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I smile. “I told you I’d sort something out.”

“You did,” she says, grinning. “I’m sorry I doubted you. Now, all we have to do is convince the parents.”

CHAPTER 31

APRIL

It’s been several days since Cal took me to visit Scarlett. This morning, he called to say he’s arranged for the community centre to hold our meeting.

Until today, I’ve stayed clear of Sunny Down. The sight of my dreams in literal ruins almost brings me to my knees. The entire roof has collapsed, and the outside is now boarded up with metal sheeting to keep the public safe. Graffiti artists have already moved in. Some common local tags are clearly recognisable.

I make my way to the high street. Val and Dorrie are in the charity shop as I walk past. After their kindness, I want to repay them.

“Look who it is,” Dorrie says as soon as I walk through the door. She rushes forward and sweeps me into a bear hug. “Val, get your butt out here. Ms April’s visiting.”

“Hi Dorrie,” I say, as she holds me by my upper arms, checking me from head to toe.

“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? Looking a lot better than the last time we saw you? And you smell better.”

I half grimace at the memory of my last visit. “I shouldhope so.” I chuckle. “I wanted to thank you for your kindness that day. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to come and see you.”

Dorrie’s hand comes up and pats my cheek. “Don’t you be worrying. You’ve been through the wringer. Are things looking up? What’s the latest? They boarded it all up. Worried about thehealth and safetyof the building, I heard.”

I follow her further into the shop. “The building has to come down. It’s not structurally sound,” I tell her as Val appears from the back. She obviously hasn’t heard Dorrie because when she sees me, she drops what she’s holding on the counter and rushes forward, barrelling Dorrie out of the way.

“April, so lovely to see you,” she says, pulling me in for a hug.

The warmth of their affection doing things to my insides. I’m going to miss this community with its warmth and spirit when I move on.

“How are you doing, my lovely?” Val asks, sitting me down on the same chair she placed me on a couple of weeks ago.

“I’m good, Val. I popped in to thank you ladies for your kindness. For your generosity… and, of course, to pay you.”

Val waves her hand at me. “No, you don’t. It’s what community and friends do. We’ve heard everything about you shouting about saving our community, standing up for the little people.”

“Probably why that man in the fancy clothes came in,” she says, pursing her lips. “He asked all about you and then left a hefty donation as a thank you.”

“Dorrie,” Val hisses. “You weren’t supposed to say anything.”

My eyes move between the two women, who have become very rosy-cheeked suddenly.

“Ladies, what’s going on?” I ask, having my suspicions but not quite believing it.

“Er.” Dorrie turns away.

“Dorrie, what’s going on?” I ask again.

“I’m a silly old woman. Ignore me. I shouldn’t have said anything. Confidentiality and all that. He asked us not to, and I opened my big mouth.”

Val slaps her forehead in what I can assume is despair at her friend.

Dorrie slaps a hand over her mouth, and I can no longer contain my laughter.

“I’ll let you keep his secret,” I say as I watch the women become more and more flustered.

Their shoulders sag.

“Let’s have a lovely cup of tea, and you can tell us what you’ve been up to,” Val says, heading out of the back.