Too many friends had died. She needed cheering up, so Tony proposed a party. But the day arrived, and Ann still felt miserable. Preparations completed, she took ten minutes to try to find some serenity. Her eyes closed, and slowly she relaxed.
It seemed seconds later when guitar music opened her eyes. Howard and Rick were at the far end of the room, playing guitars and singing ‘Satisfaction’, accompanied by David when he wasn’t drinking from a beer tankard! This wasn’t how she’d planned the evening to begin but the room was already full of people and noise. Barbara was there with Roy. His arm was around her shoulders, and they were laughing at something with Monica and Sue. The last time they’d all been together Monica and Sue had been competing for the same man. Thank heavens he won’t be here tonight, she thought.
John, Barry, and Kevin were talking to Doug, as far from the music as they could get. Her cousins made a striking group with red-haired Doug the most handsome. But as always, John’s brooding presence was attracting all the female attention. He gazed lazily around but when he caught Ann’s eye, he raised his hand and gave a wide smile.
Familiar laughter identified Victor and Lois guiding Sheila and Vivienne to where Andrew was pouring drinks. The two younger women seemed intimidated by everyone’s easy familiarity, but the Victor/Lois combo was putting them at ease. And Andrew, she knew, would say something funny to make them feel included. Ann knew she should be the one chatting and mingling with her guests, but she felt detached and tranquil. She was happy being an onlooker.
A Scottish voice, that Ann recognised as Jean’s, was complaining about the music, saying it would be better if they could have an eightsome reel rather than this ‘noise’. Mike and Roy moved to her side and handed her a glass of whisky. As she sipped, Mike gave her a placating hug and Roy said that later they’d roll away the carpets and Jean could organise everyone to dance ‘Marie’s Wedding’. But in the meantime, perhaps this good malt would placate her? As always, charm, humour and Glenmorangie won her round.
The guitar music finished, and another voice called, ‘Clear a space!’ The sound of Elvis’s ‘Don’t be Cruel’ filled the air and Harry and Annette jived with the ease of practiced years. Their dancing created a circle of people clapping to the beat and watching with delight.
The doorbell rang loudly, startling Ann. She twisted her head to see Tony greeting guests, then quickly turned back to the silent room which had just been filled with music and laughter. As she looked, people evaporated like smoke. Only Rick stayed a heartbeat longer to say, ‘You told me it was au revoir and not goodbye. And you were right, Ann.’
As everyone disappeared, she heard their fading voices calling in unison, ‘Have a great party! We’re still all here. Love you!’
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