47

Judith

The waiter approached them, star struck. Obviously he’d recognized Lana from TV and Judith wondered how she could escape what was about to happen. She had hoped she could get away with completely avoiding Lana Lloyd tonight, but so far the plan was failing.

‘Champagne?’ said the waiter, ignoring Judith.

‘Ooh, go on!’ said Lana, helping herself to two glasses.

For a moment Judith thought she was getting them one each, but within seconds Lana had downed both drinks and replaced the empties on to the tray.

The waiter laughed. ‘Me and my mum, we love you. We’re addicted to that Still Waters! They repeat it all the time they do, on Gold. Your character’s wicked,’ he said, as Judith helped herself modestly to a glass.

‘God, that was years ago, but cheers, babes. D’you want a selfie?’

‘Can I?’

‘As long as you keep me topped up all night. Deal?’

‘Deal,’ the impressionable waiter said and Lana winked at him.

God, get me away from here, thought Judith, scanning the nearby guests for someone she recognized.

‘Would you mind taking it?’ said the waiter, handing his mobile to Judith. ‘I’m shaking too much to do a selfie!’

He shoved the mobile in Judith’s direction without giving her a second glance, caught up in the allure of celebrity. ‘You just tap on the circle down the bottom?’ he said, eyes firmly fixed on Lana.

‘Yes, I do know how to work an iPhone, y’know,’ she said. And was again ignored.

She cringed as Lana put her arm around the waiter and planted a big smacker on his cheek. ‘Take a couple. One of them’s bound to be OK.’

Judith had no choice but to obey. The waiter thanked Lana profusely, leaving with a promise to fetch more champagne. It didn’t go unnoticed by Judith that there’d been no thanks to her for taking the photo.

Left alone again, the awkwardness resumed. They both stood there, looking around the room.

‘So,’ said Lana, without making eye contact. ‘Long time, Jude. How’ve you been?’

‘Very well, thanks. You?’

‘Yeah, not bad. Knocked the acting on the head, did Cat tell you? I do cruise ships now. Pays really well.’

‘Right.’

More silence ensued.

‘And what about you?’

‘I’m still in local government.’ Judith immediately regretted saying it. Could her life have sounded more boring?

‘Christ, must be over thirty years now – you’re nothing if not consistent, Jude!’

Stop calling me Jude as if you’re my best mate.

‘Where’s Gareth?’

‘He couldn’t make it.’ Somehow Judith didn’t feel right telling her that Gareth was ill. It seemed too intimate a piece of information.

‘Bollocks. It’s ’cos I’m here, isn’t it?’ said Lana.

And Judith snapped.

‘Well, firstly that makes no sense, because as you know Gareth has been to several of Catrin and Sol’s parties at which you’ve been in attendance …’

‘Where he completely ignored me!’

‘… and secondly, Lana, not everything is about you!’

Annoyingly, Lana laughed. ‘Easy, tiger! Don’t be going all Theresa May on me now.’