.’
‘It had better not be another bugger for Crafting and Cocktails,’ said Renee, pouring out the last of the drinks. She re-counted the glasses. ‘We’ve got one more glass than we need. Oh well, that’s a spare for whoever finishes first,’ she said, looking pleased.
Nora moved to stand in the doorway. ‘Actually, we didn’t miscount. We’ve an extra person tonight,’ she said, stepping to one side.
Renee opened her mouth to say something but for once she was rendered speechless.
She stared dumbstruck at the person Jay was helping into the room.
A lady, a similar age to Renee, with a more conservative dress sense and a shock of neat grey hair and rimless glasses.
‘Theo?’ Tears brimmed in Renee’s eyes. ‘Is that really you?’
The lady looked at her and smiled. ‘Nobody calls me that any more. It’s usually Nanna, Mrs Benton or Theodora. But yes, Renee. It’s me.’ She opened her arms and she and Renee hugged.
Renee stepped back and wiped her eyes. ‘Goodness! I can’t believe it.’
‘It’s been too long,’ said Theo. ‘But it’s good to see you again, Renee. You’ve not changed.’
Renee chortled. ‘I’m no bloody better, that’s for sure.’
‘I think I’m missing something,’ whispered Ned to Dixie.
‘Theo was Renee’s one who got away.’ She drew a heart in the air.
‘Oh cool,’ said Ned, taking Dixie’s hand and squeezing it.
Nora wiped away a tear. It was lovely to see Renee and Theo reunited. ‘I’m so glad you’re both pleased to see each other,’ she said. ‘I’ve been worrying that there was some old beef between you, and that was why you’d not tracked each other down before now.’
Theo sighed. ‘It was all my fault. I married a man I didn’t love because my parents expected me to.’
‘It wasn’t your fault.’ Renee took her hand. ‘It was a different time. That’s all.’
‘And now you’ve found each other again. Hurray!’ said Dixie, handing a glass to Theo and raising hers. ‘To Renee and Theo! Reunited at last.’ Everyone clinked glasses.
Renee shook her head. ‘But how did you find me?’ Then, as the penny dropped, she pointed at Jay and Nora. ‘You pair of buggers have some explaining to do!’