‘Dolores, I need to ask you something and I’m hoping you’ll say yes.’

Dolores placed her glass down on the table. ‘Go on.’

‘Despite the news report just now, The Lakehouse is actually in trouble… financially. Hopefully, this might generate some business, but Flynn really wants to recreate those days, from the footage we just saw. We need to bring something special to the table to put The Lakehouse back on the map.’ Ella had Dolores’ full attention. ‘I’ve suggested we hold a very special evening called “A Trip Down Memory Lane with Dolores Henderson”. Gianni could prepare the most delicious dishes and after a three-course meal, you and some of the artists from your little black book could come along and perform. The locals could get involved, and maybe we could have a couple of current artists too, and I’m sure Nancy, the director we met today, would get involved with maybe another follow-up feature. Flynn would really love to get the exclusive Thursday nights back. But at the moment the word isn’t spreading quickly enough. What do you think?’

Dolores was listening to every word and when Ella had finished there was silence.

‘You think it’s a bad idea, don’t you?’

Much to Ella’s relief a huge smile began to spread across Dolores’ face. ‘Young lady, you had me at “A Trip Down Memory Lane with Dolores Henderson”!’

Ella let out a squeal. ‘Are you serious, are you in?’ She waited with bated breath.

‘Of course I’m in! This is where my career started and, sad as it may be, this is where my career can end… and who doesn’t want an opportunity to dress up and perform?’

Ella clapped her hands like a demented sea-lion. ‘This is brilliant, are you absolutely sure?’

Dolores held up her glass of sherry. ‘Here’s to “A Trip Down Memory Lane”.’

Ella was up on her feet, engulfing Dolores in a heartfelt hug, before she rang Callie who answered within a couple of rings.

‘Everything okay, Ella?’ she asked.

‘Where are you?’

‘I’m still at the restaurant. Why?’

‘Is Flynn with you?’

‘He is.’

‘Put me on speaker,’ insisted Ella, feeling her heart pound.

‘Done, you’re on speaker.’

‘I’ve got news! I’m sitting with Dolores and she has agreed to do “A Trip Down Memory Lane”.’

Ella held the phone away from her ear while Callie squealed. ‘Thank you, Dolores!’

While Ella was on the phone Dolores stood up and walked over to the bookshelves. She pulled a black book out from the second shelf and then walked back to the armchair and handed it to Ella. ‘Everything you need to know is in there, guard it with your life.’

‘Dolores, we can’t thank you enough, you are a huge part of the history of this place,’ chipped in Flynn.

‘You’re very welcome.’ Dolores looked like the cat that had got the cream, her smile was huge.

‘What date are we looking at?’ asked Ella, knowing this was going to take some organisation to pull it all together.