“I didn’t mean that,” Liv said. “I was talking about the lack of proper food on offer. I’m a farmer’s daughter, remember.” She proceeded to clear her plate of every scrap.
Food eaten, Hannah helped Dorothy clear the table, while Liv reached for her bag. “I suppose we should get down to business,” she said. “That is why we’re here, after all.” She pulled out two A4 envelopes with a flourish. Pleased, she set one down on the table for Hannah and handed the other to Mel. “Your sponsorship forms.”
“Ooh, exciting,” Mel said, glancing inside.
“Although I’m wondering if it might be easier if we all just shared the one,” Liv said. “What do all you think?”
“I agree,” Hannah said. “As long as I don’t have to collect it all.”
Liv reached into her bag and grabbed a pen. “Don’t worry. I’m happy to do that.”
“Beth and Archie have already pledged. Oh, and Carl, too,” Hannah said.
Liv made a note.
“But that’s as far as I’ve got up to now.”
“I’ll sponsor you all too,” Dorothy said.
“Work have said they’re happy to pledge,” Mel said. “And before I forget, I too come bearing gifts.” Grabbing her rucksack, she delved inside. Producing a bright pink T-shirt, she held it up for everyone to see. “What do you think?”
Hannah and Dorothy snickered at the slogan emblazoned across the back.
“I thought they said rum,” Hannah read out loud. She looked from one friend to the other. “Which one of you came up with that?”
“Neither of us,” Mel replied. “I saw them on Etsy and couldn’t resist. There’s one for each of us.” She looked to Dorothy. “I have extra if you’d like one too?”
“Oh, I’m not sure I’m up to running,” Dorothy replied. “But thank you for asking.”
“Don’t think you’re getting out of it altogether,” Liv said. “We need you on the team.”
Hannah smiled at her friends, grateful they’d taken her worries about Dorothy on board.
Dorothy looked to Hannah, her expression a mix of uncertainty and hope.
Hannah knew what she was thinking. Despite Hannah saying she could stay as long as she liked, Dorothy didn’t really know if she’d be welcome for such an extended visit. Especially with Hannah’s foot a lot better. “You weren’t planning on running back to Norfolk just yet, were you?”
“Hannah’s already backed out of this race once,” Liv continued. “And now she’s back in, we need someone to make sure she stays in.”
“Maybe we could get you a whistle and a stopwatch,” Mel said. “That way you can keep usallon target.”
“Would I get a title?” Dorothy asked. “Like Mrs Motivator?”
Hannah envisaged the three of them running along a racetrack, with her aunt pedalling a bike beside. Screaming at them to get a move on, Dorothy had a timer hanging around her neck and a loudhailer to her lips.
“We can do better than that. You’d be the team leader,” Liv said.
Dorothy looked from Hannah to the others, as if not sure what to say. Her eyes glistened in a mix of tears and joy. “I’d love that. If Hannah’s sure she doesn’t mind?”
“Of course I don’t mind. I think it’s a great idea.” Hannah gave her aunt a pretend frown. “Although you’re going to have to stop feeding me food like this. It’s salads from here on in.”
Mel let out a laugh. “You don’t have to eat rabbit food. I’ve told you. When it comes to running, it’s all in the breathing.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re an Olympic champion.”
“Are you?” Dorothy asked.
Mel shook her head. “Hardly.”
