She smiled at my look of horror. “Hey, I’m good. We’ve only got ourselves in the end. And I would never have met Declan. I would go through it all again just for that.”
I nodded slowly, thinking about Theadora being drugged. “And this Crisp character, who’s part of the mother’s inner circle, will he be at the soiree?”
We stepped out of the path of a fisherman wheeling a cart. I tasted salt on my lips as I wiped my face with the back of my hand.
“Probably.” She shrugged. “Declan’s already punched him in the nose.” She raised her eyebrows. “I’ve moved on, even though I don’t trust him.”
“I can’t blame you.”
We stood in line at the fish van with the catch of the day on offer.
“So now your mother wants to be part of your life?” I asked.
“She does. I told her that when that monster husband of hers was no longer around, I might allow a visit.” She stared out to sea. “It’s funny how the roles have reversed. I’m the one that’s now pushing her away. Just like she treated me. I don’t forgive easily.” Her face brightened suddenly. “Hey, why don’t we perform together at Merivale? It would be a hoot.”
That sudden shift in subject jarred me. I took a moment to process her suggestion. Other than his cute text, I hadn’t spoken to Ethan since the gig at the Mariner. That dinner in the city never happened because I was busy recording while fighting off Orson’s advances.
That was a week ago. Ethan had called a few times. I just hadn’t returned his calls. I was still stuck in that we’re-too-different camp.
“Won’t I be unwelcomed?” I asked.
Theadora’s mouth curled slowly. “Yes, enjoyably so.”
I responded with a shocked laugh. “Are you using me to stir things up with Caroline Lovechilde?”
Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “Maybe. But hey, it will be fun. And it will give you some exposure, won’t it?”
It came our turn, and I waited as Theadora made her order. After she paid and received her parcel, we headed back to the street.
“What about Ethan?”
“What about him?” she asked. “He’s smitten, by the way.”
I stopped walking and whipped my head around to stare her in the face. “Has he spoken about me?”
She removed her bike from the stand. “Ethan always asks after you. So, do you want to do it?”
Questions banged into each other. I was gobsmacked. I shrugged. “Why not?”
“Yay.” She looked excited, like we were fifteen-year-olds breaking rules for a bit of fun.
“What are you wearing?” I asked.
“I’ve got this Spanish costume I picked up in London. It’s amazing. You should see it.”
“That sounds colourful.”
She nodded. “Although I’m performing a Debussy piece, my costume has inspired me to perform a piece fromCarmen.”
“That sounds passionate. Now I’m worried about what I’m going to wear. And what will I sing?”
“‘Song for the Sea.’ I love that song.” Her eyes lit up. “I’ve got an idea. Do you have time to come over today for a rehearsal?”
“I guess so.”
“I just had this idea.” Theadora’s infectious burst of enthusiasm made me smile. “I’m playing ‘Clair de Lune.’ I’m sure I can find a smooth segue into your song. It will work for sure.”
“Okay.”