‘He looks like drama,’ said Meagan before skating away.

‘Everyone’s drama. We just have to decide who’s worth it,’ Simi said tottering behind Meagan before easing into a wobbly glide.

The girls skated for a while with Meagan leading the way and after a few circuits they started to gain their confidence.

‘Meagan, can we talk about my audition…’ Simi began.

‘Yeah, man,’ said Meagan. ‘My notes must have worked coz you’re still in the running.’

‘I… I am?’ Simi stammered.

‘Yaaass, queen. You’re welcome,’ Meagan said, enjoying the moment.

Despite script reading being a massive ball-ache, Meagan had managed to skim-read the Clash of the Crown episode Simi had auditioned for. From the get-go she could see it was missing laughs. Even intense dramas need comic relief. Lucky Meagan had steered Simi towards injecting some much-needed comedy. If she got it right, not only would Simi be a shoe-in for the role but the producers would probably realise their mistake and write in more gags.

‘Come on, guys,’ said Jemima. ‘We’ve only got thirty minutes before the next session starts. These dates aren’t going to arrange themselves!’

Meagan eyed Jemima. Something was definitely odd.

‘She really is into this,’ Simi said gleefully.

‘Yeah…’ said Meagan as she watched Jemima scope the rink for Simi’s potential date.

‘So,’ said Simi quietly, ‘you know what you have to do when you look for Jem, right?’

‘What?’ said Meagan, still watching Jemima.

‘Meag! We talked about this. Our list. Smart, funny, good looking, loves books, makes puns, generous, kind, keeps his feet on the ground and most importantly…’

‘Makes Jemima want to do the same. Yeah, yeah I know. And after we’ll turn water into wine and feed the five thousand,’ said Meagan.

‘It’s not that hard. And what’s the point of all this if we don’t find people that make our lives better, add value? She just needs someone with roots who’ll make her want to stay put. Got it?’ said Simi.

‘Yeah, yeah. Got it. I’ve got to find Jemima a funny tree,’ said Meagan.

Chapter 26

Jemima

Jemima leaned back on the rink barrier to take a breather. After two embarrassing wipeouts and just as she was about to give up, she had finally found Mo, Simi’s next date. She watched Simi wave coquettishly across the rink at him. Jemima was pleased and from the way Simi was slathering in his direction, she was too.

‘You seriously don’t know who he is?!’ Simi whispered so loudly she may as well have put it on a sandwich board.

Jemima shrugged. She was so bad at celeb spotting she’d once spent a whole tube ride talking to an ex-Blue Peter presenter thinking they’d gone to school together.

‘He’s just landed the lead in the new Black Panthers comedy, Blacklash. It’s gonna be huge. I can’t believe you didn’t recognise him!’ said Simi.

Jemima took another glance at Mo. Nope – she had no clue who he was.

‘Mmmm. Six foot two inches of mixed-race gorgeousness,’ Meagan said, sneaking a peek. ‘I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but next time, Jemini, I want you to find my date!’