I wonder why?

I noticed Flossie fluttering her eyelashes at Ben and you could see his fringe getting excited. Vaisey said, “Lullah, can you see Jack anywhere? And where’s Charlie?”

I didn’t know.

Vaisey said she was going to the loo, but I know she was actually seeing if Jack was around anywhere. Then I saw Ruby! What was she doing here? She must have sneaked in. If her dad finds out, he’ll get the botty-breaker out.

Ruby was on one of the beanbags talking to a boy; she had loads of makeup on and you could see her knickers. I must go and get her.

Before I could, Bob clanked by. He was wearing a bandana and had so many torches and appliances attached to his belt I was amazed he could walk. I said to Flossie, “What’s Bob doing here?”

Flossie said, “Maybe he’s getting down with the kids.”

As he passed, I said, “Hello, Bob, what are you doing here?”

Bob said, “I’m helpin’ me brethren.”

What is he talking about?

Vaisey came back from the loos and said, “Bob’s roadie-ing for The Jones.”

Then Bob spotted Ruby and I heard him say, “That is, like, totally not cool. ’Scuse me, brother, I’m on a mission.” And he clanked over to Ruby, picked her out of the beanbag, and put her under his arm.

As he was carrying her to the door. I could hear her shouting in a French accent, “Oh là là, m’sieur, why are vous holding moi under votre fat arm? I am from la belle France. . . .”

Bob said, “Ruby, be cool, dudette. It’s, like, not happening for you to be here. The big man, the Piemaster, has rules, and his rule is that you do not bust the gig. You are officially leaving the building.”

As she went past, I said, “Night-night, Ruby.”

Someone laughed behind me. “Ah, Tallulah, I see our little friend is being carried out early on.”

And it was Charlie! Hurrah hurrah. I felt all goofy and wobbly.

Charlie seemed happy to see me. And he looked lovely. In a really sharp suit with a Fred Perry shirt underneath. I like that he’s quite tall. And handsome. And lovely. I knew I should say something. But . . .

He smiled at me. “Can I get you anything from the bar?”

I said, “Yes, that would be, er . . . as long as it’s not a . . . a . . . an ice-cube bucket.”

Charlie said, “I’ll make it a Coke, shall I?” And he laughed and went off.

Wow. This was good. After a shaky start, maybe it was going to be a good evening. Even if Charlie did have a girlfriend, I could still enjoy seeing him.

Then Jack arrived. Hurray! Vaisey lit up like a firecracker. All smiley and dimply.

Jack gave Vaisey a little kiss on her ear and said, “Hello, Vaisey. You look lovely. I’m off to get ready to play. But I’ll see you after, won’t I? You’ll watch me, won’t you? I’ve got new sticks.”