'Bless him,' Nina said, shaking her head fondly. 'He does try so hard.'
Cally looked up at the hundreds of delicate paper lanterns carefully hung from the old-fashioned street lights. ‘Wow, those look magical. They're so effective.’
'Penny's idea. I don’t think you were at that meeting when she proposed them. She got half the town involved in making them. She said it would add a touch of whimsy to the festival.’
'Well, she wasn't wrong,' Robby said as he reached up and tapped one of the lanterns making light and shadows appear to spin across the pavement.
As they rounded the corner, the full majesty of the lighthouse came into view. It stood tall and proud against the sky, its white paint gleaming, and even without its festival lights yet turned on, it was an impressive sight.
'I always forget how big it is,' Cally murmured, tilting her head back to take in the full height.
'Wait until you see it lit up.’
They paused for a moment at the base of the lighthouse, taking in the atmosphere.
‘What’s the go-to then?’ Nina asked. ‘Where did Colin say to go?’
Robby gestured into the distance. ‘We go to the old hall to get a drink, and then once everyone has arrived, we stand out in the yard for the official turning on of the festival lights. Even though it happens again tomorrow night, this apparently is the real occasion for Lovelies only.’
Cally felt ridiculously pleased that she’d been invited as they made their way to the old hall behind the lighthouse. As they walked in, Birdie waved and smiled, and Nancy ushered them to a drinks table.
‘All good, our Cally?’ Nancy asked.
‘Yes, thanks.’
‘How did it go at Nina’s?’
‘So good. The chowder was outstanding and we raised a fortune with the raffle. A good night was had by all. Yeah, it really went well, thank goodness. It was a lot of work.’
‘That’s just what we like to hear. Grab a drink, and we’ll head out soon for the light ceremony.’
Cally did exactly as told and inched her way between people until she arrived in front of Birdie and Clive from the riverboat who were standing chatting about their various events.
Birdie beamed and clinked a glass against Cally’s. ‘Here she is. How are you?’
‘Really good.’
‘Good night?’
‘Yep, all the hard work was well worth it. You?’
‘Same. Mind you, don’t forget I’m bagging you next year. I want you in the deli.’
Cally chuckled. ‘Righto.’
Birdie lowered her voice. ‘How was Nina’s attempt?
‘Attempt?’
‘The chowder. I need to know who my competition is for next year.’
Cally giggled. ‘I have to say she outdid herself. It was delicious. People were raving about it.’
Birdie rolled her eyes. ‘Wrong answer.’
‘You’ve got a contender for the number one spot.’
Clive laughed. ‘Nah, no one will ever knock our Birdie off her podium.’
