‘Oh, hi. It’s a design for Grace’s birthday cake.’
He leaned closer. ‘Wow! That’s really cool! She’ll love it.’
‘She’s thirteen on Saturday, can you believe it?’
‘Oh aye! She mentioned that when I saw her at Reid’s. She’s a smashing lass. You must be really proud of her.’
‘Oh, I am. And thanks to you we have a theme for the party.’
He grinned. ‘Thanks to me? How so?’
‘She’s decided she wants it to be star-themed. As in the ones in the night sky rather than the Ruby Lockes of the world.’
‘Awesome! Need any help with preparations? I’m a dab hand at blowing up balloons.’
She appreciated his offer. ‘All help is welcome, thanks. Ooh and you don’t happen to know a DJ, do you? I’m struggling to find one, or an entertainer, and I’m not sure what to do.’
‘I’ll do it.’ He shrugged as if it was the most obvious solution.
Caitlin gasped. ‘I can’t ask you to do that!’
He laughed, causing the corners of his eyes to crinkle and his face to light up. ‘You didn’t ask me. I offered. I’m a tech geek, remember? I have a laptop loaded with around a gazillion songs, a set of speakers big enough for the village hall and I even have some fancy lights I can bring along.’
Caitlin was gobsmacked. Was there nothing that this man couldn’t, or wouldn’t, turn his hand to? ‘Wow, Archie you’re a gem. That’s incredible. Thank you so much.’
He shook his head and waved a dismissive hand. ‘It’s nae bother. I’d love to help. And, to be honest, I’m not sure that kids that age want entertainers these days. They’re probably too cool for all that. Why not get Ruby to teach them some dance moves and have a boys versus girls dance-off instead?’
Caitlin widened her eyes and rushed around the counter towards Archie. She tiptoed and took his face in her hands. ‘Archie, you’re a genius!’ she said as she planted a kiss on his cheek.
His face coloured the shade of cooked beetroot and he laughed. ‘If I’d known I was going to get that reaction, I’d have offered sooner.’
13
During the rest of the week, Caitlin was bombarded daily with flower deliveries from Lyle. She was running out of vases and surfaces to put the vases on. He had messaged lots too and he told her how much he was looking forward to seeing her again. As much as she thought it was sweet of him, it was a little overwhelming and something niggled in the back of her mind. Each time the florist’s van pulled up outside, there followed drop-ins and messages from her friends. Ruby, Jules and Morag all agreed that it was sweet but perhaps a little too much, considering how long they had been seeing each other. Caitlin didn’t have the heart to say anything other than gushing thanks, however; she didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
The party planning was coming along well. Ruby had jumped at the chance to be in charge of a dance-off. She was currently studying to officially become a dance teacher after her movie career turned out not to be what she really wanted in life. Dancing had always been her passion and she had studied it at university, so any chance to get stuck into creating routines and she was there!
The music was sorted, as was the lighting, thanks to Archie, Jules was helping with the catering, and Morag was providing enough crisps and other nibbles from the wholesaler to sink a battleship. Caitlin was so incredibly grateful for the friends she had in Glentorrin. She didn’t know what she would do without them under normal circumstances, but in the lead-up to the party she was astounded with how willing everyone was to help.
* * *
The day of the party arrived, and Grace had already been spoiled with gifts from Caitlin. A big box had arrived from Dexter too. Inside was a teddy that bore a striking resemblance to the mechanic and biker himself. The birthday card with it read:
Happy birthday Gracie! I saw this and immediately thought someone had made a furry version of me! So, meet Dextwo. Do you get it? Dexter and Dextwo! Happy birthday!
Grace loved the bear with its faux leather jacket and shades, and Caitlin had laughed out loud when reading the card that accompanied it.
Later on, Grace was getting ready in her room as Caitlin was putting the finishing touches to the surprise birthday cake. Archie had texted to say he was over at the hall setting up and that he had ‘sorted the cosmos theme’. She couldn’t help the worry that niggled at her as she wondered what that would entail, and baulked a little, concerned it would be too childish for her now-teenage daughter. Jules and Morag had been to collect the food from Caitlin’s fridges with the assurance that they would prepare everything so that Caitlin could enjoy her daughter’s special day.
Around twenty-five children were expected to attend the party, along with some of the parents and her own friends too. Mitch arrived half an hour before the start time to collect the cake.
‘Thanks so much for doing this, Mitch. I bet there are hundreds of things you could be doing on your weekend rather than fetching and carrying for us.’
Mitch waved her comment away. ‘Not at all. It’s absolutely no bother. Grace is a lovely wee lass. And Ruby’s so excited about the dance-off. Honestly, her energy has rubbed off on me. I haven’t looked forward to a party so much in ages.’
‘Well, I appreciate your help. I expect Jules will tell you where the cake needs to go.’ She pointed at the huge cardboard box that sat atop the counter.
‘Aye. And don’t worry, I promise I’ll be careful with your creation. I can’t wait to see it. See you over there,’ Mitch said as he picked up the box.
