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right
though – your old friends are here, Andy and Nick, though I’m
afraid you’re too late for Art now – he’s met
someone.”
    Xandra caught sight of Nick with the
parrot on his shoulder and smiled, “I think he’s found
someone too by the looks of the girl patting the parrot.” They
both enjoyed watching them for a moment. “Oh by the way, I’ve
finished the silver ring you asked me to make. I’m wearing it
around my neck tonight, so I cannot ask you to pay for it. It will be
my gift to you for looking after me so well at the hospital.”
    “Xandra – you can’t…”
    “I can.”
    “Oh how kind. How very kind.”
Laura looked down at her empty ring finger. The original was locked
in her jewel box and she had trusted only Xandra to see it.
Bittersweet memories flooded her thoughts but she swept them away –
she must put her energies into the party. Laura sometimes received
cards, flowers or chocolates but a silver ring was too much,
especially as she had not found anyone for Xandra. Not yet.
    “Your ring is very unusual,
Laura. I’ve never seen one like it before. Antique in style,
yet clearly quite new. Did you have it made?”
    Laura looked away. She had forgotten
that the hallmark would alert Xandra to the date it was made. She’d
rather not answer but Xandra had touched on a little bit of her
history she’d rather keep to herself, so she just muttered,
“Cornell’s made it.”
    This was not a subject to be pursued on
a party night – she had guests to think of. She checked her
watch. Time to cast off. No sign of that pushy new chap she was
relieved to note. But just as the gang plank was about to be pulled
away a stocky pirate, maybe forty years old, with a patch, a red
scarf tied round his head, a stripey jumper, and a brace of pistols
leapt aboard. “I’m Barry,” he said grinning. He’d
blacked out some of his teeth; he was not a pretty sight. “I’ve
got me identification and I’ve brought cash. Are you Laura?”
    “I am,” said Laura as she
looked at the Driving Licence and the photo thereon. Hmm, she
thought, I suppose that’s him. The name was the same, so she
relaxed. She took the proffered envelope. “I don’t
usually take cash, Barry; a cheque confirms identification. Is this
the application?”
    “Yeah. I’ve filled it in
right. Least I think so.” He grinned at her again. She wished
he wouldn’t.
    Her business head told her he was most
likely a pirate in real life in one way or another, yet she felt she
should give him a chance. Everyone deserved another opportunity to
start afresh; hadn’t she been granted that? “You can tell
me all about yourself some other time, Barry. Let me introduce you to
one or two people now.”
    “I’ll just get meself a
drink first.” He disappeared inside the boat and headed towards
the bar.
    She wished Matt was here. Andy came
towards her. “Is everything all right, Laura? You look a little
worried.”
    “Oh Andy, thanks. I expect I’m
worrying for nothing as usual. How are you?”
    Andy touched Laura’s arm lightly,
“I’m here if you should need me. If you come across any
fish out of water, I’m here to throw them back in again,”
he said clutching his black, pirate hat and bowing low.
    Laura smiled, comforted by Andy’s
thoughtfulness. All would be well, she reminded herself. Andy, Nick
and Xandra could deal with any drunken buccaneers.
    The paddleboat steamed slowly along the
river. The late September sun was sinking dramatically into the water
and the lights on the bridges added sparkle to the glow. The splendid
buffet had reduced by plate-loads every time Laura checked. Great –
it was being enjoyed. Several female guests were sitting on the
fringe of the dancing, hoping. The men were taking their time; she’d
have to encourage them. The band was good, better than she’d
dared hope, everyone said the drummer looked like David Beckham, and
that, apparently, was good. She eased her way through to the bar
where many