Page 86 of A New Arrival at Samphire Bay
‘Well, perhaps just the theme tune,’ she relented.
‘Very apt,’ he winked.
Thankfully, the day of the party saw an orange-red sunrise slowly rise up across Samphire Bay. The marbled hall was flood-lit by its glow, as the catering staff hurried about their duties. In keeping with the occasion, they were dressed in black and white waitress uniforms and carried silver trays with flutes of sparkling champagne. A jazz band set up by the piano was playing. The cast and crew had hired two coaches to take and collect them and had arrived bang on time. In they all piled, eager to celebrate. Polly came in character, much to everyone’s delight. Suffice to say that nobody mentioned Mel, not even Jennifer when she landed dressed as a flapper girl. Felix grinned as he passed her a glass of fizz.
‘You look fab, Jennifer, good sport.’
‘I can let my hair down sometimes, you know,’ she joked, taking a gulp.
Bunty and Perry arrived with Robin and an ever-expanding Jasmine. Not to be outdone, Jasmine had tailored a maternity dress with tassels and wore a sequined headband, while Robin looked very demure with his sleeked back hair and false moustache.
Everyone had made a huge effort, fully getting into the spirit. Felix looked on from the balcony, his arms round Emma. Had it only been last summer when he’d first stepped foot into this very hall? Little had he known then just how his life was about to change – and all for the better. He glanced at Emma, watching the crowd below dancing to the band music.
‘Are you dancing?’ he asked, arching an eyebrow. She turned and smiled.
‘Are you asking?’
‘I’m asking,’ he replied.
‘I’m dancing,’ she grinned, then tip-toed up to kiss him. Never had she been so happy. Coming to Samphire Bay had been the best move she’d ever made.
Together, hand-in-hand, they descended the stairs and joined their guests.
