Chapter 39

I look around the studio and at the throng of people enjoying themselves, getting into the nostalgic spirit of the forties. I catch Nick's eye from where he's standing by the door and he flashes me one of his most brilliant smiles. I match it.

I'm amazed at how many people have turned out to our first event. I'm calling this our first because we are planning many more. As soon as the new studio is open.

The last couple of days have been extremely busy. Along with the last few things that needed organising for today, Nick and I have been setting up New Steps. Registering the business was perhaps the most exciting, but daunting, part of it. Even though we applied online, there was a moment when my finger hovered over the final "submit" button and I turned to Nick, whispering, "Are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure in my life," he replied, and put his finger over mine to click the button. Then we met with Jasmine about the contract, returning the next day to sign it. We've filled in an application for a bank account and have an appointment next week. All of this in between pinning up bunting, setting out all the tables and chairs, and arranging the refreshments for today. Doreen and a few of her friends have been helpful, and made some sandwiches and baked cakes, which they're now serving from the kitchen with tea and coffee.

I feel a warm hand on the small of my back and my heart jumps. I love how Nick can do that to me. His hand stays in place, a comforting presence, while I finish talking to the group of people who've been asking questions.

"Are you ready to start?" he leans in and says quietly, and I tell the group I'll be back later. Now we have to get this event officially started.

We're going to dance a medley of different dance styles that were popular in the forties and then we'll invite people to have a go, aided by the seniors class who've been practising for weeks. For anyone who's new and doesn't feel confident joining in, we've opened up the other studio where we can give some instruction.

But before all of that, I want to say a few words.

Just as we head to the centre of the room the door opens and half a dozen people enter, older than our seniors. A couple of them are using walking sticks. They don't look like they're about to foxtrot round the room. I spot Nick's gran in the group at the same time he does.

He jogs over to them, and I see him hug her before he herds the group to a nearby table and waits until they're seated.

"Were you expecting that?" I whisper when he returns.

"No, I wasn't." He looks like he's about to bubble over with excitement.

I turn to the room.

"Welcome, everyone, to our first themed event." There's a chorus of cheers, and I wait until they die down before continuing.

"We want to thank our lovely seniors' group who, because of their enthusiasm for the period, inspired this event, and who can blame them with all the great dances that were popular at the time? Shortly, I'll be showing you a selection, with the assistance of Nick." I gesture towards where he's standing next to me and receive a few more cheers, and I feel a glow from their acceptance of us. "Then we'll be on hand to teach you some of the basics so you can join in and have fun. Also, enjoy the refreshments supplied by Mrs Richardson and her friends."

Nick starts the music and takes my hand. We dance our way through the Charleston, the lindy hop, the jitterbug, and of course, swing. Almost immediately after we finish, we have a group of people wanting to join in, and the next couple of hours are spent teaching and showing them enough to enjoy the dancing.

I look round for Nick and see he's talking to his gran. I wander over to join them and she looks up at me when I reach their table.

"Hello, Darcy. This is a great event."

"Hello Mrs Parker. I didn't realise you were coming to join us."

"I commandeered the minibus," she says with a gleam in her eye. "I loaded in some friends and talked young Clem into driving us." She points to a man wearing a polo shirt displaying the name of the retirement village, who is dancing with one of the residents. "We like an adventure." She makes it sound like they've broken out of prison for the day rather than an outing, and I laugh.

"Well, it's great to have you here," I say.

"Don't underestimate how much people like a social dance, as well as their lessons. Being able to show off the steps they spent hours practising is also important." She's right, and I file that information away for what we can plan in the future for the new studio.

"Thanks Mrs Parker," I say.

"I was just asking Nicholas if you would be interested in coming to teach us at the village. There are a few of us who can still move our hips enough to dance, and I think everyone would enjoy the music."

I look at Nick, who's nodding enthusiastically. It would help bring in some money until the studio is ready, and I think I'd enjoy it too.

"I'm sure that we can sort something out," I reply, and she looks delighted. I leave her talking to Nick and head off to thank some of our regulars for helping us out.

"Do you want a cup of tea, love?" Doreen appears at my elbow with a cup in her hand and a plate. "And when did you last eat?"

When I admit I haven't had anything since breakfast, she gives me a look that says she knew before she asked me.

"Thank you, Doreen," I say, gratefully taking the cup, gulping down the tea, and eating half the cake in one go. "I don't know what I'd do without you," I say when I've finished.

She cups my cheek in her hand like I've seen her do to Nick a thousand times. It's her gesture of love and caring, and my heart that was ripped apart by my own mother heals a little from her touch.

"You're family Darcy, love."