Tuesday 3rd October
It had been an odd week at the Starlight Playhouse. It had started at last week’s tap class when Becca had tried to teach her adult tappers a basic eight-count routine. Mi-Sun had moved left instead of right, tripped over Wanda’s foot and crashed into Miriam, who subsequently fell over Nick and hit the wall with an almighty thud. A series of yelps had followed as Miriam tried to remain upright, culminating in the ballet barre being yanked from the wall and Miriam sliding to the floor.
Mi-Sun had been close to tears. Wanda had a bruised foot where Mi-Sun had stepped on it, and Miriam was left with a large splinter in her hand. Anyone would think Becca had been running a boxing class rather than a dance class.
Consequently, she’d been forced to cancel the rest of the classes until the damaged studio could be repaired. But it wasn’t all negative. She’d used the excuse of a broken ballet barre as a bargaining tool to obtain permission to tart-up the rest of the dance studio.
Carolyn had initially been reluctant, but Becca had worn her down, offering to carry out the work herself and assuring her boss that costs would be kept to a minimum. So, with Eddie’s help, she’d set about sanding and varnishing the wooden floor, filling and painting the walls, and making good the ballet barre.
Without the classes running the playhouse had felt deserted. There was no music or children’s laughter to fill the space. The building had felt cold and soulless. It was a place that needed life. It needed people. And maybe Becca needed that too. As infuriating as her pupils were, she’d missed them this week.
She got up from the floor and stretched out her knee. Sitting crouched on the floor painting radiators wasn’t a good position. Her knee complained when she stood up.
Eddie appeared through the doors carrying one of the industrial lights she’d acquired from a recently closed abattoir. ‘One down, four to go,’ he said, placing the light on the floor.
She rubbed her paint-covered hands on her overalls. ‘Do you need a hand?’
‘I’m good, thanks.’ With a smile, he disappeared through the doors.
Visiting the abattoir had been a surreal experience. Thankfully, there’d been no trace of animal slaughter on the premises, just a load of equipment in need of a new home.
Eddie appeared carrying another light. ‘I can’t believe you managed to get hold of these. They really didn’t want any money for them?’
Becca stretched out her Achilles. ‘I think the liquidator wanted some cash, but Jodi bamboozled him with talk of BS wiring regulations and the need for them to supply a valid installation certificate. In the end, he gave in and told her to take them.’
Eddie laughed. ‘I didn’t realise Jodi was familiar with electrical regulations?’
‘Oh, she’s not. She googled it and called his bluff. He knew less than her, so her master plan worked.’
He shook his head. ‘Perhaps I should take her with me house hunting.’
‘Any luck finding somewhere?’
‘Not yet, but I’m seeing a couple of places this afternoon. Fingers crossed.’ He went to collect another light.
Yesterday’s trip hadn’t started out brilliantly as both her mum and Jodi had been in low spirits. Her cousin’s melancholy stemmed from an incident last Monday involving Carolyn getting hammered and throwing up over bar manager Leon. Jodi had returned to the guest house despondent and fully expecting to be fired.
Becca hadn’t been there to witness the episode, and Jodi wouldn’t divulge much. All her cousin would say was that she’d confronted Carolyn about her drinking and the playhouse owner hadn’t taken the criticism well.
Her cousin had been on tenterhooks all week, expecting an Apprentice-style ‘you’re fired’ meeting. But it never came. Whether Carolyn had forgotten, or whether she was choosing to ignore it, remained a mystery. Jodi arrived for work each day full of trepidation, but other than being a little subdued, Carolyn had acted normally… Well, normally for her. So for the time being, Jodi remained in her position.
As for her mum, Becca had been unsuccessful in determining the root cause of her unhappiness, so she’d focused on cheering her up instead. The three of them had spent yesterday morning shopping. The day had begun with a wicked breakfast at Buddies Café on the seafront, followed by a visit to Snoopers Paradise, the most amazing junk shop in Brighton. The trip had finished with the visit to the abattoir. They’d arrived home with a set of second-hand fold-up chairs for the ballet mums to sit on, several large framed prints of ballerinas to give the newly painted walls some colour, and the pendant lights. And all for under a hundred quid. Bargain.
Becca wasn’t naive enough to believe one shopping trip would cure her cousin and mum’s blues, but it had temporarily given them a lift. It’d been like old times.
Eddie arrived with another light. ‘I’ve just seen Carolyn. She’s called a staff meeting.’
‘Is that unusual?’
‘I’d say.’ He put the light down. ‘I’ve worked here nearly ten years and we’ve never had a staff meeting.’ He shrugged. ‘I guess there’s a first time for everything.’
‘When is it?’
‘Now. Everyone’s required to attend. I hope it’s not bad news.’
Becca hoped so too.
She checked her overalls for wet paint. Happy she was semi-decent she went into the loos to wash her hands. Her reflection revealed a smudge of paint on her cheek and lopsided blue bunches. Maybe she’d go for purple next? Now the judgemental mothers were out of the picture she didn’t have to contain her appearance so much. Hence her psychedelic nails and semiquaver earrings.
Becca was the last one to arrive for the meeting. The office wasn’t big and felt cramped with seven people inside. Eddie and Leon were sitting on the sofa looking chilled. Vivienne was seated in one of the office chairs, her back rigid, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Carolyn was standing behind the ornate leather-topped desk looking unusually restrained in a navy tunic and leggings, her hair tied back, not a trace of make-up. Jodi was tucked into the corner as if hiding.
It was only when the door slammed, Becca realised Petrit was standing next to her, his arms folded, his scowl already at ‘warning’ level, which didn’t bode well. She wanted to move away, but there wasn’t enough room.
Carolyn cleared her throat. ‘Thank you all for coming. I appreciate this is an unusual request, but I have an important announcement.’
Jodi sunk further into her chair. Surely Carolyn wouldn’t fire her publicly? If she did, she’d have Becca to answer to, boss or no boss.
Carolyn’s thighs rested against the desk, as if it was the only thing holding her up. ‘I’m an alcoholic,’ she said, her voice shaky. This was followed by a weighted pause, as if she expected an outcry and a barrage of questions.
Everyone remained silent.
Carolyn glanced at all six faces, looking for a reaction. ‘This doesn’t come as a shock?’
Eddie, Leon and Becca exchanged an awkward look.
Jodi stared down at her lap.
No reaction from Vivienne or Petrit.
‘Right… Well, that probably tells me all I need to know.’ Carolyn tried for a self-deprecating laugh, but it fell a little short. ‘And I thought I’d kept it so well hidden.’ When no one contradicted her, she swallowed uneasily and continued. ‘It’s been brought to my attention that I might not be as in control as I’d thought. And that my recent actions have impacted on others.’ She clutched her hands, as if trying to stem the shake. ‘As such, it’s been suggested that I seek…help. Professional help.’ She glanced at Jodi.
The silence was excruciating.
Poor Carolyn. Here she was, sharing her shameful secret and everyone already knew. Only Jodi had the courage to look her in the eye.
Becca had no idea what the appropriate response was to such an announcement, but keeping quiet felt equally uncomfortable. ‘That’s very brave of you, Carolyn. I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing you the best and hoping you get the help you need.’
Carolyn let out a breath. ‘Thank you.’
Another awkward pause.
‘Is there anything we can do to support you?’ Leon asked, evoking a nod from Eddie, who added, ‘Yes, anything we can do, just name it.’
Becca could have kissed them both.
‘Thank you, I appreciate that…and yes, there is something.’ Carolyn pushed her glasses up her nose. ‘I’ve booked myself onto an eight-week residential course at a local rehabilitation centre. I’ll be absent from the playhouse for the duration of the course. In my absence, I feel it necessary to appoint a deputy.’
Vivienne sat up straighter.
Petrit grunted.
‘Someone I trust implicitly,’ Carolyn said.
Vivienne gave a small nod.
‘Someone who I know will keep the playhouse running, ensure you are all looked after, and who will have the courage to make tough decisions when needed.’
A smug-looking Vivienne glanced at Jodi. It didn’t take a mind-reader to work out what her first ‘not-so tough’ decision would be.
In just a few weeks, her cousin had proved herself to be reliable, loyal and trustworthy. She’d sorted out the office, arranged a payment plan with the playhouse’s creditors and drafted a marketing plan for improving business. Letting her go would be a backward step. It would be wrong of Vivienne to sack her just because she didn’t like her. But then, she didn’t like Becca, either. So maybe she’d get rid of her too.
The idea of stopping teaching filled Becca with sorrow. How crazy was that? She hadn’t even wanted the job in the first place. And now she didn’t want to stop. She was making progress, albeit slowly. She was learning too, mostly by her mistakes, but at least she was taking ownership of her failings and trying to improve. And now it was under threat, all because Vivienne wanted to be top dog.
Carolyn continued. ‘I know this appointment might not be to everyone’s satisfaction, but I have to follow my heart and go with who I feel has the best credentials.’ Carolyn smiled at Vivienne, whose returning smile was more of a self-satisfied sneer. ‘Which is why I’ve decided to leave the running of the Starlight Playhouse to Jodi and Becca.’
What? Becca’s shock was overridden by Vivienne’s strangled cry and Petrit’s grunt, which was so loud it made her jump.
‘This is outrageous.’ Vivienne stood up, sending the office chair rolling backwards.
‘My mind is made up, Vivienne.’
‘But they’ve barely been here a month. You don’t know them. You can’t trust them.’
‘They’ve more than proved their trustworthiness.’ Carolyn gestured to Jodi, who looked as shocked as Becca felt. ‘Which is why I’ve entrusted Jodi with the combination for the safe and added her as a bank signatory.’
Vivienne looked like she was about to combust. It was the most animated Becca had ever seen her. ‘Madam, I urge you to reconsider. You’re placing the future of the playhouse in the hands of two people who have no vested interest in its continuation. I’ve served this place for years, I’ve served you for years, always doing my utmost to protect the interests of the Elliot-Wentworth family.’
‘And I’m very grateful, Vivienne. Really, I am.’ Carolyn placed her hand over her heart. ‘Your loyalty means the world to me.’
‘Then why are you favouring them…’ Vivienne pointed at Becca and Jodi ‘…over a long-standing member of staff?’
Carolyn looked momentarily lost for words.
Eddie came to her rescue. ‘I think it’s a great appointment, Carolyn. Becca and Jodi will do a fine job. They have my full support.’ He raised his hand as if voting them in.
‘Mine too.’ Leon glanced at Jodi.
‘And we all know why that is, don’t we?’ Vivienne snapped at Leon, sounding like a spiteful schoolgirl. ‘We’ve all seen the way you look at her. No prizes for guessing your agenda.’
Becca’s mind was being dragged from one shocking announcement to another. Leon had the hots for her cousin? How did she not know this? Had Jodi noticed? Or was she keeping quiet? Too many questions. Now wasn’t the time to dwell.
‘My mind is made up,’ Carolyn said, seeming to summon her last drop of strength. ‘It’s a decision I’ve not come to lightly, but I feel it’s the right one. As a favour to me, and as a show of loyalty to the playhouse, I would be grateful if everyone could support this appointment and do their best to make Becca’s and Jodi’s task as easy as possible. Will you do that for me?’
Eddie and Leon nodded.
Petrit barged past Becca and exited the office, mumbling in Romanian.
‘Vivienne?’ Carolyn looked at the Woman-in-Black, whose angry face matched her dark red lipstick.
‘I’m not happy about the situation, but as you’re refusing to see sense, I have no alternative but to accept.’ Vivienne walked over to the door, her chin lifted. ‘I just hope madam doesn’t regret the decision.’ And with that, she was gone.
Carolyn smiled at Becca. ‘I hope it wasn’t too impertinent of me to appoint you both without discussing it with you first?’
Becca glanced at Jodi, who still looked a little poleaxed. ‘I’m honoured you think we’re up to the job.’ Bloody hell, was she up to the job? She had no idea. ‘I mean, I know Jodi is; she has a business degree. But as for me, well…what I mean is, I’ll do my best.’
‘I know you will. Your creativity combined with Jodi’s business acumen is the perfect combination. You’ll make a great team.’
Jodi stood up. ‘Thank you, Carolyn. You have no idea what this means to me. I won’t let you down.’
‘I know you won’t, darling girl.’ She took hold of Jodi’s hand. ‘I have every faith in you.’
‘Me too,’ Leon added, his eyes fixated on her cousin.
Definitely smitten.
‘And me.’ Eddie gave Jodi a thumbs-up.
Carolyn smiled. ‘Thank you, I’m lucky to have you all. Vivienne will calm down eventually.’
Becca wasn’t so sure.
‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like a private word with Jodi.’
Becca exchanged glances with her cousin. Boy, did they have a lot to chat about later. They’d be running the playhouse together? It was too much for her head to compute.
Becca followed Eddie and Leon out of the office, still dazed, responding on autopilot as they congratulated her and patted her on the back. And to think she’d thought Carolyn had called the meeting to sack Jodi.
Unsure what to do with herself, she went into the dance studio and finished painting the radiator. There was no effort required in painting. The upward strokes of the brush helped to occupy her hands, whilst her brain continued to spin. How did she feel? Excited? Scared? She wasn’t sure. This was another challenge. A test of her mettle. But unlike dancing this had more to do with her mind than her body. A dodgy knee wasn’t going to stop her. A couple of disgruntled staff members, on the other hand, might.
Wiping excess paint from the brush, she wrapped it in a cloth. She rolled up the dustsheet and stood back to admire her handiwork. The studio looked much better. It was a masking job, rather than a full refurb, but with white walls and brighter flooring, it already looked more inviting.
Picking up the remaining paint, water bucket and roller tray, she carried them outside onto the fire escape.
The thought of line-managing Vivienne and Petrit didn’t fill her with joy. She was confident Eddie and Leon would cooperate, but the other two? Not so much. Despite this, she couldn’t deny the frisson of excitement she felt. It was another possibility. Another path to walk down and see where it led. And to think, only a month ago she was jobless, homeless, and with no idea what her future held. Now, she was teaching and about to co-manage an arts centre.
It was heady stuff. But then she remembered it was a failing arts centre. The Starlight Playhouse wasn’t a thriving hub of creativity; it was a neglected manor house in dire need of refurbishment. Still, they could turn things around and build on its reputation. Reverse its fortunes and repay Carolyn’s faith in them…except there was no budget for investment. However she looked at it, the tablecloth wasn’t big enough to cover the table.
She leant over the railing and shook out the cloth, emptying dried Polyfilla into the skip below.
The main thing was she wasn’t doing it alone. She’d have Jodi. Together they would overcome adversity. They were a team. Wonder Women united. And if this opportunity led to a permanent position for her cousin then it was worth the hassle.
She stepped back, not realising the roller tray was behind her. Her foot slipped on the paint almost sending her over the railing onto the concrete below. In her effort to stay upright, she knocked over the water bucket and paint tin, sending the contents flying.
As if in slow motion, the airborne paint descended like a snowstorm, landing on a black BMW that had just screeched into the service yard below. As the white paint hit the front window obscuring the view, the driver hit the brakes, sending the car into a spin. It clipped the corner of the recycling bin before coming to a halt.
There was a moment’s silence before the driver’s door flew open and a man appeared. ‘You’ve got to be frickin’ kidding me!’
Time slowed.
Becca’s heart rate sped up.
A buzzing noise filled her head.
She clutched the railing, trying not to fall.
His hair was still blond – but gone was the indie-grunge mess of his teens. Now it was styled in that designer ‘just got out of bed’ look that only the naturally blessed could get away with. Gone was the long parker coat, DM boots and jeans with zips sewn into them. He was dressed in a light grey suit with a darker grey waistcoat and no tie. The top button of his white shirt was undone. He looked slightly dishevelled and sexy as hell. But this was nothing compared to the startling blue eyes framed by long spidery lashes that were currently darting about like laser weaponry looking for the person who’d covered his car in white paint.
And then he looked up.
Oh, shit.
She did the only thing she could think of.
She ran.