Page 90 of One Golden Summer

“I recommend correcting that immediately.”

“Are you saying I have a broken heart?” Saffron playfully crossed her arms.

“I wouldn’t dream of inferring anything when it comes to you. It’s become apparent, I don’t know you all that well.”

Saffron swallowed, unsure how to come back from that, because it was reminiscent to what Ginger had said the other night.

“How’s Echo?”

Saffron heaved a frustrated sigh. “I have no idea.”

“Please. According to her socials you two plan to have a week away before filming starts for the nextGirl Racer.” The only way to define the tone was ice-cold.

Saffron slit her eyes to the point she could only see gold. Gold? Not red? She widened them enough to see the massive gold-ring pinata. “It’s a shame Ginger only took one whack.”

Kirsty glanced over her shoulder. “Unfortunate timing with the arrival of the Butlers in the Buff.”

Saffron snorted. “It’s hard to compete with nearly naked men.”

“I never saw the appeal.” Kirsty’s gaze found one of the butlers, his black apron barely covering the goods aside from his exposed arse.

Ruth’s friend seemed to intentionally drop something on the ground, that rolled behind the gentleman, who felt compelled to turn around and retrieve it, ensuring he gave Shirley a jolly good show.

Shirley and her gaggle of women cackled with joy, and Saffron shook her head, laughing.

The band started “It’s Raining Men” resulting in Ginger shrieking.

Kirsty returned a thumbs up from Ginger, before saying to Saffron, “Good job with the music, even though you’ve been a tit the last few days. I shouldn’t be surprised since you look like a pop star in that suit you ordered for Ginger.”

Saffron looked down at the sequined silver trouser suit, tugging awkwardly on one of the black velvet lapels, but she looked back to the ring. “You know the saying: waste not, want not?”

“Is that why you wore the suit?”

“What? No. I was referring to the pinata. The party’s breaking up, aside from the diehard dancers. Shall we give it a go?” Saffron pointed to it.

“I’ve never hit one.”

“A pinata or a wedding ring?” Saffron jacked up one eyebrow.

“Both.”

“There’s a first for everything. Like when I went kayaking with you.”

Kirsty started to smile, but it froze on her lips. “I’m not good at hitting things.”

“It’s easy. Just pretend you’re striking my head with a bat.” Saffron handed Kirsty the weapon. “Whose idea was the rainbow-coloured stick?”

“Mine. Every time I suggested something rainbow, Ginger shot me down, thinking I was on some not-so-hidden lesbian agenda. But I wanted to keep the party theme as light-hearted as possible. It’s not an end, but a beginning.”

“Is there a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?”

“For Ginger.” Kirsty clutched the stick with both hands, looking unsure of what to do. “I think I’m supposed to be blindfolded.”

“Right.” Saffron took up the scarf from the nearby table. “Turn around.”

“How can I trust you won’t strangle me or anything?”

“Says the woman holding a whacking stick.”