Follow My Lead Episode 23
Sitting in the café with Basil, an image of Cyrus popped into her head.
She could almost hear his voice saying the same words, to seize an opportunity to try something different. She had learned so much from him already.
“Like writing my novel,” Basil said, taking up the idea.
“There is one I started to write years ago, but I just never seemed to find the time to finish it.”
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about,” she agreed, leaning over to pick up her bag from the floor.
Outside, they halted on the pavement, and the crowds of pedestrians washed around them.
“Now what?” Basil asked, that uncertainty returning. “I know I said we should have dinner, but . . .”
“But you’ve just had the rug pulled out from under you and don’t feel like it?” Lydia finished his thought.
“Go home and catch your breath. We can do dinner another time.”
A grateful smile creased his face.
“You’re quite a woman, do you know that, Lydia?”
She flapped a hand at him.
“Oh, now, stop that. You’re making me blush.”
He raised his hands to rest them on her shoulders, his gaze intent.
“Seriously, you’re quite a woman. And quite a friend. I’m more grateful than you know to have you in my life.”
He kissed her cheek, then lifted his hands, and that was how she left him.
It had been nothing like the day she had been expecting. Yet she had the feeling something had just shifted in their friendship all the same.
How did you dress for a date that might not be a date?
As she eased another blouse over her head, Danielle giggled to herself.
She’d teased Lydia mercilessly that morning as she had gone through the same process. Now look at her!
“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black,” she scolded herself.
All afternoon, as she walked Rex, Tallulah and lovely Ronald, she’d been mentally running through the contents of her wardrobe.
Now she appraised her reflection. She’d never been a fashionable dresser. Her clothes were simple, plain and practical, with the exception of this one top.
In a filmy midnight-blue georgette, the long-sleeved outer layer floated over the modesty-preserving camisole beneath.
A scattering of sequins and beads around the neckline sparkled.
She’d had it for years, and whenever she caught sight of it in her wardrobe, it gave her pleasure.
She’d worn it only once, years ago, for a work function, but she had tried it on countless times. It always made her smile and feel good.
And that was exactly what she needed for this “date” with Stu.
“Is it too much?” she asked herself, twirling.
Not if she paired it with her good jeans, ankle boots and her leather jacket, she reasoned.
She tried it all together, then nodded.
“You’ve made an effort, but not tried too hard.” She could almost hear Lydia saying the words.
If only she were here. She could do with her support.
Not that she had time to change her mind, because a vehicle had just stopped outside.
She glanced at the clock. Stu was early.
“Don’t go reading anything into that,” Danielle warned herself as she gave her hair a final brush and dabbed on some lipstick.
He’d just raised his hand to knock when she opened the door, still zipping up her jacket.
“Sorry. I think I’m early. Please don’t rush,” he told her.
“It’s no problem. I’m ready!” she assured him.
He held open the van door for her, and she was touched to notice that he’d made some attempt to clean it up inside.
She smiled her gratitude as she settled into the passenger seat, where a sofa throw now replaced the dustsheet of earlier.
Both were quiet as they drove along the country lanes to the pub, but it was an easy silence.