Page 93 of Second Chance Summer
‘Great, we’ll do it from the dais,’ she said, leading Lily out of the kitchen towards a raised stage area constructed from the kind of wooden boxes you’d find in a school gym.
Lily followed Penny onto the stage. Some people turned their heads, but most were busy browsing the stalls.
‘There’s a microphone,’ Penny said, picking up a lead and mic from its stand. ‘I’ll introduce you and then you speak.’
Lily’s skin crawled. Amicrophone. ‘It’s not on yet, is it?’ she whispered, feeling clammy and a little light-headed.
‘Not yet. I promise I’ll let you know. I’ll say: “Please give a warm welcome to our very special guest, Lily Harper, founder of the fantastic online craft and gift brand, Lily Loves.” And then you’ll be live. Is that OK?’
‘Oh.’ Lily nodded, fighting to regain her composure. ‘That’s fine. Thank you. I just didn’t want to … make a faux pas.’
‘I quite understand,’ Penny said gently, although Lily wasn’t sure anyone could understand the humiliation and horror of being caught saying something she shouldn’t in front of millions of people.
‘You will be wonderful, you know. Look how many people have come to see you. There’s no way we’d have had such a turnout without you.’
Lily did look. There must now be well over a hundred people in the room, probably more. Her heart was still beating far too fast and sweat trickled down her back. Why had she agreed to this?
At the rear, a small group caught her eye.
It was Sam and Étienne, with Amelie and Tania on their shoulders.
The two girls waved frantically and Étienne and Sam smiled broadly.
Lily almost burst into tears of relief. She had people she loved and cared for here and they were willing her on. They were what mattered, not what random strangers thought or said.
Penny’s hand was on her shoulder. ‘Shall we go for it?’ she murmured.
Lily took another breath and let it out with a smile of relief. ‘Yes. Let’s.’
‘Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the annual Bryher Craft Fair!’ Penny said. ‘This year is very special for two reasons. Firstly, we have a record number of makers attending. An amazing total of thirty-four!’
Woo-hooswent up.
‘And secondly, we have a VIP guest to open the show and hand out the raffle prizes – several of which she has donated – later. Please give a very warm welcome to our very special guest, Lily Harper, founder of the fantastic online craft and gift brand, Lily Loves.’
There was applause and a few whoops and cheers which Lily guessed were from her fan club at the back of the room.
She stepped forward. ‘Thank you, everyone, for that warm welcome. When Penny asked me if I’d open the fair, I’ll confess I was a little reluctant.’ Lily paused, scanning the room for a reaction. ‘You see, I’ve been thinking a lot about talent lately …’ she went on.
Someone sniggered and a few people gasped.
‘And what it really means. I’ve concluded it’s aboutbeing truly yourself. About having the courage to be original and authentic, even though that might be challenging at times.’ Lily paused, having spotted Morven watching her intently.
‘I’ve been visiting the craft shops and galleries of the islands and enjoying the beautiful homeware and artworks in my accommodation. Now, I can see even more of them at this show. Frankly, I’ve been amazed. I’ve seen so much originality and skill here on these tiny islands that I asked myself: what can I possibly add to a fair that already showcases so many incredible artists and makers?’
There was applause and a low buzz of agreement. Someone said: ‘Hear, hear.’
Lily carried on.
‘I know you are going to love visiting all these stalls, meeting the makers and, hopefully, heading home with bulging bags full of beautiful gifts and artwork. So, without further delay, please get buying!’
A very warm round of applause rang out, accompanied by a few more whoops.
Lily handed the mic back to Penny like it was a hot potato.
‘It’s off,’ she said.
Lily experienced a huge whoosh of relief. It was over and it hadn’t ended in disaster.
