Hiding Out by Debbie McGowan

Author:Debbie McGowan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-03-21T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six: Pre-Show Jitters

George and Libby were completely stuffed, having eaten three each of the eight-doughnut selection Matty chose on their behalf. His dress rehearsal started in less than half an hour, and he said he’d be sick if he ate too much, so he had just the one—a banana cream, which was usually a choice that resulted in lots of dirty jokes, but thankfully not on this occasion—and he asked for a bag so they could save the last doughnut for Josh.

“Which was your favourite?” he asked them both.

“The banana cream,” Libby said without hesitation.

“I wouldn’t know about that,” George grumbled in jest, as there were only two of that particular variety in the box.

Libby elbowed him. “You got the chocolate one.”

“True. They were all awesome. Thanks, Matty.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Of course, you realise,” George said to Libby, “we’re going out for dinner in a couple of hours.”

“Ugh.” She mimed throwing up. “Mind you, Josh’ll only want a boiled potato, or something.” For Matty’s benefit, she explained, “He’s a really fussy eater.”

“Is he?”

“Oh yeah. And a rubbish cook. George makes amazing meals, and Josh is like, ‘This is interesting. What’s in it?’ And we tell him and he nods, pretending he knows what we’re talking about.” Libby pulled a face, sticking her nose in the air and making a tiny, understated chewing motion. George burst into laughter. “That totally looks like him, doesn’t it?” Libby said.

George nodded, still laughing. “Yeah, it does. So you won’t eat until after your rehearsal, Matt?”

“After the show, actually. It starts at seven, probably finished by about nine-thirty, and then we go to the pub, but I’m really tired already. I might just go straight home.”

“That’s a long day.”

“Yeah. I like it though. Stops me from thinking too much.” Matty smiled to make light. It was a feeling Libby understood very well. He rose to his feet. “OK, I guess I’d better make tracks. I can take you back to The Hub on my way.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine,” George said. “I think we’ll head out for a while, go for a quick walk and look at some shops.”

Libby slumped.

“I thought you liked shopping.”

“I do, but I’m…full of doughnuts.”

“That’s why we’re going to burn them off. Come on, Lib.”

Libby groaned and slowly dragged herself out of the seat. “I’m never eating doughnuts again.”

Matty laughed. “That’s what they all say, till the next time. You watch, you come here you’ll have a ten-a-day habit by reading week.”

“Reading week?”

“Like the first half-term holiday at school, in October.”

“But it’s for reading?”

“Well, yeah, supposed to be.” Matty grinned sheepishly.

“So actually, it was nothing to do with—”

Matty cleared his throat.

Libby scrunched her eyes tight shut. “Me and my big mouth.” She opened her eyes again and gave Matty a hug. “Thank you very much for showing us around today. It’s been really good. I bet you’ll be amazing tonight.”

“Thanks. I’ve enjoyed our afternoon too.”

“Better than talking to your counsellor?”

“Yep, without a doubt. Take care, Lib.” Libby released him and he shook George’s hand.

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